P3 projects Puerto Rico 2025 will focus on electricity generation, fiber optics, and Cesco Digital, with contracts planned for summer 2026. These priority projects—launched directly by the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) under Act 29-2009 P3 law PR—were not initiated as unsolicited proposals, ensuring a level playing field and fostering competitive bidding. Businesses aiming to participate should prepare now to meet compliance requirements and implement robust P3 risk mitigation Puerto Rico strategies.
Today, El Nuevo Día reported that the Government of Puerto Rico, through the Public Private Partnerships Authority (P3A), has three public-private partnerships Puerto Rico moving toward procurement:
These projects are priority projects—meaning they did not originate from unsolicited proposals (UPs). In Puerto Rico’s P3 system, proponents of a UP typically receive evaluation advantages or matching rights. By removing this edge, the P3A promotes broader participation, stronger proposals, and more competitive pricing.With contracts targeted for summer 2026, now is the time to prepare strategies, align with Act 29-2009 requirements, and secure the right risk-mitigation framework. The Governor of Puerto Rico is Jenniffer González Colón and the P3A is currently led by Executive Director Josué Colón, PE who is also the energy czar for Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico is entering a pivotal phase in its infrastructure development strategy. According to the Public-Private Partnership Authority, three new priority projects are on track to join the island’s existing portfolio of seven operational P3 initiatives:
The goal: launch competitive bidding in 2025 and sign contracts by summer 2026. For private operators, investors, and public entities, these projects present an opportunity to secure long-term contracts in sectors essential to Puerto Rico’s economic growth.
The P3A intends to launch formal requests for proposals in 2025, with contract awards slated for summer 2026. This is a very aggressive timeline that creates both opportunity and urgency for companies seeking to enter or expand in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure PPP PR space.
Crucially, these “priority projects” are not the result of unsolicited proposals (UPs). In Puerto Rico’s P3 framework, unsolicited proposals can give the original proponent a competitive advantage—such as additional evaluation points or matching rights—that may deter broader participation. By contrast, priority projects initiated directly by the P3A without a UP start on a level playing field, fostering stronger competition, better pricing, and more innovative solutions.
In the energy sector alone, aging plants, environmental compliance mandates, and grid modernization efforts are converging to create unprecedented demand for private investment and operational expertise.
These projects will be governed by Act 29-2009, Puerto Rico’s Public-Private Partnerships Act. This law:
For companies pursuing these opportunities, full alignment with Act 29 is non-negotiable—missteps can result in delays, legal challenges, or disqualification.
For more on the legal framework, see Quick Guide to Public-Private Partnerships in Puerto Rico and Understanding Act 29-2009.
Assess existing infrastructure conditions, fiscal constraints, and regulatory requirements to refine your proposal strategy.
Understand the project scope, evaluation benchmarks, and pre-qualification requirements before the RFP drops.
Ensure your submission includes clear milestones, performance metrics, and enforceable dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Identify and assign responsibilities for design, construction, financing, operations, and regulatory compliance.
Energy and telecom sectors in Puerto Rico have additional environmental, labor, and permitting requirements that can make or break a deal.
Incorporate sensitivity analysis for fuel price fluctuations, demand shifts, cost overruns, and force majeure events.
Puerto Rico is not the same as other jurisdictions, simple but important differences can make be determining factors on wether a project succeeds or fails. Consider language, culture how the media and government operate.
Engage local communities, regulatory bodies, and end-user groups to build political and social support.
A consortium bids to build and operate a 50 MW renewable power plant.
What are the new P3 projects in Puerto Rico for 2025–2026?
Three priority projects: energy generation, fiber-optic expansion, and Cesco Digital.
Why is 2025 a pivotal year for P3s in Puerto Rico?
Procurement is scheduled for 2025, with contracts by summer 2026—allowing time now for preparation and strategy.
What legal framework governs P3s in Puerto Rico?
Act 29-2009, enforced by the P3A, mandates transparency, competitive bidding, and compliance oversight.
What’s the biggest risk in P3 contracting?
Misaligned risk allocation—assigning too much risk to either the public or private side can jeopardize project delivery.
When should businesses engage MZ Consulting?
Before the RFP stage to align on legal, regulatory, and risk-management strategies.
When to Call MZ Consulting
If you are preparing to bid on or structure a P3 in Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, energy, or digital sectors, MZ Consulting can help you navigate Act 29-2009 requirements, structure risk allocation, and align with the P3A’s procurement process—turning legal compliance into a competitive edge. Contact us here.
