Obama Foundation requests library proposals from 4 potential hosts

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Barack Obama Foundation issued a Request for Proposal (RPF) Monday from four potential hosts of the future Obama Presidential Library in the final round of the foundation's site selection process. RPFs were issued to the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois at Chicago, Columbia University and the University of Hawai'I.

All four submitted their qualifications to host the presidential library earlier this year.

"We were amazed by the quality of the response to our request for qualifications and we are grateful to every institution that expressed interest in carrying President Obama's legacy forward," said board chair Martin Nesbitt.

The RFP asks each of the four potential sites to submit a formal proposal that includes details on the management and organization of the project, site development plans, community partnerships, potential for academic collaboration, marketing and attraction strategy and information about any financial or other commitments from the host or other partners. Responses are due in early December.

"Today's news affirms our strong belief that the library could be transformative to the heart of the South Side, bringing new economic and cultural opportunities to all of Chicago," said University of Chicago president Robert J. Zimmer. "We will move forward with a bid that honors the rich history and traditions of the South Side and the promising future of our city."

The Board of Directors will present their recommendations with President Obama and the First Lady who will then make the final decision on the library's site.