NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Real estate giant Jones Lang LaSalle has signed a five-year contract in Republican Gov. Bill Haslam's plan to privatize property management on the campuses of the Tennessee's public colleges and universities.
The state Department of General Services says that the contract that took effect Friday gives colleges and universities the option to outsource services. It's unclear how many will participate.
The department says the Chicago-based company must retain all current state facilities employees, provided they pass a background check and drug test. JLL says the contract requires employees who transition over to receive compensation equitable to their current state package.
The department expects interested universities to secure cost estimates from the company for their desired services before making decisions.
Jones Lang LaSalle already manages many general state government buildings.