2026153 RFQu - Property Development - Southeast Corner of Center _ Main - Site 51-55.pdf

Notice of Solicitation

Request for Qualifications:

Property Development - Southeast Corner of Center & Main - Site 51-55

Solicitation Number: 2026153

RFQu Issue Date: May 20, 2026

RFQu Due Date and Time: July 30, 2026 – 3:00 P.M. Local Arizona Time

Online Submittals: City of Mesa Vendor Self Service (VSS) –https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ See enclosed submitta l instruct ions

Last Day for Questions: July 20, 2026 – 3:00 P.M. Local Arizona Time

Pre-Proposal Conference: June 3, 2026 – 3:00 P.M. Local Arizona Time

Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received by the Procurement Services Division, City of Mesa, until the date and time cited above. Responses received by the correct date and time will be opened publicly and read aloud by the Procurement Services Procurement Administrator (or designated representative).

To join the response reading at 4:00 P.M. local Arizona time on the due date via Microsoft Teams, please use the following link: Opening Link

Teleconference Number: 480-535-7460; Conference ID: 843 320 345#

Questions concerning this Solicitation should be submitted in writing through the City of Mesa’s Procurement Services Website Vendor Self Service portal at https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ or by email to the following Procurement contacts or their designees:

Robert Cochran, CPPB Camille Ashcroft Procurement Officer II Procurement Specialist Phone: 480-644-2543 Phone: 480-644-2545 robert.cochran@MesaAZ.gov camille.ashcroft@MesaAZ.gov

NOTE: THE CITY OF MESA PUBLISHES ITS SOLICITATIONS, ATTACHMENTS, AND ADDENDA ONLINE AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AND/OR DOWNLOADING AT THE FOLLOWING INTERNET ADDRESS: https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/

Current contracts and related information are available for viewing and/or downloading at:

http://apps.mesaaz.gov/purchasingcontracts/Search

All vendors wishing to conduct business with the City are required to register and maintain all information used for the notification of Solicitation opportunities and issuance of payment in the Vendor Self Service (VSS) system. To register and view additional vendor information, go to https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/210894067528610?p=P6hM3dVMt6GvV15QlR https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ mailto:robert.cochran@MesaAZ.gov mailto:camille.ashcroft@MesaAZ.gov https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/ http://apps.mesaaz.gov/purchasingcontracts/Search https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/

2026153

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

NOTICE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTIONS:

SECTION 1: ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS / INSTRUCTIONS

SECTION 2: SCOPE OF WORK

SECTION 3: FORMAT AND SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

SECTION 4: EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

SECTION 5 – ATTACHMENTS:

ATTACHMENT A – REQUIRED RESPONSE FORMS

ATTACHMENT B – SUPPLIER SUSTAINABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE

SECTION 6 – EXHIBITS:

EXHIBIT 1 – DRAFT AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT 2 – DOWNTOWN MESA DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

EXHIBIT 3 – PROPOSED LOT LINES

EXHIBIT 4 – Mesa 51 - Pamphlet

SECTION 1

ADMINISTRATIVE OVERVIEW /INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 OVERVIEW

The City of Mesa (hereinafter “City”) has issued this Request for Qualifications (“RFQu”) to solicit proposals from qualified and experienced firms (hereinafter “Respondent”) that can provide a development partner with demonstrated experience in urban infill, public-private partnerships, and complex mixed-use or civic oriented projects.

Please read the entire Solicitation package and submit the proposal in accordance with the instructions. This document (less this invitation and the instructions) and any required response documents, attachments, and submissions will constitute the proposal.

Responses must be in the actual possession of the Procurement Services Division Office and submitted electronically, on or before the exact date and time indicated. Late submittals shall not be considered under any circumstances.

1.2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PREPARING AND SUBMITTING RESPONSE

Respondents must submit their responses electronically. Any Respondent needing assistance or guidance using the online Vendor Self Service (VSS) portal may contact the Procurement Officer/Supervisor. Do not wait until the last day to submit a response. Start early so we can fix any issues before trying to submit a response. ALL RESPONDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO RESPOND TO A SOLICITATION available under Download Vendor Forms in the online VSS portal. Respondents shall provide their Responses in accordance with the following form and content requirements:

a. Responses shall be submitted through the City of Mesa’s Procurement Services Website at https://vendor.mesaaz.gov under the appropriate Solicitation opportunity.

Submissions submitted elsewhere or under the wrong Solicitation will not be considered.

b. Responses must be signed by an authorized representative of Respondent with the authority to bind Respondent to make such commitments to the City set forth in the Response.

c. Responses should be specific to the Solicitation and present details on all requested information in a concise manner.

1.3 PROCUREMENT CONTACT

The individual(s) listed on Page 1, Notice (referred to as the “Procurement Contact”) is responsible for the conduct of this procurement. The individual(s) is the only person who is authorized to speak or act on behalf of the City with respect to this RFQu. Throughout this RFQu process, Respondents shall NOT contact or communicate with any other City employees regarding this procurement. Any violation of these requirements by a Respondent may constitute grounds for immediate disqualification from this procurement.

1.4 PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

The City will make every effort to adhere to the schedule below. All times are local Arizona time.

Note: This schedule is subject to change by the City at any time.

ACTIVITY DATE & TIME

Solicitation Issued May 20, 2026

Pre-Proposal Meeting June 3, 2026 @ 1:30 PM

Deadline for Submitting Questions (by Respondent) July 20, 2026 @ 3:00 PM

Solicitation Response Due Date July 30, 2026 @ 3:00 PM

1.5 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

A pre-proposal meeting will be conducted to provide an overview of the RFQu process, and essential information regarding the proposals required in this procurement. This meeting is NOT mandatory, but the City encourages Respondents to attend to gain a better understanding of the scope, the evaluation approach, and submittal documents.

The meeting will be presented and hosted virtually online (link is listed below).

Link: Conference Link Dial-In Number: 480-535-7460 Meeting ID: 130 289 257#

1.6 QUESTIONS AND COMMUNICATION

Respondents are expected to promptly review this RFQu document, including all exhibits, appendices, attachments, submittals, and any addenda. If a Respondent finds discrepancies, errors, or omissions, or should there be any doubt as to the true meaning of anything in the RFQu, the Respondent shall submit a question to clarify this information. The City shall not be responsible for any misunderstanding on the part of the Respondent concerning this RFQu.

All questions or clarifications shall be submitted in writing through the City of Mesa’s Procurement Services Vendor Self Service portal at https://vendor.mesaaz.gov/. Questions or clarifications shall be submitted no later than the date and time set out in Section 1.4. Questions received less than seven (7) calendar days before the due date may be answered at the discretion of the City. The question(s) submitted should specify the RFQu section, page number, and topic to be clarified.

1.7 AMENDMENTS

The Procurement Contact may issue addenda or amendments to this RFQu, respond to Respondents’ questions, or provide clarification to information stated within this RFQu. All amendments will become part of this RFQu and will be deemed to have been considered by the Respondent in its Proposal. Respondents shall not rely upon any statements made by any person, other than statements issued through an amendment. It is the responsibility of the Respondent to ensure all amendments are received and considered in the proposal.

Amendments will be posted online at the City’s Procurement Services Website or the Self-Service portal. Contractors are cautioned to check the Procurement Services Website or the Self-Service https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/281482586387293?p=lfsifSROsdkpwPzGHf portal for addenda before submitting their Response. The City will not be held responsible if a vendor fails to receive any addenda issued. The City shall not be responsible for any oral changes to these specifications made by any employees or officer of the City and Respondents are cautioned not to rely on any such changes. Verbal clarifications shall not be binding. Failure to acknowledge receipt of an addendum may result in disqualification of a Response.

1.8 DISCLOSURES

a. RESPONSE FIRM TIME: Responses shall remain firm and unaltered after opening for one hundred eighty (180) Days unless the time is extended or amended as agreed upon by Respondent and the City. Examples of where an extension or amendment may be necessary include but are not limited to: (i) contract negotiations with selected Respondent; (ii) submission of a Best and Final Offer by Respondent; (iii) City needing additional time to review responses. The City may accept the Response, subject to successful contract negotiations, at any time during this period.

b. LOBBYING PROHIBITION: Any communication regarding this Solicitation for the purpose of influencing the process or the award, between any person or affiliates seeking an award from this Solicitation and the City including, but not limited to, City Council, City employees, and consultants hired to assist the City in the Solicitation, is prohibited.

This prohibition is imposed from the time of the first public notice of the Solicitation until the City cancels the Solicitation, rejects all Responses, awards a contract, or otherwise takes action that ends the Solicitation process. This section shall not prohibit public comment at any City Council meeting, study session, or City Council committee meeting.

This prohibition shall not apply to Respondent-initiated communication with the contact(s) identified in the Solicitation or City-initiated communications for the purposes of conducting the procurement including, but not limited to, vendor conferences, clarification of Responses, presentations if provided pursuant to the Solicitation, requests for Best and Final Responses (as set forth in the City Procurement Rules), contract negotiations, protest/appeal resolution, or surveying non-responsive vendors.

Violations of this provision shall be reported to the Procurement Administrator. Persons violating this prohibition may be subject to a warning letter or rejection of their Response depending on the nature of the violation.

c. LAWFUL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES: Arizona Revised Statutes § 1-501 and § 1-502 require all persons who will be awarded a contract (a Public Benefit as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1621) must demonstrate they are lawfully present in the United States. A person under the statute is defined as a natural person and therefore excludes Limited Liability Companies, Corporations, Partnerships, or other similar types of business entities as indicated on a W-9 form.

Individuals (natural persons) or Sole Proprietorships must complete the affidavit in the “Required Response Forms” section of this Solicitation. Respondents who fail to provide a completed affidavit and fail to provide the necessary documentation may be deemed non-responsive.

Additionally, Arizona Revised Statutes Section 1-504 requires the City, for Respondents who are natural persons or Sole Proprietorships and not United States citizens or nationals, use the systematic alien verification for entitlements program that is maintained by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or any successor program that is designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, in order to verify the validity of the necessary documentation and to verify the person’s eligibility for benefits.

d. COMMENCEMENT OF WORK: If a Respondent begins any billable work before the City’s final approval and execution of the contract, Respondent does so at its own risk.

e. RESPONSIBILITY TO READ AND UNDERSTAND: Failure to read, examine, and understand the Solicitation and any of its addenda will not excuse any failure to comply with the requirements of the Solicitation or any resulting contract, nor shall such failure be a basis for claiming additional compensation. The City is not responsible for and will not pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a Response. Respondents are cautioned to verify their Responses before submission, as amendments to or withdrawal of Responses submitted after the time specified for the opening of Responses may not be considered. The City will not be responsible for any Respondent errors or omissions.

f. SPECIFICATIONS: Technical specifications define the minimum acceptable standard. When the specification calls for “Brand Name or Equal,” the brand name product is acceptable. The use of a brand name is for the purpose of describing the standard of quality, performance, and characteristics desired and is not intended to limit or restrict competition. If a Respondent wishes to provide a material or service that is not the brand name, the equivalent material or service must meet the standard of quality of the brand name product, which is determined at the City’s sole discretion. Equivalent products will be considered upon showing the other product meets the stated specifications and is equivalent to the brand-name product in terms of quality, performance, and desired characteristics. Products that are substantially equivalent to those brands designated will qualify for consideration.

Minor differences that do not affect the suitability of the supply or service for the City’s needs may be accepted. Burden of proof that the product meets the minimum standards or is equal to the brand name product is on the Respondent. The City reserves the right to reject Responses that the City deems unacceptable for any reason.

g. MODIFICATION/WITHDRAWAL OF RESPONSE: Written requests to modify or withdraw a Response received by the City before the scheduled opening time for Responses will be accepted and will be corrected after the Response due date and time. No oral requests will be allowed. Requests must be addressed and labeled in the same manner as the Response and marked as a MODIFICATION or WITHDRAWAL of the Response. Requests for withdrawal after the Response Due date and time will only be granted upon proof of undue hardship and may result in the forfeiture of any Response security. Any withdrawal after the Response due date and time shall be allowed solely at the City’s discretion.

h. DEBARMENT DISCLOSURE: If the Respondent has been debarred, suspended, or otherwise lawfully precluded from participating in any public procurement activity, including being disapproved as a subcontractor with any federal, state, or local government or agency, or if any such preclusion from participation from any public procurement activity is currently pending, the Respondent shall include a letter with its Response identifying the name and address of the governmental unit, the effective date of the suspension or debarment, the duration of the suspension or debarment, and the relevant circumstances relating to the suspension or debarment. If suspension or debarment is currently pending, a detailed description of all relevant circumstances must be provided by the Respondent, including the details enumerated above. A Response from a Respondent who is currently debarred, suspended, or otherwise lawfully prohibited from any public procurement activity may be rejected. Failure of a Respondent to disclose a debarment or suspension in accordance with this Section may result in the Response being disqualified for an award of the Solicitation.

i. RESERVATIONS: The City reserves the right to reject any or all Responses or any part thereof;

to re-issue the Solicitation; to reject non-responsive or non-responsible Responses; to reject unbalanced Responses; to reject Responses where the terms, prices, or awards are conditioned upon another event; to reject individual Responses for failure to meet any requirement; to award by item, part or portion of an item, group of items, or total; to make multiple awards; to waive minor irregularities, defects, omissions, informalities, technicalities or form errors in any Response; to conduct exclusive or concurrent negotiations of any terms, conditions, or exceptions taken by a Respondent or the terms of any agreement/document a Respondent would require the City to sign should Respondent be awarded a contract; and to reject Responses that are outside the City’s budgeted amount for the materials or services that are the subject of the Solicitation. The City may seek clarification of the Response from Respondent at any time, and failure to respond is cause for rejection. Submission of a Response confers no right to an award or a subsequent contract. The City is charged by its Charter to make an award that is in the best interest of the City. All decisions on compliance, evaluation, terms, and conditions shall be made solely at the City’s discretion and made to favor the City. No binding contract will exist between the Respondent and the City until the City executes a written contract or purchase order.

j. EXCEPTIONS TO A SOLICITATION: Changes to the Solicitation document requested by a

Respondent may not be acknowledged or accepted by the City. Award or execution of a contract does not constitute acceptance of a changed term, condition, or specification in the Solicitation unless specifically acknowledged and agreed to by the City. The copy of the Solicitation, including all addenda maintained and published by the City, shall be the official Solicitation document. Any exception to the Solicitation must be set forth in the “Exceptions” portion of the Response; any exceptions not indicated in the “Exceptions” portion of the Response will be deemed rejected by the City, void and of no contractual significance. The City reserves the right to: (i) reject any or all exceptions requested by a Respondent; (ii), determine a proposal non-responsive due to the exception(s) made by Respondent; (iii) enter into negotiations with a Respondent regarding any of the Respondent’s exceptions, or (iv) accept any or all of a Respondent’s exceptions outright.

k. COPYING OF RESPONSES: The Respondent hereby grants the City permission to copy all parts of its Response including, without limitation, any documents and/or materials copyrighted by the Respondent. The City’s right to copy shall be for internal use in evaluating the Response.

l. CONTRACTOR ETHICS: Contractors doing business with the City shall adhere to the Procurement Ethics Standards, Article 7 of the Procurement Rules. It is the policy of the City to promote courtesy, fairness, impartiality, integrity, service, professionalism, economy, and government by law in the Procurement process. The responsibility for implementing this policy rests with each individual who participates in the Procurement process, including Respondents and Contractors. The failure of a Respondent or Contractor to meet the ethical standards may result in the disqualification of an award under the Solicitation or the termination of a contract with the City.

To achieve the purpose of this Section, it is essential Respondents and Contractors doing business with the City observe the ethical standards prescribed herein and in the City Charter, Code Procurement Rules, and Management Policy 200. It shall be a breach of ethical standards to:

i. Exert any effort to influence any City official, employee, or agent to breach the standards of ethical conduct.

ii. Intentionally invoice any amount greater than provided in a contract or invoice for materials or services not provided.

iii. Intentionally offer or provide sub-standard materials or services or intentionally not comply with any term, condition, specification, or other requirements of a City contract.

m. GIFTS: The City will accept no gifts, gratuities, or advertising products from Respondents or prospective Respondents and affiliates. The City may request product samples from Respondents solely for the purpose of product evaluation.

n. COST JUSTIFICATION: In the event that only one Response to the Solicitation is received, the City may require the Respondent to submit a cost offer in sufficient detail for the City to perform a cost/price analysis to determine if the Response price is fair and reasonable.

o. CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS AND ACCEPTANCE: Respondent must be prepared for the City to accept the Response as submitted. If Respondent fails to sign all documents necessary to successfully execute the final contract within a reasonable time as specified, or negotiations do not result in an acceptable agreement, the City may reject the Response or revoke the award and may begin negotiations with another Respondent. Final contract terms must be approved or signed by the appropriately authorized City official(s). No binding contract will exist between the Respondent and the City until the City executes a written contract or purchase order.

SECTION 2

SCOPE OF WORK

This Scope of Work will be compiled into any resulting contract as Exhibit A.

1. INTENT: The City is seeking a development partner with demonstrated experience in urban infill, public-private partnerships, and complex mixed-use or civic oriented projects. Applicants are invited to submit a written proposal in response to the criteria outlined below.

Founded in 1878, the City of Mesa has emerged into one of the largest cities in the Southwest.

Today, Mesa is Arizona’s third largest city with a population exceeding 520,000 residents and a regional trade area that continues to grow. Mesa combines the scale and economic strength of a major metropolitan city with a commitment to Elevate Mesa through innovation, redevelopment, education, arts and quality of life. Mesa’s diverse economy is supported by nationally recognized healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and aviation industries, higher education institutions, tourism and a rapidly expanding technology and innovation sector. The City is home to major assets including Arizona State University Polytechnic Campus, Mesa Gateway Airport, Falcon Field Airport, the Chicago Cubs and Las Vegas A’s spring training facilities, and an expanding network of arts and cultural destinations. This foundation of economic diversity, educational opportunity and cultural investment has helped fuel the continued transformation of Downtown

Mesa into one of the Valley’s most dynamic urban districts.

Home to the City’s Arts & Innovation District, Downtown Mesa has transformed into one of the

Valley’s most dynamic urban environments, where creativity, higher education, entrepreneurship, culture and entertainment come together. Anchored by Arizona State University’s (ASU) MIX

Center and the Sidney Poitier New American Film School, the Mesa Arts Center, Valley Metro Light

Rail, a growing network of innovators and a uniquely local small business community, Downtown

Mesa has become a destination for talent, investment and ideas creating an ecosystem of education, arts, technology, housing and civic pride.

Aligned with the City’s long-term vision, strategic public investment has activated private development, accelerated adaptive reuse, expanded residential options, and strengthened the urban core. Historic buildings are being reimagined. New mixed-use projects are reshaping the skyline. Downtown Mesa is a walkable, connected, and creative community increasingly defined by energy and momentum rather than geography. See Exhibit 2 (Page 42).

This continued momentum reflects the City’s long-term commitment to redevelopment, economic vitality and place-making. The 51-55 E Main Street opportunity represents the next chapter for Downtown Mesa. This is an opportunity for a qualified development partner to contribute to the continued transformation of Downtown Mesa through a high-quality, catalytic urban infill project that strengthens the district’s identity, enhances connectivity, and supports long-term economic resilience.

Located at the southeast corner of Center and Main Street, the site, 51-55 E Main Street, currently contains a vacant single-story office building in the heart of downtown Mesa, see Exhibit

3 (Page 43). The property is directly adjacent to the regional Valley Metro Light Rail system, the international award-winning Mesa Arts Center and just south of Arizona State University’s

Mesa Center for Creative Technology, which is a hub for digital innovation, creative industries, and immersive media. Anchored by the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center and the Sidney

Poitier New American Film School, ASU’s focus in downtown Mesa is education, research and entrepreneurship in film, digital technologies, and emerging media technologies.

The City envisions redevelopment of the site into a signature multi-story mixed-use building that strengthens Main Street, compliments the Mesa Arts Center, supports long-term civic and academic uses, and delivers Class A office space with amenities needed to attract private-sector tenants. A City sponsored feasibility study indicates the potential for a building greater than eight stories, including retail, restaurant and office, see Exhibit C. The feasibility study dedicates space for Mesa Arts Center related food service and VIP event programming. Upper floors are anticipated to accommodate office, education, and employment uses by the City, ASU, and private employers seeking proximity to the ASU MIX Center and the talent pipeline and collaborative opportunities found in the Downtown Arts and Innovation District. Given the intersection of public and private interests, the ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including ASU as a potential tenant and other users will be critical to executing a successful development. The feasibility study is provided for reference and guidance and is not intended to be prescriptive.

This project represents a key opportunity to advance Mesa’s vision for a vibrant and active downtown. The site is located within a designated Opportunity Zone (Census Tract 421400), a federal program intended to stimulate investment through tax incentives. Additional information regarding Opportunity Zones, including eligibility and benefits, can be found here: https://www.selectmesa.com/business-environment/incentives-programs. The City intends to negotiate a public-private partnership with the selected developer, and in collaboration with ASU to attract tenants and uses consistent with downtown economic goals.

2. ASSUMPTIONS TO USE FOR PROPOSAL:

Applicants shall prepare proposals using the following assumptions:

• Land Ownership: The City will retain fee ownership of the Property.

• Ground Lease: Development will occur pursuant to a long-term ground lease.

• Building Ownership: The City will consider proposals from Developers who retain ownership of the building.

https://www.selectmesa.com/business-environment/incentives-programs.

https://www.selectmesa.com/business-environment/incentives-programs.

• Feasibility Study: Consistent with the feasibility study, the City expects a high-rise, mixed use project with a minimum height of eight stories. Other architectural/design elements of the feasibility study are for illustrative purposes only.

• Mesa Arts Center Integration: Dedicated space must support Mesa Arts Center (MAC) food service operations and VIP/event space and be operationally compatible with Mesa

Arts Center activities. Inspiration spaces are Straz Center, Broward Center for the

Performing Arts and California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Specifics of such MAC space will be negotiated with selected developer.

• Ground Floor Activation: The ground floor activation should prioritize pedestrian-oriented uses that contribute to daytime and evening retail, entertainment, and cultural vibrancy. Specifics of such ground floor activation will be negotiated with selected developer.

• Public & Institutional Tenancy: The City of Mesa is an anticipated occupant of a portion of the office space. ASU is a potential occupant of some space in the building which may include office or other spaces defined to support ASU’s academic priorities. Specifics of such City and ASU use will be negotiated with selected Developer.

• Utilities: Applicants may assume utilities are available to the site; upgrades may be required. City of Mesa will be the provider of all utilities (sewer, water, electric and solid waste).

• Zoning & Entitlements: The City will partner with the selected developer to facilitate any necessary entitlements.

• Parking: Applicants should assume that parking solutions will require a creative and financially feasible approach. The City recognizes that the site may not be able to accommodate all required parking within the development footprint while maintaining project viability. Accordingly, proposals should provide strategies to address require parking, which may include:

• Structured parking incorporated into the project design

• Use of public parking facilities secured through a license agreement

• Limited shared parking arrangements where appropriate and justified

Any parking strategy must demonstrate how it supports the overall project feasibility and aligns with the City's development objectives. Additional parking capacity may be required to be developed in conjunction with the project if existing or licensed facilities do not fully satisfy demand. Specific parking solutions will be reviewed and finalized in negotiation with the selected developer.

3. SCOPE OF WORK:

The selected Developer shall be responsible for all aspects of the project including, but not limited to:

• Financing, construction, leasing, management and long-term operation of the building

• Site entitlements, site planning, design, permitting and construction of a mixed-use, multi-story building

• Demolition of existing buildings and site infrastructure, if needed

• Coordination with the City and Mesa Arts Center on ground floor design and operations

• Coordination with the City and ASU regarding space requirements

• Compliance with all City development standards and applicable laws

SECTION 3

FORMAT AND SUBM IT TAL INSTRUCTIONS

3.1 RESPONSE FORMAT

The Respondent shall complete and submit the information requested in this Solicitation.

Table of Contents. Identify contents by tab and page number.

TAB 1 - Letter of Transmittal. A brief letter of transmittal should be submitted that includes the following information:

1. The Respondent’s understanding of the work to be performed.

2. A positive commitment to perform the service within the time period specified.

3. The names of key people, representatives, and project managers who will be the main contacts for the City regarding this Solicitation.

TAB 2 – Qualifications and Experience. (Abilities, Experience, and Expertise) The following information should be included:

1. A statement of Respondent’s qualifications, abilities, experience, and expertise in providing the requested services.

a. A description of what qualifies Respondent, financial and otherwise, to provide the

City with these services/materials for the required period of time, including information demonstrating Respondent has the appropriate staffing, necessary resources, and a history of demonstrated competence.

b. An assessment of the Respondent’s ability to meet and satisfy the needs of the City, taking into consideration the requested services, additional services, and expertise offered that exceed the requirements of the Solicitation, and the Respondent’s inability to meet any of the requirements of the specifications.

c. References – A minimum of three (3) references, preferably from other public entities within the State of Arizona, for whom you have provided similar services. Include the name of the entity, contact person’s names, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, type of service provided, and dates the services were provided.

2. Identification of senior and technical staff of Respondent to be assigned to the City. Staff named in the Response may not be substituted without permission of the City. Include in the Response resumes and relevant experience.

TAB 3 - Program Description AND Method of Approach. Clearly define the services/materials offered and Respondent’s method of approach including, but not limited to, the following criteria:

A. Team Experience (40 points)

Provide:

• Firm Experience developing urban mixed-use projects

• Development team description, roles, resumes and experience with urban mixed-use projects

• Public-private partnership experience

• Summary of the proposed development concept

B. Intent and Vision Narrative (60 points)

Applicants shall provide a detailed narrative addressing the following:

• Architectural character and overall design vision

• Façade articulation, transparency, materials and visual quality

• Development Concept: Describe the proposed building, including height, massing and relationship to Main Street and the Mesa Arts Center, light rail and surrounding public spaces

• Ground Floor Program (Required): Describe how the project will contribute to an active daytime and nighttime environment through design, active uses, pedestrian engagement, and programmatic strategies.

• Mesa Arts Center support (Required): Describe how the project will accommodate food service, VIP related space and operational connectivity to the

Mesa Arts Center

• Office & Employment Uses: Describe the proposed office program including:

➢ Building and user amenities

➢ Projected occupancy and lease-up assumptions

➢ Strategy for attracting private employment users

• Urban Design & Activation: Explain how the project will activate Main Street throughout the day and evening and contribute to downtown vibrancy

• Conceptual Site Plan and Design: Provide a conceptual site plan and massing diagram including representative architectural imagery that addresses the vision elements above

• Creative Economy Integration: Describe how the proposed development incorporates sustainability, innovation, technology integration, and creative economy elements that contribute to Mesa’s long-term economic development and downtown vibrancy goals. The City encourages proposals that demonstrate forward-thinking building design, smart building technologies, environmental sustainability strategies, and opportunities to support collaboration among educational, creative, entrepreneurial, and technology-oriented users.

C. Finance Plan (60 Points).

Applicants shall provide a preliminary financial proforma at a minimum including:

• Capital stack and funding sources

• Building lease financial assumptions

▪ Minimum occupancy thresholds required to secure and maintain financing, including stabilization benchmarks and lender covenants

▪ Anticipated retail and office rent ranges

▪ Financing contingencies

▪ Ground lease term

▪ Ground rent structure and escalation

▪ Provide evidence of ability to finance the project

➢ Applicants should describe key assumptions supporting project feasibility, including market positioning, absorption assumptions, construction cost considerations, and perceived project risks.

➢ Applicants shall disclose any material litigation, bankruptcy, receivership, loan default, foreclosure, failed development project, or public-private partnership dispute involving the applicant, development entity, principal partners, or affiliated entities within the past ten (10) years.

➢ Applicants shall also disclose any projects that were not completed, materially delayed, terminated prior to completion, subject to lender intervention, or resulted in default under development agreements, ground leases, financing agreements, or public agency contracts. The City reserves the right to evaluate the relevance and materiality of any disclosed matters in assessing the qualifications and capability of the applicant team.

D. Additional Development Considerations (40 points):

Applicant shall address the following:

• Describe the proposed allocation of responsibilities between the Developer and the City as part of the anticipated public-private partnership structure. Responses should identify the applicant’s expectations regarding developer-led and City-supported roles throughout project planning, entitlement, financing, construction, and ongoing operations.

• Any requested City participation, incentives, financial assistance, infrastructure participation, parking participation, tax considerations, fee waivers, or other public support necessary for project feasibility. Acknowledgement of indemnification and insurance requirements

• Describe the strategy to provide the needed parking to support the project.

Parking needed for City leased space will be supported by existing public parking facilities.

• Design and entitlement milestones, including

➢ Entitlement Timelines

➢ Financing Timelines

➢ GMP/Construction Start and Completion

Describe how construction activities and site operations will be managed to minimize disruptions to Main Street and pedestrian access, Mesa Arts Center operations, adjacent businesses, Valley Metro Light Rail activities, and surrounding downtown activity. Sidewalk or pedestrian route closures along Main Street should be extremely limited and will require specific City approval.

TAB 4 - Other Forms. The following forms should be completed and signed:

1. Vendor Information form

2. Exceptions & Confidential Information form

3. General Questionnaire form

4. Lawful Presence Affidavit

5. Respondent Certification form (Offer and Acceptance)

6. W-9 Form. All responses should include a fully completed, current W-9 form. Failure to include the W-9 will not disqualify your response, however, the W-9 must be submitted to the City before the execution of any contract pursuant to this Solicitation.

(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf)

3.2 ADHERENCE TO REQUIREMENTS

Proposals shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements set in this document. Any proposal that does not adhere to the requirements in this RFQu may be deemed non-responsive and rejected. The City reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to overlook minor informalities that may be non-compliant.

3.3 SUBMITTAL TEMPLATES

This RFQu solicitation contains Forms and Attachments, which must be used by Respondents to submit their proposal. Respondents must not recreate these documents or edit their format structure. Respondents must use the electronic version of the forms attached to this solicitation.

Any Response that does not follow these instructions may receive a ‘0’ score evaluation, or the entire proposal response may be deemed non-responsive and rejected.

3.4 FORM AND CONTENT OF RESPONSES

Responses must be submitted online through the City of Mesa’s Procurement Vendor Self Service portal at https://vendor.mesaaz.gov under the appropriate Solicitation opportunity. Physical http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf submissions, e-mail, or fax submissions will not be accepted unless explicitly allowed by the City of Mesa Procurement Services Division. Unless otherwise instructed or allowed, Responses shall be submitted on the forms provided. Responses, including modifications, must be submitted electronically, and signed by an authorized representative of the Respondent. Please strike through and initial rather than erase changes. Any modifications to the Solicitation must be identified in the “Exceptions” section of the required response forms. The City does not encourage exceptions. The City is not required to grant exceptions and depending on the exception, the City may reject the Response as non-responsive. The City reserves the right at its sole discretion to negotiate exceptions with a Respondent. If the Response is not properly signed or if any changes are not initialed, it may be considered non-responsive. In the event of a disparity between the unit price and the extended price, the unit price shall prevail unless obviously in error, as determined by the City. The Response must provide all information requested and must address all points set forth in the Solicitation.

3.5 RESPONSE CHECKLIST

This checklist is provided for your convenience. It is not necessary to return a copy with your Response. Only submit the requested forms and any other requested or descriptive literature.

Response will be sent in time to be received by City before Response due date and time.

Required Response Forms completed and included (Attachment A) Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire form completed and included (Attachment B) W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification form completed and included (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf)

3.6 DATE AND TIME REQUIREMENTS

Proposals must be submitted electronically and must be received by the City by or before the date and time indicated in Section 1.4. Late submittals shall not be considered under any circumstances.

The Vendor Self Service (VSS) system will not allow respondents to submit responses after 3:00:00 P.M. local Arizona time.

3.7 LATE RESPONSES

The Respondent assumes responsibility for having the Response submitted on time. All Responses SUBMITTED after the Response Due date and time shall not be considered and will be unopened.

The Respondent assumes the risk of any delay caused by not being able to access the system.

Respondents must allow adequate time to accommodate all registration and submission requirements. It shall not be sufficient to show that Respondent attempted to submit a response before the due date and time as the Response must be received by the City. All times are Mesa, Arizona local times. Respondents agree to accept the time stamp in the Vendor Self Service portal as the official time. Any Respondent needing assistance or guidance using the online system may contact the Procurement Officer/Supervisor. Do not wait until the last day to submit a response.

Start early so we can fix any issues before trying to submit a response. ALL RESPONDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW INSTRUCTIONS FOR HOW TO RESPOND TO A SOLICITATION available under Download Vendor Forms in the online VSS portal.

3.8 RESPONSE OPENING

The City will open all Responses properly and submitted timely and will record the names and other information specified by law and rule. The Response Opening will be conducted at 4:00 P.M.

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf local Arizona time following the final SOLICITATION RESPONSE DUE DATE AND TIME via Microsoft Teams. No responsibility will be attached to the City of Mesa, its employees, or agents for the premature opening of a Response. All Responses become the property of the City and will not be returned. Results, as read at the public opening, will be posted on the City website. Responses will be available to the public in accordance with the City Procurement Rules.

SECTION 4

EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES

4.1 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS

The City will review the Proposal to determine compliance with all mandatory requirements of this RFQu. Proposals that do not comply with the mandatory requirements will be deemed non-responsive and eliminated from further consideration. Proposals that are deemed compliant with all mandatory requirements will be evaluated.

4.2 CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION AND AWARD

a. The criteria that will be evaluated and their relative weights are:

Evaluation Criteria Points

Team Experience 100

Intent and Vision Narrative 150

Finance Plan 150

Additional Development Considerations 100

*The criteria is listed in further detail beginning in the Scope of Work, Section 4 (Proposal Requirements)

b. If less than three (3) Responses to a Solicitation are deemed responsive by the City, at the

City’s sole discretion, the Responses may be evaluated using simple comparative analysis instead of any announced method of evaluation, subject to meeting administrative and responsibility requirements.

c. Each Response will be evaluated based on responsiveness and responsibility criteria. A failure to meet responsiveness or responsibility criteria will render a Respondent ineligible for the award of a contract under the Solicitation.

1. Responsiveness. The City will determine whether the Response complies with the instructions for submitting a Response set forth in the Solicitation (i.e. the completeness of the Response which encompasses the inclusion of all required attachments and submissions). Responsiveness will also be examined as it pertains to items set forth in this Solicitation that state a Respondent may be deemed non-responsive based upon the content of their Response. The City will reject any Responses that are submitted late.

Failure to meet any requirements in the Solicitation may result in the rejection of a Response as non-responsive.

2. Responsibility. The City will determine whether a Respondent is one with whom the City should do business. Factors the City may evaluate to determine responsibility include, but are not limited to: an excessively high or low priced Response; past performance under any agreement with the City; references from any source including, but not limited to, those found outside the references listed in the Response and City employees, agents or officials who have experience with the Respondent; compliance with applicable laws;

Respondent’s record of performance and integrity (e.g., has the Respondent been delinquent or unfaithful to any contract with the City, whether the Respondent is qualified legally to contract with the City, financial stability and the perceived ability to perform completely as specified). A Respondent must at all times have financial resources sufficient, in the opinion of the City, to ensure the performance of the contract and must provide proof upon request. City staff may also use Dun & Bradstreet or any generally available industry information to evaluate the Respondent. The City reserves the right to inspect and review Respondent’s facilities, equipment, and personnel and those of any identified subcontractors. The City will determine whether any failure to supply information or the quality of the information will result in Respondent being deemed non-responsible.

d. Respondents who have a Transaction Privilege Tax license for Mesa and who, if awarded a contract, would charge the City TPT to be paid to Mesa, will have 2.00% removed from the taxable item(s) from the price set forth in the Response for the purpose of award evaluation.

The awarded Respondent shall however charge the full amount of tax on their invoice(s).

This consideration does not apply to:

1. Construction procurements or any other procurement done using Arizona Revised Statutes Title 34 processes.

2. Purchases using federal or other funds where the agreement that provided the funds precludes any local consideration or preference.

4.3 EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

Responses will be reviewed by an evaluation committee comprised of City employees and/or agents authorized by the City to participate in the evaluation. The evaluation committee may utilize multiple rounds of review to determine which Respondent is most advantageous for the City to award; Respondents’ scores may be adjusted throughout the evaluation process/rounds.

The evaluation committee may also score the documents comparatively to one another. The City reserves the right to consider all information relevant to determining an award in the best interest of the City, including Respondents’ performance under prior contracts. The evaluation process may include but is not limited to: a review of proposal Responses, interviews, presentations, site visits, product/service demonstrations, Best and Final Offers, requests for additional information, and requests for clarification. City staff may initiate discussions with Respondents for clarification purposes; however, a request for clarification is not an opportunity for a Respondent to change the Response. A request for clarification and/or additional information from a Respondent does not guarantee clarification and/or additional information will be requested from any other Respondent. Respondents shall not initiate discussions with any City employee, agent, or official as set forth in the Lobbying section of these instructions including, but not limited to, members of the evaluation committee.

4.4 SHORTLISTING

The City, at its sole discretion, may create a shortlist of the highest-scored Responses based on a preliminary evaluation of the Responses against the evaluation criteria. Only those short-listed Respondents will be invited to give presentations/interviews. Upon conclusion of any presentations/interviews, the City will finalize the scoring against the evaluation criteria.

4.5 PRESENTATIONS/INTERVIEWS

A Respondent must provide a formal presentation/interview upon request by the City. Refusal of a presentation/interview may result in the Respondent being removed from further consideration.

A presentation/interview will be conducted with the key personnel from the shortlisted Respondents. Team presentation/interview may be scored by an evaluation committee.

4.6 BEST AND FINAL OFFERS

The City may request Best and Final Offers if the City deems it necessary and the City will determine the scope and subject of any Best and Final request. Respondents should not expect the City will always ask for the Best and Final Offers. Therefore, all Respondents must submit their best offer based on the specifications, terms, and conditions in the Solicitation.

4.7 AWARD OF CONTRACT (EXHIBIT 1)

The successful Respondent will be notified by the City in writing. No action of the City other than a written notice from the Procurement Contact to the Respondent, advising of the City’s intent to enter into an Agreement, shall constitute acceptance of the proposal. The remaining Respondent(s) will then be notified by the City in writing of the outcome of the RFQu process.

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