Convention_Center_RFQ_-_Vendor_Responsibilities.docx

This is a vendor responsibilities document for Request for Proposal RFP-26-160 issued by the City of St. Petersburg, Florida, for a comprehensive feasibility study evaluating the viability of a proposed convention center in downtown St. Petersburg. The City seeks a qualified consultant to conduct detailed market analysis, competitive benchmarking, facility programming recommendations, financial modeling, and economic impact assessment. The selected vendor must manage all project aspects from kickoff through final delivery, including project scheduling, stakeholder coordination through meetings and briefings, and stakeholder engagement via interviews, focus groups, and surveys with meeting planners, associations, local businesses, public agencies, and tourism partners. Key deliverables include interim findings, draft reports, a final comprehensive feasibility study report with editable digital files of all presentations, graphics, reports, tables, and models, and presentation materials for elected officials and public meetings. The consultant must attend and present findings at public meetings and workshops as requested and respond to questions from elected officials, stakeholders, and the public. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the OpenGov Procurement portal as a single continuous PDF document not exceeding 100 pages by April 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with questions due by April 2, 2026. The contract term commences upon execution and continues until completion of the study and final acceptance by the City.

The City will evaluate proposals based on four primary criteria: Qualifications and Experience of Firm and Staff (35 points), Project Approach (40 points), Cost Analysis (10 points), and Business Enterprise Program Outreach and Utilization (15 points). Qualified proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience completing five similar feasibility studies or market analyses for public-sector clients within the past ten years and maintain key personnel including a project manager and substitute project manager each with a minimum of five years of applicable experience. The City provides preference for certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) and Minority/Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) with scoring consideration for demonstrated commitment to inclusive subcontracting and utilization of Tampa Bay Region-based businesses. The City does not specify a maximum budget but requests complete cost information and fee proposals for evaluation purposes, with contract payment contingent upon faithful performance. All proposers must be registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate and commercial automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit. The City reserves the right to terminate the agreement at any time for convenience upon thirty days' written notice or immediately for cause.