InvestAtlanta_RFP_Municipal_Market_DualTrack7.pdf

Economic Development Department

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Municipal Grocery Market Retail Operator & Food Distributor

Category A Municipal Grocery Market Retail Operator — For organizations seeking to develop and operate a full-service grocery market in an Atlanta priority community.

Category B Food Distribution Services — For organizations seeking to supply grocery products to municipal market sites as a wholesale distributor, fulfillment operator, or logistics partner.

Proposers may respond to Category A, Category B, or both. Category A and Category B responses will be evaluated separately. Proposers responding to both tracks/categories must submit a complete, standalone response for each track.

RFP Release Date July 6th 2026

Proposals Due August 7th, 2026 by 5:00 PM ET

Pre-Proposal Conference July 14, 2026 (virtual — details in Section III)

Submit To IAProcurement@investatlanta.com

Issuing Department Invest Atlanta — Economic Development Department

Address 133 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2300, Atlanta, GA 30303 mailto:IAProcurement@investatlanta.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS — Municipal Grocery Market: Retail Operator & Food Distributor

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Table of Contents Table of Contents

1.1 About Invest Atlanta

1.2 The Atlanta Grocery & Healthy Foods Strategy

1.3 Priority Communities

1.4 Purpose of This RFP

1.5 RFI Process Summary

2.1 Two-Track Structure

2.2 Mandatory Read Before Responding

3.1 Timeline of Events

3.2 Submission Instructions

3.3 Questions & Inquiries

4.1 Category A Overview

4.2 Operating Model & Store Requirements

4.2.1 Store Format & USDA Compliance

4.2.2 Store Size & Format

4.2.3 Value-Add Amenities

4.3 Facility & Capital Responsibilities

4.4 Financial Structure & Available Incentives

4.4.1 Operating Agreement Structure

4.4.2 Available Economic Development Incentives

4.5 Community & Food Access Requirements

4.6 Category A Submission Requirements

Part A1 — Organizational Profile Part A2 — Operating Concept & Market Plan Part A3 — Development & Financial Plan Part A4 — Community & Workforce Plan Part A5 — Risks & Mitigation

4.7 Category A Mandatory Qualifications

4.8 Category A Evaluation Criteria & Scoring

4.9 Category A Performance Expectations & KPIs

5.1 Category B Overview

5.2 Eligible Distributor Models

5.3 Scope of Distribution Services

5.3.1 Product Categories

5.3.2 Delivery & Logistics

5.3.3 Break-Bulk & Fulfillment Center Services

5.3.4 Food Safety & Compliance

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5.4 Local Sourcing Requirements

5.5 Technology & Data Requirements

5.6 Community & Workforce Obligations

5.7 Available Incentives — Category B

5.7.1 Grant Funding

5.7.2 Below-Market Lease Rates

5.8 Category B Submission Requirements

Part B1 — Organizational Profile Part B2 — Technical Approach & Operational Plan Part B3 — Pricing & Cost Structure Part B4 — Local Sourcing Plan Part B5 — Community & Workforce Plan Part B6 — Risks & Mitigation

5.9 Category B Mandatory Qualifications

5.10 Category B Evaluation Criteria & Scoring

5.11 Category B Performance Metrics

5.12 Category B Reporting Requirements

6.1 Nature of This Solicitation

6.2 No Contract Until Executed

6.3 Georgia Open Records Act

6.4 Conflicts of Interest

6.5 Governing Law

6.6 Equal Opportunity

6.7 Performance, Cure & Termination

6.8 Incentive Award Conditions

C.1 Key Themes

Flexible Models Over Rigid Structures MOQ Barrier for Small-Format Markets Cold Chain Infrastructure Gaps Technology Readiness Is High Local Sourcing Requires Demand Aggregation Public Subsidy Enables the Business Case

C.2 RFI Findings Crosswalk

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1.1 About Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority of the City of Atlanta, supporting job creation, business growth, and equitable community development across the city. Invest Atlanta deploys capital, incentives, and public-private partnerships to advance economic opportunity in underserved communities.

1.2 The Atlanta Grocery & Healthy Foods Strategy

Invest Atlanta is committed to expanding access to healthy, affordable food in underserved communities citywide. As part of the City's Grocery and Healthy Foods Strategy (the "Strategy"), Invest Atlanta is working to increase the percentage of residents living within a half mile of fresh food from 75% (2020) to 100%, with particular focus on USDA-designated Low Income, Low Access (LILA) census tracts and neighborhoods experiencing long-term disinvestment.

The Strategy is organized around four core approaches:

• Attract Major Supermarket & Grocery Stores

• Expand, Retain & Improve Corner and Neighborhood Markets

• Support Innovative Food Access Models

• Drive Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change

1.3 Priority Communities

Invest Atlanta has designated the following neighborhoods and corridors as Priority Communities for municipal grocery market development. Sites in or serving these communities are strongly preferred:

• Adamsville / MLK Corridor

• Downtown Atlanta

• East Campbellton

• English Avenue / Vine City

• Grove Park / Bankhead

• Lakewood / Jonesboro Corridor

• Thomasville Heights

• West Campbellton

• West Hollowell

All Priority Communities are located within or adjacent to USDA ½-mile food desert census tracts or are disinvested neighborhoods with limited current access to fresh food retail.

1.4 Purpose of This RFP

This RFP seeks to identify and select qualified partners for two distinct but complementary roles in Atlanta's municipal grocery market initiative:

SECTION I — INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

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CATEGORY A

Municipal Grocery Market Retail Operator: An organization that will develop and operate a full-service grocery market in a Priority Community, providing affordable, healthy food directly to Atlanta residents.

CATEGORY B

Food Distribution Services: An organization that will supply grocery products to one or more municipal market sites through wholesale distribution, fulfillment center operations, or last-mile logistics.

These two tracks reflect the full supply chain of a functioning municipal grocery market. Invest Atlanta may award contracts under Category A, Category B, or both tracks. A single organization with capabilities in both retail operations and distribution is eligible to respond to both tracks with separate submissions.

Invest Atlanta encourages Category A and Category B awardees to collaborate, but no exclusive distribution arrangement between tracks will be mandated. Category A operators retain the right to source from any qualified distributor.

1.5 RFI Process Summary

This RFP was informed by a Request for Information (RFI) issued in January 2026. Invest Atlanta received responses from multiple organizations including a national cooperative grocery network, a regional wholesale distributor with Southeast coverage, and an Atlanta-based technology-enabled sustainable food logistics company. Key findings from that process are summarized in Appendix C and assisted in shaping the requirements of both tracks in this RFP.

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2.1 Two-Track Structure

This RFP is organized into two tracks/categories. Each track has its own scope of work, submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and scoring. Read this section carefully before preparing your response.

CATEGORY A — Retail Operator CATEGORY B — Food Distributor

Who should respond Grocery operators, market developers, cooperative retailers, or community-based food enterprises seeking to open and operate a municipal grocery market.

Food distributors, wholesale suppliers, fulfillment center operators, or last-mile logistics providers seeking to supply municipal grocery market sites.

What you will be selected to do Develop and operate a full-service grocery store in a Priority Community, including all buildout, staffing, merchandising, and day-to-day operations.

Supply fresh, frozen, dry, and specialty grocery products to municipal market sites on a scheduled, recurring basis.

Contract type Operating Agreement (up to 5 years or term of applicable lease)

Distribution Services Contract (3-year initial term with renewal options)

Can one org respond to both? Yes — submit a complete, standalone response for each track. Proposals will be evaluated independently.

Yes — submit a complete, standalone response for each track.

Key incentives available Low-interest loans, TAD funding, Opportunity Zone incentives, C-PACE financing, technical assistance, site selection support, permitting assistance.

Grant funding (infrastructure, fleet, technology, workforce); subsidized lease rates for warehouse/cold storage.

Primary scoring emphasis Grocery operations experience, financial capacity, community alignment, pricing strategy.

Pricing transparency, food safety compliance, community hiring, operational capacity.

2.2 Mandatory Read Before Responding

Proposers responding to Category A must read Sections I, II, III, IV (Category A), VI, VII, and Appendices A and B.

Proposers responding to Category B must read Sections I, II, III, V (Category B), VI, VII, and Appendices A and C.

Proposers responding to both tracks must read all sections and appendices.

SECTION II — HOW TO USE THIS RFP

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3.1 Timeline of Events

Date Milestone / Action

July 6th 2026 RFP Released to Market

July 14th 2026 @ 1pm EST Pre-Proposal Conference — virtual, open to all interested proposers (both tracks).

Attendance strongly encouraged. Invest Atlanta will present the program vision, answer questions, and clarify track

Microsoft Teams meeting Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25239018006510?p=isYNXR1XFrGlwnZVe6

Meeting ID: 252 390 180 065 10 Passcode: T74oJ9bh

Need help? | System reference Dial in by phone +1 470-571-3959,,361859599# United States, Atlanta Find a local number Phone conference ID: 361 859 599#

July 17th, 2026 Deadline for Written Questions — 5:00 PM ET. Submit to IAprocurement@investatlanta.com. Subject line must read: 'RFP Response — [Category A], [Category B], or [Category A & B] — [Organization Name]'

July 23rd, 2026 Invest Atlanta Issues Addenda & Responses to Written Questions

August 6th, 2026 • Proposals Due — 5:00 PM ET. Submit in PDF via email to IAProcurement@investatlanta.com. Subject line must read: 'RFP Response: [Category A], [Category B], or [Category A & B] — [Organization Name]'

August 2026 Evaluation Committee Review (both tracks)

August 2026 Shortlisted Proposer Presentations / Site Visits (if required)

August/September 2026 Notice of Intent to Award (Category A and/or Category B)

October - December 2026 Contract Negotiation & Finalization

December 2026 Contract Execution & Onboarding Begins

Q1 2027 Target: Phase 1 Municipal Market Operations Launch

Note: All dates are target dates subject to change. Changes will be posted as addenda at www.investatlanta.com.

3.2 Submission Instructions

SECTION III — GENERAL INFORMATION & TIMELINE

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/25239018006510?p=isYNXR1XFrGlwnZVe6 https://aka.ms/JoinTeamsMeeting?omkt=en-US https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NTcxOWVkMzUtYzI4NC00ZmQ5LWI1YjYtMjI3ODY2OWVkYTVj%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%220fc38acf-5879-459c-bddf-deafdebecaa0%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229f87a97e-ab90-46bf-bc3b-5fcf3fc10db0%22%7d tel:+14705713959,,361859599 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/b720dff5-80e6-422a-a37b-19d7db690abe?id=361859599 mailto:IAprocurement@investatlanta.com mailto:IAProcurement@investatlanta.com http://www.investatlanta.com/

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All proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format by 5:00 PM ET on August 6th, 2026 to IAprocurement@investatlanta.com.

• Subject line must read: 'RFP Response: [Category A], [Category B], or [Category A & B] — [Organization Name]'

• Category A and Category B responses must be submitted as separate PDF attachments, even if submitted in one email.

• Each PDF must begin with the completed Proposal Cover Sheet (Appendix A).

• Maximum file size: 125 MB per PDF. Contact the issuing officer if larger files are needed.

• Late submissions will not be accepted.

3.3 Questions & Inquiries

mailto:IAprocurement@investatlanta.com

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SECTION IV — CATEGORY A: MUNICIPAL GROCERY MARKET RETAIL

OPERATOR

All questions must be submitted in writing to IAprocurement@investatlanta.com July17, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET. Questions received after that date will not receive a response. Oral responses to questions shall not be binding. Do not contact Invest Atlanta staff directly.

CATEGORY A

This section applies only to organizations responding as a Municipal Grocery Market Retail Operator. If you are responding to Category B only, proceed to Section V.

4.1 Category A Overview

Invest Atlanta seeks a qualified retail operator to develop and operate a full-service municipal grocery market in one of Atlanta's designated Priority Communities. The selected operator will be responsible for the complete development and day-to-day operations of the market, including physical buildout, staffing, merchandising, customer programming, and ongoing financial management.

The market is envisioned as a community-centered destination offering healthy, affordable food to residents of a Priority Community. Beyond basic grocery retail, amenities such as in-store cafes, prepared food, and community programming space are viewed favorably and will be scored accordingly.

4.2 Operating Model & Store Requirements

4.2.1 Store Format & USDA Compliance

The municipal grocery market must meet the definition of a food retail store under 7 U.S.C. § 2012, as follows: an establishment that sells food for home preparation and consumption and either (a) offers for sale, on a continuous basis, a variety of at least 7 foods in each of the 4 staple food categories — including perishable foods in at least 3 of those categories — or (b) has over 50% of total sales in staple foods.

The four staple food categories are:

• Meat, poultry, or fish

• Bread or cereals

• Vegetables or fruits

• Dairy products

The store must accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) benefits, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program benefits, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits from the date of opening. Enrollment in all applicable benefit programs prior to opening is a mandatory requirement.

4.2.2 Store Size & Format

The municipal grocery market should be a full-service grocery store. Proposed store formats should fall within the following parameters:

• Target footprint: 15,000 – 25,000 square feet of retail floor space mailto:IAprocurement@investatlanta.com

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• Full-service format: produce, dairy, meat/seafood, frozen, dry grocery, and health/wellness sections

• Inventory alignment with the 2020 HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans

• Minimum operating hours that ensure access for working residents (specific hours to be negotiated per operating agreement)

4.2.3 Value-Add Amenities

The following amenities are not required but will be scored favorably under the Innovation & Community Value criterion (Section 4.8):

• In-store café or coffee shop

• Prepared and hot food options

• Community programming space (e.g., nutrition education, cooking demonstrations)

• Local vendor marketplace or pop-up vendor space

• In-store dining area

Operators proposing value-add amenities must describe the operating model for each (owner-operator, in-house, license agreement, vendor agreement, or other structure).

4.3 Facility & Capital Responsibilities

The selected operator is responsible for all aspects of store development and operations. This is not a turnkey facility arrangement. Responsibilities include:

• Store development: site preparation, buildout, fixtures, equipment installation, and all applicable permitting.

• Refrigeration and equipment: procurement, installation, maintenance, and replacement.

• Utilities: all utility costs associated with store operations.

• Security: store security systems, personnel, and protocols.

• Janitorial and sanitation: all cleaning and sanitation services.

• Waste management: all solid waste, recycling, and organic waste disposal.

Invest Atlanta's role is to facilitate access to financial incentives and provide non-financial support, not to manage or fund ongoing operations. Proposed development and operating models must demonstrate long-term financial viability without reliance on ongoing public subsidy.

4.4 Financial Structure & Available Incentives

4.4.1 Operating Agreement Structure

The selected operator will enter into an Operating Agreement with Invest Atlanta. The agreement may incorporate one or more of the following structures:

• Lease agreement (fixed rent, percentage rent, or hybrid) — for sites where Invest Atlanta or a city affiliate controls the property

• Management agreement — for city-owned market facilities

• Operating agreement — for privately sited markets where the operator controls the property

• Revenue-sharing arrangements tied to program milestones

• Operating subsidy tied to food access metrics and benefit program acceptance

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The initial agreement term will be the shorter of five (5) years or the term of the applicable commercial lease, with renewal options contingent on satisfactory performance.

4.4.2 Available Economic Development Incentives

Invest Atlanta has a suite of economic development tools available to support qualified operators.

Incentive availability, amounts, and terms will depend on the proposed site location, job creation commitments, development costs, and program alignment. Available tools include:

• Low-interest small business loans

• Tax Allocation District (TAD) funding — for projects located within active TAD boundaries

• Opportunity Zone tax incentives — for projects in federally designated Opportunity Zones

• Economic Opportunity Fund

• C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing — for qualifying energy-efficient or sustainability-oriented projects

• Technical assistance — site selection, permitting navigation, and regulatory support

• Site selection support — coordination with the City to identify and access suitable sites in Priority

Communities Proposers should identify in their submission which incentive tools they anticipate utilizing and provide a preliminary rationale. Final incentive packages will be negotiated as part of contract finalization and are subject to Invest Atlanta's underwriting and board approval processes.

4.5 Community & Food Access Requirements

The following commitments are mandatory for all Category A proposers. These are non-negotiable requirements and must be demonstrated as part of the proposal:

Mandatory Requirement Description

SNAP / EBT Acceptance Store must be enrolled and authorized to accept SNAP/EBT benefits on or before opening day.

WIC Authorization Store must be enrolled and authorized to accept WIC benefits on or before opening day.

TANF Acceptance Store must accept TANF benefits as applicable.

USDA Staple Food Compliance Inventory must meet the 7 U.S.C. § 2012 definition of a food retail store on a continuous basis.

Dietary Guidelines Alignment Inventory must align with the 2020 HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Job Creation Reporting Monthly reporting on jobs created and retained, including wage levels.

Operational Reporting Monthly development, operations, and financial reporting to Invest Atlanta.

Priority Community Location Store must be located in or designed to primarily serve a designated Priority Community.

Food Safety Compliance All applicable federal, state, and local food safety certifications must be maintained throughout the contract term.

Lawsuit Disclosure Disclosure of all active lawsuits at time of submission and ongoing throughout the contract term.

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The following are strongly encouraged and will be scored favorably:

• Affordable pricing strategy with documented price benchmarking against comparable area stores

• Local vendor participation: a plan for featuring local, Georgia-based food producers, farmers, or vendors within the store

• Nutrition education or community programming: scheduled in-store or community-facing programs

• Hiring from Priority Communities for store staff

4.6 Category A Submission Requirements

A complete Category A proposal must include the following components. Missing components may result in a non-responsive determination.

Part A1 — Organizational Profile

1. Company Overview: Mission, history, and experience in food retail operations.

2. Ownership & Certifications: Ownership structure, applicable certifications (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, Veteran-Owned, C-Corp, cooperative, etc.).

3. Financial Capacity: Two most recent years of audited financial statements or equivalent documentation demonstrating ability to develop and sustain grocery retail operations.

4. Grocery Operations Experience: Description of current and past grocery operations. Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of grocery retail experience as a mandatory qualification.

5. References: Minimum three (3) references from current or prior grocery or food retail operations.

6. Lawsuit Disclosure: Disclosure of all active lawsuits involving the organization or its principals.

7. Wholesaler Relationships: A letter of good standing from each wholesaler supplying greater than

25% of store products as measured by annual sales.

Part A2 — Operating Concept & Market Plan

8. Market Concept: Description of the proposed store concept, format, size, and intended customer experience.

9. Site: Proposed location or site selection criteria. If a specific site has been identified, provide address and description. If no site is identified, describe your site selection approach and Priority Community preference.

10. Product Mix: Describe proposed product categories, local sourcing commitments, and alignment with USDA and HHS dietary guidelines.

11. Value-Add Amenities: Describe any proposed café, dining, community programming, or vendor marketplace features and their operating models.

12. Operating Hours: Proposed store hours and rationale for community access.

13. Pricing Strategy: Describe how the store will maintain affordable pricing for low-income residents, including any planned discount programs, SNAP/WIC-specific promotions, or price benchmarking methodology.

Part A3 — Development & Financial Plan

14. Capital Expense Strategy: Describe the capital investment plan for store development or retrofit.

Include at least one comparable cost for an Atlanta metro grocery store developed between Q1

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2024 and Q1 2026. If no such comp is available, provide an anticipated development budget for an urban store of 15,000–25,000 sq ft.

15. Operating Budget: Provide a projected 3-year operating budget including revenue assumptions, COGS, labor, occupancy, and overhead.

16. Incentive Utilization Plan: Identify which Invest Atlanta incentive tools (Section 4.4.2) the proposer anticipates utilizing and provide a preliminary cost-benefit rationale.

17. Financial Agreement Preference: Indicate the preferred operating/financial agreement structure (lease, management, operating, revenue-sharing, or hybrid) and explain the rationale.

Part A4 — Community & Workforce Plan

18. Community Hiring Plan: Describe strategies for hiring residents of Priority Communities, including target positions and a percentage commitment.

19. Job Creation Projections: Provide projected number of full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs to be created, with anticipated wage ranges.

20. Local Vendor Participation: Describe any plan for featuring or sourcing from local Atlanta-area or

Georgia-based food producers, farmers, or vendors.

21. Community Programming: Describe any nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, or community engagement programming planned for the market.

Part A5 — Risks & Mitigation

22. Identify the top three risks to successful development and operation of a municipal grocery market in a Priority Community.

23. Describe specific mitigation strategies for each identified risk.

24. Describe your business continuity plan for supply disruptions, operational disruptions, or financial stress scenarios.

4.7 Category A Mandatory Qualifications

Proposals that do not meet all of the following qualifications will be deemed non-responsive and will not be evaluated:

• Minimum five (5) years of grocery retail operations experience (owner-operator, franchise, cooperative member, or equivalent).

• Current, valid food safety certification (state food safety manager certification or equivalent;

SERV Safe or equivalent strongly preferred).

• Demonstrated prior operation of at least one active grocery or food retail location.

• No debarment or suspension from federal, state, or local procurement programs within the past five (5) years.

• Current Georgia business registration and all applicable state and local business licenses.

• Disclosure of all active lawsuits at time of submission.

• Letter of good standing from any wholesaler supplying greater than 25% of annual store products by sales.

4.8 Category A Evaluation Criteria & Scoring

Evaluation Criterion Weight Key Considerations

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Grocery Operations Experience & Capacity

25 pts Years and depth of experience; number and size of stores operated; experience in urban or underserved markets; management team qualifications.

Financial Capacity & Business Plan Viability

25 pts Financial strength; realism and quality of operating budget; capital expense plan; identified wholesaler relationships; long-term sustainability without ongoing public subsidy.

Community Alignment & Food Access Commitment

20 pts Pricing strategy for low-income consumers; SNAP/WIC enrollment plan; local vendor participation; nutrition and community programming; Priority Community connection.

Community Hiring & Workforce Development

15 pts Specificity of hiring plan; job creation projections and wage levels; partnerships with Atlanta workforce organizations; living wage commitment.

Innovation & Community Value 10 pts Value-add amenities (café, dining, community space, vendor booths); creative approaches to food access;

community ownership or cooperative structures.

Site Suitability & Development Readiness

5 pts Proposed site alignment with Priority Communities;

permitting readiness; development timeline credibility.

TOTAL 100 pts

Invest Atlanta reserves the right to conduct site visits, request best-and-final offers (BAFOs), and conduct oral presentations with shortlisted Category A proposers.

4.9 Category A Performance Expectations & KPIs

The Operating Agreement will incorporate the following performance standards at a minimum. KPIs will be monitored against agreed-upon forecasts submitted at contract execution. Failure to meet KPIs may trigger cure periods, performance reviews, or contract termination provisions.

KPI Category Performance Standard

Store Hours Minimum operating hours as agreed in Operating Agreement; any reduction requires prior written notice to Invest Atlanta.

In-Stock Levels 95% or higher in-stock rate across all product categories; reported monthly.

Freshness Standards Zero tolerance for sale of expired products; documented freshness rotation protocols required.

SNAP/WIC/TANF Acceptance 100% enrollment must be maintained continuously throughout the contract term.

Benefit Program Transaction Rate Percentage of transactions using SNAP/WIC/TANF reported monthly;

benchmarked against Priority Community demographics.

Revenue & Basket Size Monthly reporting; tracked against operating budget forecast submitted at contract start.

Customer Count Monthly reporting; tracked against forecast.

COGS & Gross Margin Monthly reporting; tracked against forecast.

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Development Cost per Sq Ft Actual vs. projected development cost reported at project completion.

Job Creation Monthly reporting on jobs created, retained, and wage levels; tracked against commitments.

Community Programming Number of programs/events held; community participants served;

reported quarterly.

Customer Satisfaction Annual community survey or equivalent; methodology approved by Invest Atlanta.

Financial Reporting Monthly P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow statement submitted to Invest Atlanta.

The Operating Agreement will include liquidated damages provisions for material non-performance, cure periods of not less than 30 days for correctable performance deficiencies, and performance-based renewal options tied to KPI achievement.

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CATEGORY B This section applies only to organizations responding as a Food Distributor. If you are responding to Category A only, proceed to Section VI.

5.1 Category B Overview

Invest Atlanta seeks qualified food distributors to supply municipal grocery markets in Atlanta's Priority Communities. The selected distributor(s) will serve as the supply chain backbone for Phase 1 municipal markets, ensuring reliable, affordable, and high-quality delivery of fresh, frozen, dry, and specialty grocery products.

Category B contracts are expected to have an initial term of three (3) years with up to two (2) one-year renewal options. Invest Atlanta may award Category B contracts to more than one organization to serve different product categories, sites, or logistical functions.

5.2 Eligible Distributor Models

Invest Atlanta does not mandate a single distribution model. The following structures are all eligible.

Proposers should identify the model that best serves the program's goals and explain their rationale:

• Prime Distributor: A single distributor provides full-service delivery across all product categories for all Phase 1 sites, with authority to engage sub-distributors or last-mile delivery subcontractors.

• Master Distributor with Sub-Distributors: A lead wholesale distributor coordinates with local specialty or last-mile sub-distributors to cover specific categories or geographies.

• Hub-and-Spoke Fulfillment Operator: A central fulfillment hub receives bulk product, performs break-bulk and repackaging operations, and delivers retailer-ready units to market sites via optimized routes. Preferred for operators with existing Atlanta-area fulfillment infrastructure.

• Cooperative / Consortium: Multiple complementary organizations jointly serve market sites.

Must designate a lead entity, define each partner's scope, and demonstrate unified contract accountability.

• Distributor-Retail Integration: A distributor with retail partnership capabilities proposes an integrated supply-chain model including shared procurement, co-managed inventory, and data integration with market operators.

5.3 Scope of Distribution Services

5.3.1 Product Categories

Proposers must cover one or more of the following categories. Proposals addressing all product categories, or presenting a consortium model that collectively covers them, will be viewed favorably:

• Fresh Produce (local and regional sourcing strongly preferred)

• Refrigerated / Dairy Products

• Frozen Foods

• Dry Grocery & Pantry Staples

• Meat, Poultry & Seafood

• Specialty, Ethnic & Cultural Foods

SECTION V — CATEGORY B: FOOD DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

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• Beverages (non-alcoholic)

• Health & Wellness / Natural Foods

5.3.2 Delivery & Logistics

• Minimum delivery frequency: 3x per week per site; daily capability preferred for perishables.

• High-frequency, small-batch delivery capability: ability to fulfill retailer-ready orders without requiring large minimum order quantities (MOQs) that exceed small-format market demand.

• Hub-and-spoke or cross-docking routing that supports multi-site delivery across Priority

Communities.

• Temperature-controlled fleet for full cold chain integrity across all perishable categories.

• Real-time route tracking and electronic delivery confirmation.

• Flexible delivery windows to accommodate individual market operating schedules.

5.3.3 Break-Bulk & Fulfillment Center Services

A key barrier identified in the RFI process was the inability of small-format markets to meet traditional wholesale MOQs. Proposers with break-bulk and fulfillment center capabilities are strongly encouraged to describe:

• Bulk purchasing from regional and national wholesale sources and repackaging into retailer-ready units.

• Pick-and-pack and order assembly services for individual market sites.

• Flexible MOQ structures that allow markets to order based on actual demand.

• Packaging and labeling services for locally sourced or co-branded products.

• Location and capacity of existing fulfillment center infrastructure in the Atlanta area.

5.3.4 Food Safety & Compliance

• FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance for all applicable distribution activities.

• Documented HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plans for all temperature-sensitive products.

• Georgia Department of Agriculture licensing and all applicable federal, state, and local permits.

• Third-party food safety audit (SQF Level 2, AIB, or equivalent) within the past 24 months.

• Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance.

5.4 Local Sourcing Requirements

• Minimum 10% of food product volume sourced from Georgia-based farmers/growers/producers at contract start, with a documented path to 20% within 24 months.

• Identification of current relationships with Georgia farmers, food hubs, or regional food producers.

• Demand aggregation strategy: description of how the proposer will aggregate purchase volumes across multiple market sites to create stable demand for local and small-scale producers.

• Seasonal sourcing plan and growth roadmap for expanding local sourcing over the contract term.

5.5 Technology & Data Requirements

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• Cloud-based inventory management system (IMS) with real-time visibility accessible by Invest

Atlanta and market operators.

• Route optimization software with live tracking and electronic delivery confirmation.

• Ordering portal or API/EDI integration compatible with market operator point-of-sale systems.

• Reporting dashboards: delivery performance, inventory levels, spoilage rates, local sourcing percentages.

• Demand forecasting tools aligned with store-level sales data to minimize waste and overstock.

5.6 Community & Workforce Obligations

• Community Hiring: Minimum 30% of new hires attributed to this contract must be residents of the

Priority Communities identified in Section 1.3.

• Workforce Development: Participation in or establishment of a workforce pathway (CDL training, warehouse certifications, food handling, supply chain operations) in partnership with Atlanta-area training programs.

• Small Business Subcontracting: Documented plan for engaging MBE, WBE, DBE, or SBE firms for logistics, last-mile delivery, or ancillary services. Named subcontractors preferred.

• Living Wage: All employees providing services under this contract must be paid no less than the City of Atlanta's living wage standard.

5.7 Available Incentives — Category B

5.7.1 Grant Funding

Invest Atlanta anticipates making grant funding available for eligible Category B investments, including:

• Refrigerated fleet procurement dedicated to municipal market routes

• Cold storage installation and warehouse upgrades for Atlanta-area facilities

• Inventory management system and technology platform integration

• Workforce development program startup costs

• Local sourcing aggregation infrastructure

Grant amounts and terms will be negotiated at contract finalization. Proposers should identify requested grant uses and provide a cost-benefit rationale.

5.7.2 Subsidized Lease Rates

Invest Atlanta will facilitate access to invest atlanta-owned or city-affiliated commercial properties at subsidized lease rates for qualifying warehouse, cold storage, or fulfillment center space in or near Priority Communities, subject to site availability.

5.8 Category B Submission Requirements

A complete Category B proposal must include the following. Missing components may result in a non-responsive determination.

Part B1 — Organizational Profile

1. Company Overview: Mission, core services, and role in the food supply chain.

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2. Ownership & Certifications: Business type, ownership structure, and certifications (MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, etc.).

3. Financial Capacity: Two most recent years of audited financials or equivalent demonstrating ability to sustain distribution contract obligations.

4. Experience & References: Minimum three (3) references from comparable distribution contracts, including at least one government, institutional, or mission-driven client.

5. Existing Partnerships: Current partnerships with wholesale distributors, retailers, farmers, food hubs, or logistics providers that support contract performance.

Part B2 — Technical Approach & Operational Plan

6. Proposed Model: Identify the distribution model (Section 5.2) and explain why it best serves the program.

7. Product Category Coverage: Identify categories covered and delivery frequency. Address gaps through consortium or subcontracting if applicable.

8. Logistics & Delivery Plan: Fleet description, hub location(s), routing model, delivery schedules, and contingency plans.

9. Break-Bulk & Fulfillment: Describe existing or planned fulfillment center capabilities, MOQ flexibility, and pick-and-pack operations.

10. Food Safety Plan: Current certifications, HACCP documentation, audit results, and temperature compliance protocols.

11. Technology & Data: Platforms for ordering, inventory, route tracking, forecasting, and API/EDI integration with market operators.

12. Scalability: Capacity plan for expansion from 1–2 sites to 5+ sites within 24 months.

Part B3 — Pricing & Cost Structure

13. Pricing Model: Detail the proposed structure (service fee, flat-rate box, cost-plus wholesale, hybrid). All models must clearly separate food cost from logistics/service cost.

14. Sample Price List: Representative pricing for at least 50 items across at least four product categories.

15. Transparency Practices: Disclosure approach for rebates, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and other cost components.

16. Cost-Sharing: Any cost-sharing arrangements or value-added services included in pricing.

17. Incentive Funding Request: Identify any grant or below-market lease needs and provide a cost-benefit rationale.

Part B4 — Local Sourcing Plan

18. Current Sourcing: Existing Georgia-based supplier relationships, product types, and volumes.

19. Commitment: Specific local sourcing percentage at launch and 24-month target.

20. Aggregation Strategy: How demand will be aggregated across sites to support local producers.

21. Growth Plan: Expansion roadmap and support needed from Invest Atlanta.

Part B5 — Community & Workforce Plan

22. Community Hiring Plan: Specific strategies and target percentage for hiring Priority Community residents.

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23. Workforce Development: Training programs, certifications, and workforce organization partnerships.

24. Small Business Subcontracting: Named MBE/WBE/DBE/SBE subcontractors and estimated contract value percentage.

25. Community Impact Narrative: Broader economic and social impact on Atlanta's food ecosystem.

Part B6 — Risks & Mitigation

26. Top three operational risks for serving municipal markets in food-insecure areas.

27. Specific mitigation strategies for each risk.

28. Business continuity plan for supply disruptions, weather events, or other emergencies.

5.9 Category B Mandatory Qualifications

• Minimum five (5) years of commercial food distribution, food logistics, or fulfillment operations experience.

• Current, valid food safety certification (FSMA-compliant; SQF Level 2 or equivalent preferred).

• Demonstrated capacity to actively service at least two (2) accounts in the metro Atlanta area.

• No debarment or suspension from federal, state, or local procurement programs within the past five (5) years.

• Current Georgia business registration and all applicable operating licenses.

5.10 Category B Evaluation Criteria & Scoring

Evaluation Criterion Weight Key Considerations

Pricing Transparency & Affordability 25 pts Clarity and flexibility of pricing model; full disclosure of all cost components; affordability for low-income retail;

competitive sample price list.

Food Safety & Cold Chain Compliance 25 pts Current certifications; HACCP documentation; cold chain infrastructure and fleet; audit history; compliance track record.

Community Hiring & Workforce Development

20 pts Community hiring plan specificity; workforce development commitments; living wage compliance;

prior hiring outcomes.

Technical & Operational Capacity 15 pts Fleet and fulfillment capabilities; delivery frequency;

technology platforms; break-bulk capacity; scalability.

Local Sourcing Commitment 10 pts Current Georgia-based sourcing relationships;

percentage commitments; demand aggregation strategy;

growth plan.

MBE/WBE/DBE/SBE Participation 5 pts Specificity of subcontracting plan; contract value percentage committed to certified firms.

TOTAL 100 pts

5.11 Category B Performance Metrics

KPI Standard

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Delivery On-Time Rate 95% or higher; reported monthly.

Order Fill Rate 98% or higher; reported monthly.

Cold Chain Compliance 100% — zero tolerance for temperature exceedance on perishables;

logged per delivery.

Community Hire % Minimum 30% of new hires from Priority Communities; reported annually with documentation.

Local Sourcing % Quarterly reporting with invoices; benchmarked against contracted percentage commitment.

Spoilage / Waste Rate Monthly reporting; reduction targets negotiated per contract.

Complaint Resolution 100% of documented complaints resolved within 48 hours.

Reporting Compliance Monthly, quarterly, and annual reports submitted on time per Section 5.12.

5.12 Category B Reporting Requirements

• Monthly: Delivery performance, order fill rates, temperature compliance logs, spoilage data

• Quarterly: Local sourcing data with documentation, workforce/hiring data, subcontractor utilization

• Annually: Program impact report — community hiring outcomes, wage data, local economic impact, program expansion recommendations

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6.1 Nature of This Solicitation

This RFP is a competitive solicitation. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee an award. Invest Atlanta reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to accept or reject any or all proposals, waive informalities, cancel or reissue this RFP in whole or in part, and award contracts to multiple vendors where deemed in the best interest of the program. Invest Atlanta may award under Category A, Category B, neither, or both tracks.

6.2 No Contract Until Executed

No binding contract shall exist between Invest Atlanta and any proposer unless and until a written contract is fully executed by both parties. Invest Atlanta shall not be liable for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a proposal.

6.3 Georgia Open Records Act

All submissions become the property of Invest Atlanta. Invest Atlanta will make its own determination regarding what information may be withheld from public disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.). Marking information as proprietary does not guarantee its protection from disclosure.

6.4 Conflicts of Interest

All proposers must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest with Invest Atlanta, the City of Atlanta, or any entity involved in the evaluation process. Failure to disclose may result in disqualification.

6.5 Governing Law

This RFP and any resulting contract shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia.

6.6 Equal Opportunity

Invest Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer and requires all contractors to comply with applicable equal employment opportunity laws. Invest Atlanta strongly encourages proposals from MBE, WBE, DBE, SBE, and Veteran-Owned businesses.

6.7 Performance, Cure & Termination

All contracts resulting from this RFP will include: liquidated damages provisions for material non-performance; cure periods of not less than 30 days for correctable performance deficiencies;

performance-based renewal options tied to KPI achievement; and termination for convenience and termination for cause provisions.

6.8 Incentive Award Conditions

Economic development incentives described in this RFP are not guaranteed. All incentives are subject to Invest Atlanta's underwriting standards, board approval, and applicable legal and programmatic requirements. Proposers should not assume incentive award in their financial planning without written confirmation from Invest Atlanta.

SECTION VI — TERMS, CONDITIONS & LEGAL NOTICES

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Complete this cover sheet and include it as the first page of your proposal PDF. If responding to both tracks, complete a separate cover sheet for each.

Field Response

Track [ ] CATEGORY A — Retail Operator [ ] CATEGORY B — Food Distributor

Organization Name

Primary Contact

Title

Email Address

Phone Number

Business Type [ ] Retailer [ ] Distributor [ ] Both [ ] Other:

Headquarters Location

Atlanta-Area Operations Address

Years in Business

Ownership Structure

Certifications [ ] MBE [ ] WBE [ ] DBE [ ] SBE [ ] Veteran-Owned [ ] Other:

CATEGORY A ONLY —

Proposed Site / Community

CATEGORY A ONLY —

Wholesaler Letter of Good Standing Included?

[ ] Yes [ ] N/A

CATEGORY A ONLY —

Incentives Anticipated

[ ] Loan [ ] TAD [ ] OZ [ ] C-PACE [ ] Middle Wage Job Fund [ ] Other:

CATEGORY B ONLY —

Proposed Distribution Model

[ ] Prime [ ] Master/Sub [ ] Hub-and-Spoke [ ] Consortium [ ] Integrated

CATEGORY B ONLY — Grant Funding Requested?

[ ] Yes [ ] No (Detail in Part B3)

CATEGORY B ONLY — Below- Market Lease Needed?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

Lawsuits Active? [ ] Yes (list attached) [ ] No

APPENDIX A — PROPOSAL COVER SHEET (Required for All Submissions)

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Include this completed checklist with your Category A submission. All items marked 'Required' must be included for the proposal to be considered responsive.

Category A

Attachment Status Notes

Proposal Cover Sheet (Appendix A) Required First page of submission PDF

Organizational profile narrative (Part A1) Required

Two (2) years audited financials or equivalent Required

Three (3) client references Required Include contact info for each

Disclosure of active lawsuits Required State 'None' if applicable

Wholesaler letter(s) of good standing Required For any supplier >25% of annual sales

Market concept description (Part A2) Required

Site information or site selection approach Required

Capital expense strategy with comp(s) Required Q1 2024–Q1 2026 Atlanta metro; or pro forma if no comp available

Projected 3-year operating budget Required

Community and workforce plan (Part A4) Required

Risk and mitigation plan (Part A5) Required

Food safety certifications Required Copies of current certificates

Georgia business registration Required

Value-add amenity descriptions If applicable Café, dining, vendor space, etc.

Letters of intent from subtenants / operators If applicable For café, vendor, or dining sub-operators

APPENDIX B — CATEGORY (A & B) REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

CHECKLIST

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Category B

Attachment Status Notes

Proposal Cover Sheet (Appendix A) Required First page of submission PDF

Organizational profile narrative (Part B1) Required

Two (2) years audited financials or equivalent Required

Three (3) client references Required Include contact info for each

Disclosure of active lawsuits Required State 'None' if applicable

Wholesaler letter(s) of good standing Required For any supplier >25% of annual sales

Technical Approach & Operational Plan (Part B2) Required Must identify proposed Model, product categories logistics/delivery plan and fulfillment plan.

Site information or site selection approach Required

Capital expense strategy with comp(s) Required Q1 2024–Q1 2026 Atlanta metro; or pro forma if no comp available

Projected 3-year operating budget Required

Community and workforce plan (Part B5) Required

Risk and mitigation plan (Part B6) Required

Food safety certifications Required Copies of current certificates

Georgia business registration Required

Local sourcing plan Required

Pricing Model and Sample Price lists Required

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The following summarizes key findings from the RFI process (January 2026) that informed the Category B requirements in this RFP. Invest Atlanta received responses from multiple qualified organizations including a national cooperative grocery network, a regional wholesale distributor with Southeast coverage, and an Atlanta-based technology-enabled sustainable food logistics company (DBE-certified).

C.1 Key Themes

Flexible Models Over Rigid Structures All three respondents preferred flexible partnership models — hub-and-spoke fulfillment, joint ventures, subcontracted last-mile delivery, and public-private co-investment — over a single prime contractor arrangement. Section 5.2 codifies five eligible distributor models accordingly.

MOQ Barrier for Small-Format Markets A consistent finding was that small-format municipal markets cannot meet traditional wholesale minimum order quantities. A break-bulk fulfillment model — purchasing in bulk, repackaging into retailer-ready units, and delivering high-frequency small-batch orders — was proposed as the key structural solution.

Section 5.3.3 incorporates this explicitly.

Cold Chain Infrastructure Gaps All respondents cited cold storage infrastructure gaps in Priority Communities as a primary barrier requiring capital investment.