Proposed_Market_Area_Site_Map.pdf

This is a Proposed Market Area Site Map document prepared by the City of Palm Desert, California, for a farmers market operations and management services contract opportunity. The document establishes the location and operational parameters for a recurring weekly farmers market serving Palm Desert residents and seasonal visitors. The market will operate during the October through May season at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center parking lot located at 73-751 Magnesia Falls Drive. Proposals are due July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., with questions due by July 17, 2026. The initial contract term extends from September 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027, with renewal options for up to four additional one-year terms contingent upon City approval, available funding, and satisfactory performance. No pre-proposal meeting is scheduled. The selected operator must recruit between 20 to 30 vendors during the initial season, with a minimum of 50 percent certified agricultural farmers, and must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including $1 million general liability, $1 million automobile liability, and $1 million professional liability.

The City anticipates an initial contract value of approximately $20,000, though the final contract amount is undetermined and subject to adjustment based on the selected proposal and available budget. Proposers must demonstrate a minimum of three years of experience operating farmers markets or similar public market programs, with preference given to those with California Certified Farmers Market experience and established relationships with certified agricultural producers. The operator assumes full responsibility for permitting, regulatory compliance, vendor insurance verification, site operations, safety coordination, and comprehensive performance reporting on market attendance, vendor participation, and financial metrics. Selected operators may request additional City financial or non-financial support as part of their proposals, with no guarantee of funding provided. This project is classified as a public project under California Labor Code Section 1720(a), triggering prevailing wage compliance where applicable. Evaluation criteria include market concept and City-goal alignment (25 percent), operational plan and vendor recruitment (25 percent), relevant experience (20 percent), financial sustainability (15 percent), community benefit and marketing (10 percent), and references (5 percent).