RFI-FC_PAC Lincoln Ballroom Operator.docx

C I T Y O F D E A R B O R N Abdullah H. Hammoud, MAYOR

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 0052025

FOR

Operational Agreement for the Lincoln Ballroom, located within the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (FC&PAC)

Request Date: September 8, 2025

Question Deadline: September 17, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., local time

Submission Deadline: September 24, 2025, at 03:00 p.m., local time

Purchasing Contact: Jay Andrews, Sr. Buyer Phone: (313) 943-3031 Email: jandrews@dearborn.gov

DESCRIPTION: The City of Dearborn is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to qualified operators interested in assuming full operational responsibility for the Lincoln Ballroom, located in the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center (FC&PAC).

The City invites all interested parties to submit a written response to this Request for Information (RFI). Responding to this RFI is voluntary and will not impact participation or consideration in any subsequent solicitation process.

This RFI is being issued strictly for the purpose of gaining knowledge of the current state of the marketplace as well as an estimate of the corresponding costs if such costs are being requested. This RFI should not be construed as intent, commitment, or promise to acquire goods, services, or solutions offered. No contract shall result from any response to this RFI. Information submitted in response to this RFI shall become the property of the City.

This solicitation, along with all attachments may be downloaded from the Michigan Intergovernmental Trade Network (MITN) website at www.mitn.info. Note: Any and all addenda issued by the City of Dearborn must be viewed or downloaded from the above-listed website.

Information must be uploaded to the MITN website by the due date and time. Allow time for the uploading process. Late submittals will not be accepted by the system; however, late submittals may be accepted by the Purchasing Department via e-mail if authorized by the buyer requesting the information. NO HARD COPIES ARE TO BE SUBMITTED

BACKGROUND AND INFORMATION REQUESTED:

"The City of Dearborn is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to qualified operators interested in assuming full operational responsibility for the Lincoln Ballroom, located within the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. We aim to gather detailed proposals from prospective operators willing to manage the facility under the terms outlined below.

"We are considering leasing the Lincoln Ballroom for a monthly payment of up to $20,000 plus a mutually agreed upon revenue sharing model with operations commencing on January 1, 2027. All proposals should highlight the potential for a long-term partnership and demonstrate alignment with the City’s operations, policies, and community values."

Please address the following questions and considerations in your proposal:

*Contract Term Preference*

* Please indicate your preferred contract length (5, 10, or 15 years).

* Include any desired options for renewal or extensions.

*Alcohol Service*

* Do you plan to serve alcohol at the Lincoln Ballroom?

* If yes, are you willing to operate under the City’s existing liquor license and provide all appropriate insurances required by the City?

*Facility Upgrades*

* Are you willing to invest in facility upgrades (e.g., kitchen, storage areas, interior enhancements)?

* Would you be amenable to the City having final approval on all upgrades?

*Calendar and Booking Process*

* Please outline your ideal calendar management and event booking process.

* Note that your calendar must remain accessible to the City at all times, and the City shall retain the first right of refusal on all open calendar dates.

*Community Discounts*

* Are you willing to offer discounts to City-sponsored events, Dearborn Public Schools, and longstanding community clients?

*Operating Policies and Hours*

* Are you willing to adhere to the current operating hours and policies of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, including compliance with existing valet and security protocols?

*Maintenance Responsibilities*

* Are you willing to provide full maintenance services for the Lincoln Ballroom, including custodial services for shared/common areas such as the lobby, restrooms, and parking lots?

*Shared Space Usage*

* Are you willing to share common spaces (e.g., lobby, parking lots) with other departments and facilities within the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, including the Theater, Studio A, Fitness Center, and Senior Services?

Please submit your responses to these questions within your proposal documents.

RFI Page 1 of 2 image1.png