RFP_26-0050BW_Air_Service_Development_Consultant_for_Southwest_Florida_International_Airport.pdf

abpout

PROCUREMENT OFFICE

11000 TERMINAL ACCESS ROAD

SUITE 8671

FORT MYERS, FL 33913

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) 26-0050BW

for

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT FOR SOUTHWEST

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

RELEASED: April 16, 2026

DESIGNATED PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONTACT

Benjamin Ware, Sr. Procurement Agent

Telephone (239) 590-4556 ● Email: baware@flylcpa.com

QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATION REQUEST DEADLINE

Thrusday, April 30, 2026 ∙ 5:00 p.m., local time

PROPOSALS DUE

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 ∙ 2:00 p.m., local time

IMPORTANT

A prohibition against lobbying is in effect during the entire procurement process

See Lee County Port Authority Procurement Manual, Section 4 and Part A.13 and D.02 for more information mailto:baware@flylcpa.com

RFP 26-0050BW: AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

NOTICE OF COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY

Lee County Port Authority (Authority) invites the submission of proposals from interested and qualified individuals, corporations, partnerships and other legal entities authorized to do business in the state of Florida for the opportunity to perform the services specified in this Request for Proposals (RFP). Solicitation documents are available at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/flylcpa, powered by OpenGov.

NO LOBBYING

No prospective proposer or representative of a proposer will contact any Authority board member, Airports Special Management Committee (ASMC) member, or any Authority employee, either individually or collectively (other than the designated procurement office contact) using any form of communication (i.e:

text, call, email, zoom meeting, face to face meeting, etc. regarding this solicitation. Lobbying which occurs prior to final approval by the Board of Port Commissioners of the ranking will result in automatic disqualification from further consideration. During contract negotiations with the top ranked proposer, this lobbying prohibition also applies, with the exceptions listed herein, and may also result in disqualification of either the top ranked or lower ranked proposer. This prohibition applies to any individual listed in the response to the RFP, and any individual or agent representing the proposer including, any third party acting on proposer’s behalf.

KEY DATES

The following key dates have been established for the non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting, sealed proposal opening, and the deadline for submitting any questions and requests for clarification of any information contained within this RFP.

PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

☒ There is no pre-submittal meeting planned for this procurement.

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATION REQUESTS

Inquiries or requests for clarifications of any information contained in the RFP must be received no later than Thursday, April 30, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. local time. All inquiries, suggestions or requests pertaining to this RFP must be submitted to the designated procurement contact on the cover page. This deadline has been established to maintain fair treatment for all potential Proposers, while ensuring an expeditious selection process.

PUBLIC OPENING OF PROPOSALS

The Authority is accepting electronic submissions in OpenGov, until Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by 2:00 p.m., local time. Proposals sent in any manner other than electronically to OpenGov will not be accepted.

Hard copies, faxed proposals, and electronically submitted proposals sent directly to the Authority will not be accepted.

The proposal opening is open to the public for viewing and will be conducted remotely through Google Meets by accessing the following link: meet.google.com/urh-sqvy-esd or by phone: (US)

337-359-2755 - PIN: 237 854 242#.

Proposals must be in OpenGov prior to the deadline for submission. Proposers are responsible for taking all necessary steps to ensure that their proposal is uploaded before the due date and time. The Authority is not responsible for technology and/or any other issues that cause the proposal deadline to be missed.

The Authority, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, all businesses will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit proposals in response to this solicitation and no businesses will be discriminated

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 2 of 42 https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/flylcpa against on the grounds of race, color, national origin, (including limited English proficiency), creed, sex, (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, or disability in consideration for an award.

End of Notice of Competitive Opportunity

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 3 of 42

PART A

INSTRUCTIONS TO PROPOSERS

Lee County Port Authority (Authority) invites the submission of proposals from interested and qualified individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities authorized to do business in the state of Florida with demonstrated expertise in providing the services as described in this Request for Proposals (RFP). In order to receive consideration, Proposers must meet the minimum qualifications stated in Part C and comply with the Instructions to Proposers contained in Part A. The Authority specifically reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive technicalities, to make inquiries, and to request additional information from all Proposers, and to select the proposal which is, in the Authority’s sole discretion, judged to be in the best interest of the Authority. Throughout this Request for Proposals, where reference is made to “Provider”, it means the successful proposer(s) entering into an Agreement with the Authority as a result of this RFP.

A.01 ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

The Authority is accepting electronic proposals in OpenGov at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/flylcpa. Submittal of proposals prior to the deadline is solely and strictly the responsibility of the Proposer. Proposals received after the stated time and date for the remote opening will not be considered. It is the sole responsibility of the Proposer to take all necessary steps to ensure its proposal is submitted in OpenGov prior to the stated time and date for opening of proposals. All proposals submitted pursuant to this competitive solicitation will become the sole property of the Authority.

Vendors participating in procurement opportunities with the Lee County Port Authority can access help through OpenGov Support for any platform-related questions. To find self-service resources, visit the Help Center by clicking the blue question mark icon in the bottom-left corner of the Port Authority's e-Procurement portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/flylcpa. There, you'll find step-by-step articles to assist with logging in, submitting bids, uploading documents, and other technical tasks.

Vendor Instruction Guide:

https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/ca6d1285-1e48-4a21-bb0d-715edb7794ed

All documents must be PDF/A and ADA compliant. PDF/A compliant documents have embedded fonts and do not reference external files. Layers shall not be preserved from CAD drawings.

Scanned documents must be created as PDF/A compliant; the document must be text searchable and must have a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Submittals must have navigational bookmarks inserted in lieu of tabs that would normally be required in a hard copy. The entire submittal must be contained in a single PDF/A file.

Proposer acknowledges that entry of the username, password and entry of the user’s full name and email address serves as a unique electronic signature for the submission of a proposal. Proposer further agrees that only individuals with signatory authority will submit a proposal in OpenGov.

A.02 REMOTE OPENING OF ELECTRONIC PROPOSALS

Proposals submitted in response to this RFP will be electronically opened on the opening date immediately after the time published on the cover page of this RFP. The Authority reserves the right to extend the date and time for opening at Authority's sole discretion, when deemed to be in the best interest of the Authority. Proposers, its authorized agents and other interested persons are invited to attend the RFP opening remotely through electronic means by using the link to the

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 4 of 42 https://opengov.my.site.com/support/s/article/ca6d1285-1e48-4a21-bb0d-715edb7794ed meeting that is provided on the Notice of Competitive Opportunity page of this RFP. At the opening the Authority will make public the names of the Proposers submitting a proposal and the city and state in which they reside. No review or analysis of the submitted proposals will be conducted at the public opening.

The Authority will not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. Any person requiring special accommodations for attendance at the public opening, or any other meeting described herein, should contact the designated procurement contact listed on the cover page of this RFP at least five

(5) days before the public opening.

A.03 ACCESSING SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS, ADDENDA AND RESULTS

The Authority uses a third party provider, OpenGov to distribute solicitation documents including addenda. Interested parties may receive this information free of charge by registering at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/flylcpa. It is the responsibility of the Proposer, prior to submitting a proposal, to review OpenGov and determine if addenda to the RFP have been issued and, if issued, acknowledge and incorporate the same into the proposal. Monitor OpenGov to obtain the ranking and award results. Companies must register with OpenGov to participate in any Lee County Port Authority solicitation.

A.04 PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

If applicable, a pre-proposal meeting will be held on the date and time specified on the cover page of this RFP. The cover page will also note if the pre-proposal meeting is non-mandatory or mandatory, and if a site visit is planned and if remote attendance is available. While attendance is not required at a pre-proposal meeting that has been deemed non-mandatory; it is strongly advised and encouraged. Conversely, attendance is mandatory for pre-proposal meetings that are indicated as mandatory on the cover page of this RFP. A Proposer’s failure to attend a mandatory pre-proposal meeting will result in its proposal being considered non-responsive.

The purpose of the pre-proposal meeting is to discuss the requirements and objectives of this RFP, to hear any questions potential Proposers have about the RFP, and to answer any general questions about the Authority. At the pre-proposal meeting the Authority may attempt to answer all questions received; however, reserving the right to answer any questions in writing in a subsequent addendum to the RFP. All prospective Proposers are encouraged to obtain and review the RFP documents prior to the pre-proposal meeting in order to be prepared to discuss questions or concerns about the requirements of the Authority.

In order to conduct the pre-proposal meeting as expeditiously and efficiently as possible, it is requested that all pre-proposal questions be sent to the procurement contact indicated on the cover page of this RFP at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled pre-proposal meeting to allow staff time to research the questions.

A.05 QUESTIONS AND CLARIFICATION PERIOD

It is the responsibility of each Proposer before submitting a proposal to (a) examine the RFP documents thoroughly; (b) if applicable, visit the project site(s) to become familiar with local conditions that may affect cost, progress, performance or the furnishing of the work; (c) consider local, federal and state codes, laws, and regulations that may affect the work; and, (d) study and carefully correlate Proposer’s observations with the RFP documents. Proposer is required to notify the Authority of any conflicts, errors, or discrepancies in the RFP documents before submitting a proposal.

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 5 of 42

Each Proposer must examine all Requests for Proposals solicitation documents and must judge for itself all matters relating to the adequacy and accuracy of such documents. Inquiries, suggestions or requests concerning interpretation, clarification or additional information pertaining to the solicitation documents must be made in writing and sent to the procurement contact listed on the cover page by the date and time stated.

All questions received and responses given must be provided in the form of a written addendum to this Request for Proposals. The Authority will not respond to inquiries received after the published deadline.

A.06 ADDENDA

Interpretations, corrections or changes made by the Authority to this Request for Proposals will be made by written addenda. The Authority will not be responsible for oral interpretations given by any Authority employee, representative, or others, and Proposers are not entitled to rely upon any such oral statements. The issuance of a written addendum issued by the Procurement Office is the only official method whereby an interpretation, clarification or additional information will be given. It is the responsibility of the Proposer, prior to submitting its proposal, to review OpenGov to determine if addenda to the RFP were issued and, if issued, to acknowledge and incorporate the same into Proposer’s submittal.

A.07 PROPOSAL EXPENSES

All costs incurred by Proposer(s) in responding to this Request for Proposals and in participating in any interviews, presentations, and/or demonstrations, including travel, will be borne entirely by the Proposer.

A.08 BINDING OFFER

A submitted proposal made pursuant to this Request for Proposals will be considered a binding offer to perform the services described in this RFP, assuming the terms of an agreement between the parties are satisfactorily negotiated. The submission of a proposal will be taken as prima facie evidence that the Proposer has fully familiarized itself with the contents of this Request for Proposals. Proposals will be in force for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of the public proposal opening which may be extended upon mutual agreement.

A.09 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The Authority reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals; to select one or more proposal(s); to re-advertise this Request for Proposals; to postpone or cancel the procurement process related to this Request for Proposals; to waive irregularities in the procurement process or waive technicalities in the proposals submitted thereto; to request additional information and documentation; and to change or modify the RFP schedule or process outlined herein, at any time.

The Authority reserves the right to determine that any proposal received which does not contain all of the information, attachments, verification, forms or other information described in this Request for Proposals is nonresponsive and therefore disqualified from eligibility to proceed further in the evaluation process.

A.10 WITHDRAWAL OR MODIFICATION OF PROPOSAL

Proposals may be withdrawn or revised by the Proposer for any reason prior to the date and time fixed for the public opening.

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Negligence on the part of the Proposer in preparing its proposal confers no right of withdrawal or modification after the date and time fixed for the public opening.

A.11 FALSE OR MISLEADING STATEMENTS

Proposals which contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references that do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the Proposer, may be rejected. If, in the opinion of the Authority, such information was intended to mislead the Authority in its evaluation of the proposal and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this Request for Proposals, such Proposer will be disqualified from consideration and may be disqualified from submitting a response to future solicitation opportunities.

A.12 JOINT VENTURES

Proposers intending to submit a proposal as a joint venture with another entity are required to provide evidence acceptable to the Authority that the joint venture meets the statutory requirements applicable to corporations or other entities that are subject to the Florida Business Corporations Act, Chapter 607, Florida Statutes, the Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act, Chapter 605, Florida Statutes, the Florida Partnership Laws at Chapter 620, Florida Statutes, or the Professional Services Corporation and Limited Liability Company Act at Chapter 621, Florida Statutes, as applicable, prior to the date and time set for the public opening.

A.13 NO LOBBYING

Proposers are hereby placed on notice that Lee County Port Authority Board of Port Commissioners, members of the Airports Special Management Committee, and all Authority employees (with the exception of the designated Procurement Office contact) are not to be lobbied, either individually or collectively, regarding this Request for Proposals. After the issuance of this solicitation, no prospective Proposer is allowed to contact or communicate with or discuss any matter relating in any way to this solicitation with any Authority officers, agents, or employees except for the designated Procurement Office contact. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, copying all such persons on written communications (including email correspondence), but does not apply to presentations made to Staff Evaluation Committees or at a Board of Port Commissioners meeting or Airports Special Management Committee meetings when the Board or Committee is considering approval of a proposed agreement or purchase order. However, this prohibition does not apply to Authority staff who are directly involved in the contract negotiations with the top ranked proposer. This prohibition against lobbying ends upon final execution of the Agreement or purchase order or at the time the solicitation is canceled.

All proposers and their subcontractors, sub-consultants, and any agents must submit individual affidavits with their proposals in substantially the form attached, stating that they have not engaged in lobbying activities or prohibited contacts. Joint ventures must file a separate affidavit for each joint venture partner.

ANY PROPOSER OR INDIVIDUAL CONTACTING INDIVIDUALS MENTIONED HEREIN IN

VIOLATION OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFIED FROM

FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

A.14 SCRUTINIZED COMPANIES

The Authority will have the option to immediately terminate any Agreement resulting from this Request for Proposals, in the exercise of its sole discretion, if a Proposer is found to have submitted a false certification under section 287.135(5), Florida Statutes, or has been placed on the

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 7 of 42

Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List created under section 215.473, Florida Statutes; is engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria; or, has been placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List or is engaged in a boycott of Israel.

Each Proposer certifies, by submission of the certification attached, that it is not listed on any Scrutinized Companies List described above; is not engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria; is not engaged in a boycott of Israel and is not barred from submitting a proposal under section 287.135, Florida Statutes.

A.15 PUBLIC ENTITY CRIMES

In accordance with section 287.133, Florida Statutes, a person, affiliate, or corporation who has been placed on the convicted vendor list following a conviction for a public entity crime may not submit a proposal on a contract to provide any goods or services to a public entity on a contract;

may not submit a proposal on a contract with a public entity for the construction or repair of a public building or public work; may not submit proposals on leases of real property to a public entity, may not be awarded or perform work as a contractor, supplier, sub-contractor, or consultant under a contract with any public entity, and may not transact business with any public entity in excess of the threshold amount provided in section 287.017, Florida Statutes, for category two for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the date of being placed on the convicted vendor list.

To ensure compliance with the foregoing, Proposers must certify by submission of the enclosed public entity crimes certification, that neither it nor its principals are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any state or federal entity, department or agency.

A.16 E-VERIFY

In accordance with section 448.095(2), Florida Statutes, the Provider must certify that it has registered with and is using the E-Verify system to verify the work authorization status of all newly hired employees.

Furthermore, Provider’s agreement with the Authority cannot be renewed unless at the time of renewal, the Provider certifies to the Authority that it has registered with and uses the E-Verify system.

If allowable, and the Provider enters into an agreement with a sub-consultant, the sub-consultant must provide the Provider with an affidavit stating that the sub-consultant does not employ, contract with, or subcontract with an unauthorized alien and Provider must maintain a copy of such affidavit for the duration of any agreement which may result from this RFP. If the Provider develops a good faith belief that any sub-consultant with which it is contracting has knowingly violated section 448.09(1), Florida Statutes (making it unlawful for any person knowingly to employ, hire, recruit, or refer, with for herself or himself, or on behalf of another for private or public employment with the state, an alien who is not duly authorized to work by the immigration laws or the Attorney General of the United States, the Provider will terminate the contract with the sub-consultant. Failure to do so will result in termination of the agreement resulting from this RFP, if any.

If the Authority develops a good faith belief that the Provider has knowingly violated sections 448.09(1) or 448.095(2), Florida Statutes (making it unlawful for any person knowingly to employ, hire, recruit, or refer, with or for herself or himself, or on behalf of another for private or public employment with the state, an alien who is not duly authorized to work by the immigration laws or the Attorney General of the United States) the Authority will terminate any agreement resulting from

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 8 of 42 this RFP. Pursuant to section 448.095(2)(c)(3), Florida Statutes, termination of the agreement under the above circumstances is not a breach of contract and may not be considered as such.

A.17 NONDISCRIMINATION - TITLE VI ASSURANCE

The Authority, in accordance with the provisions of TItle VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat, 252m 42 USC ⸹2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all proposers that it will affirmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, all businesses will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to the RFP and no businesses will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency), creed, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, or disability in consideration for award.

Further, pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Department of Transportation, Subtitle A, Office of the Secretary, Part 21, Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs of the Department of Transportation-Effectuation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Restoration Act of 1987; and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992, as said regulations may be amended, the Provider must assure that “no person in the United States shall on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity,” and in the selection and retention of subcontractors and/or sub-consultants, including procurements of materials and leases of equipment. The Provider will not participate directly or indirectly in discrimination prohibited by federal or state law or applicable regulations, including but not limited to employment practices when the contract covers any activity, project, or program set forth in Appendix B of 49 CFR Part 21.

A.18 GENERAL CIVIL RIGHTS

The Provider must comply with the nondiscrimination provisions stated above as well as all other pertinent statutes, regulations and executive orders as such rules are promulgated to ensure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, marital status or disability, be excluded from participating in any activity conducted with or benefiting from federal assistance. This provision binds the Provider and its subcontractors from the solicitation period through completion of the Agreement. This provision is in addition to the provisions required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

A.19 PUBLIC RECORDS AND DISCLOSURE

Proposals made pursuant to this Request for Proposals and received by the Authority are public records under Florida law, and will be subject to public inspection upon issuance of the Authority's notice of intended decision or thirty (30) days after the public opening; whichever is sooner, pursuant to section 119.071, Florida Statutes. If the Authority rejects all proposals and concurrently notices its intent to reissue the solicitation, the rejected proposals are exempt from public disclosure until the Authority provides notice of an intended decision concerning the reissued solicitation or until the Authority withdraws the reissued solicitation. A Proposal is not exempt for longer than twelve (12) months after the initial notice of rejection of all proposals.

Pursuant to Section 119.0701, Florida Statutes, to the extent a Provider is performing services on behalf of the Authority, the Provider must:

1) Keep and maintain public records required by the Authority to perform the service.

Information and data it manages as part of the services may be public record in accordance with Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and the Authority’s public records policies. The Proposer

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 9 of 42 agrees, prior to providing services, it will implement policies and procedures, which are subject to approval by Authority, to maintain, produce, secure and retain public records in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Authority policies including but not limited to section 119.0701, Florida Statutes.

2) Upon request from the Authority’s custodian of public records, provide the Authority with a copy of the requested records or allow the records to be inspected or copied within a reasonable time at a cost that does not exceed the cost provided in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes.

3) Ensure that the public records which are exempt or confidential and exempt from public records disclosure requirements are not disclosed except as authorized by law for the duration of the term of the Agreement and following completion of the Agreement if the Provider does not transfer the records to the Authority.

4) Upon completion of the Agreement, transfer, at no cost to the Authority, all public records in its possession or keep and maintain public records required by the Authority to perform the service. If the Provider transfers all public records to the Authority at the completion of the Agreement, the Provider must destroy any duplicate records that are exempt from public disclosure requirements. If the Provider keeps any public records, it must meet all requirements for maintaining and retaining public records. All records stored electronically must be provided to the Authority in a format that is compatible with the information technology systems of the Authority.

In accordance with sections 119.071(3) and 331.22, Florida Statutes, airport security plans or other records relating directly to the physical security or fire safety of a public facility or revealing security or fire safety systems are confidential and exempt from public disclosure. For example, photographs, maps, blueprints, drawings, and similar materials that depict critical airport operating facilities are exempt, as well as building plans, blueprints, schematic drawings, and diagrams depicting the internal layout and structural elements of a public building or structure, all of which are exempt from disclosure under the provisions cited in this paragraph.

Additionally, in accordance with section 119.0725(2), the following are exempt from public disclosure:

● Information relating to critical infrastructure, network schematics, hardware and software configurations, or encryption information or information that identified detection, investigation, or response practice for suspected or confirmed cybersecurity incidents, including suspected or confirmed breaches, if the disclosure of such information would facilitate unauthorized access to or unauthorized modification, disclosure or destruction of:

○ data or information, whether physical or virtual

○ information technology resources, which include the Authority’s existing or proposed information technology systems

○ any portion of a meeting that would reveal information related to critical infrastructure or technology systems or data in the aforementioned paragraph

To the extent the law applies to the services to be acquired through this RFP, Proposers agree to treat all such information as confidential and not to disclose it without prior written consent of the Authority.

A.20 TRADE SECRETS

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As stated above, all documents, materials, and data submitted as a part of a response to this Request for Proposals are governed by the disclosure, exemption and confidentiality provisions relating to public records as outlined in Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. Under Florida law, designation of an entire submittal as ‘trade secret’, ‘proprietary’ or ‘confidential’ is not permitted and may result in a determination that the Proposal is nonresponsive and therefore the RFP will not be evaluated or considered.

Except for materials that are considered ‘trade secrets’ as defined by section 688.002, Florida Statutes, ownership of all documents, materials and data submitted as part of a proposal in response to this Request for Proposals belong exclusively to the Authority.

The Authority does not believe that any of the information required by this solicitation constitutes a trade secret under Florida law. To the extent Proposer desires to maintain the confidentiality of any materials that it believes constitute trade secrets pursuant to Florida law, any trade secret material submitted as part of a proposal must be segregated from the portions of the proposal that are not declared as trade secrets. In addition, the Proposer must cite, for each trade secret claimed, the Florida statute number that supports the designation of the information as a trade secret and include a brief explanation as to why the cited statute is applicable to the information claimed as trade secret. Additionally, the Proposer must provide a copy of its proposal that redacts all information designated as trade secret. The Authority reserves the right to clarify the Proposer’s request for a trade secret at any time. In conjunction with any trade secret designation, Proposer acknowledges and agrees that:

1) Trade secret requests made after opening will not be considered. See also A.10,above;

2) By submitting, the Proposer grants to the Authority, its officials, employees, agents and representatives full rights to access, view, consider, and discuss the information designated as trade secret;

3) Any trade secrets provided by Proposer to the Authority are subject to the provisions of section 119.0715, Florida Statutes, and the Authority may disclose a trade secret to its officers or employees whose use of the trade secret is within the scope of his or her lawful duties and responsibilities; and

4) After notice from the Authority that a public records request has been made to inspect or copy all or any portion of Proposer’s RFP, the Proposer at its sole expense will be responsible for defending its determination that the submitted material (or portions thereof) constitutes a trade secret and is not subject to disclosure. Once the Authority notifies the Proposer that it has received a request to inspect or copy information that the Proposer has designated a trade secret, the Proposer will take action to respond to the request promptly, but no later than ten (10) calendar days from the date of notification by the Authority or Proposer will be deemed to have waived the trade secret designation of the materials.

Proposer will indemnify and hold harmless the Authority and its officials, employees, agents and representatives from any losses, claims, actions, damages (including attorney’s fees and costs) and amounts arising or incurred by the Authority from or related to the designation of trade secrets by the Proposer, including but not limited to actions or claims arising from Authority’s nondisclosure of the trade secret materials.

A.21 COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

In agreements financed in whole or in part by federal or state grant funds, all requirements set forth in the grants documents or in the law, rules and regulation governing the grants, including federal or

Rev: 3.4.2026 Page 11 of 42 state cost principles, must be satisfied. To the extent that federal or state cost principles differ from those of the Authority, the cost principles of the grantor will be used.

A.22 AGREEMENT

The Provider will be required to enter into an Agreement substantially in the same form and with the terms and conditions set forth in this Request for Proposals and the resulting Provider’s proposal as negotiated by the parties. The Agreement may or may not include all elements of the Proposer’s proposal or this Request for Proposals where alternatives provide best value, are desirable to the Authority, and the parties agree to such terms.

Provider acknowledges that electronic signatures are true and valid signatures for all purposes related to the Agreement and the Provider agrees to be bound to the same extent as that of an original signature. Any electronic signature must be of sufficient quality to be legible electronically or when printed as a hardcopy. The Authority will determine legibility and acceptability for public record purposes.

A.23 TERMINATION

The agreement between the Authority and the Provider will contain a clause whereby the agreement may be terminated for the convenience of the Authority at any time during the term of the agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice to the Provider.

A.24 NON EXCLUSIVITY OF AGREEMENT

By responding to this Request for Proposals any selected Proposer understands and agrees that any resulting contractual relationship is nonexclusive and that the Authority reserves the right to seek similar or identical services elsewhere if deemed in the best interest of the Authority.

A.25 AVAILABILITY OF PERSONNEL

Personnel described in the submitting firm’s proposal must be available to perform the Agreement as described. All personnel will be considered to be employees or agents of the Proposer and not employees or agents of the Authority.

A.26 UTILIZATION OF AGREEMENT BY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES

Other governmental entities may desire to utilize (i.e.: piggyback) the resulting agreement, if any, subject to the rules and regulations of that governmental entity. The Authority accepts no responsibility for agreements entered into utilizing this method.

A.27 ASSIGNMENT OF AGREEMENT

The Provider may not assign any agreement resulting from this Request for Proposals without the prior written approval of the Authority.

A.28 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

During the evaluation process Proposers may, upon request by the Authority, be required to demonstrate financial responsibility by furnishing audited financial statements for the past two (2) fiscal years. Such statements must be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and are to be signed by an independent certified public accountant and provided to the Authority within ten calendar days of request by the Authority.

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A.29 AUDITABLE RECORDS

The Provider that is awarded an Agreement to provide services pursuant to this RFP must maintain auditable records adequate to account for all receipts and expenditures, and to document compliance with the Agreement. These records must be kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting methods. The Authority reserves the right to determine the record keeping methods in the event of non-conformity. These records must be maintained for five (5) years after the expiration or termination of the Agreement and must be readily available for inspection upon reasonable notice.

A.30 GOVERNING LAWS/RULES/REGULATIONS

The Provider will be solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining all state, federal and local licenses required to perform the scope of services. The Provider will ensure compliance with all laws, rules, codes, ordinances and licensing requirements that are applicable to the conduct of its business, including those of federal, state, and local agencies having jurisdiction and authority.

A.31 DISADVANTAGED AND/OR MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE

The federal government has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of Department of Transportation assisted contracts in the Department’s highway, transit, and airport financial assistance program. DBE goals will be established on a task-by-task basis after award of the prime contract based on funding, availability of workforce, specialization of required services, etc. There is a zero percent (0%) contract goal.

A business certified as a W/MBE by the State of Florida Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) or certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) under the Florida Unified Certification Program (FUCP) will be eligible to participate as a DBE or W/MBE on this prime contract.

A.32 CONSIDERATION OF SOCIAL, POLITICAL, OR IDEOLOGICAL INTEREST PROHIBITED

The Authority will not request documentation of, or consider, a Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Vendor is a responsible Vendor. The Authority will not give preference to a Vendor based on the Vendor’s social, political or ideological interests.

A.33 BREACH OF SECURITY

“Breach of security” or “breach” means unauthorized access of data in electronic form. Examples include but are not limited to: (i) the unauthorized acquisition, disclosure, modification, or use of unencrypted personal data, or encrypted personal data where the encryption key has also been compromised; and (ii) a likely risk of identity theft or fraud against the data subject. A good faith but unauthorized or unintentional acquisition, disclosure, modification or use of personal data by an employee or contractor of the recordkeeper or a party who has signed a confidentiality agreement with the recordkeeper does not constitute a Security Breach if the personal data is not subject to further unauthorized acquisition, disclosure, loss, modification, or use.

Breach of Security Notification Requirements:

In the event that Vendor discovers or is notified of a breach, potential breach of security, or security incident at Vendor's facility or of Vendor's systems, Vendor shall:

1. Notify Authority of the incident as soon as practicable but no later than twelve (12) hours after Vendor discovers or is notified of a breach, potential breach of security, or security incident at

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Vendor's facility or of Vendor's systems.

2. Whether or not such breach has compromised any of the Authority's data.

3. Provide Authority with the name and contact information of who shall serve as Authority’s primary security contact to assist Authority twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week in resolving obligations associated with a security breach.

4. Immediately following Vendor’s notification, the parties shall coordinate with each other to investigate this incident. Vendor agrees to fully cooperate with the Authority in the Authority‘s handling of the matter, including, without limitation, (1) assisting with any investigation (2) facilitating interviews with Vendor’s employees and other involved in the matter, and (3) making available all relevant records, logs, files, data reporting and other materials required to comply with applicable law, regulation, industry standards or as other required by the Authority.

5. Vendor shall at its own expense take reasonable steps to immediately contain and remedy this incident and prevent any further breach, including, but not limited to taking any and all action necessary to comply with applicable privacy rights, laws, regulations, and standards.

6. Vendor shall reimburse the Authority for all actual costs incurred by the Authority in responding to and mitigating damages caused by this incident, including all costs of notice and/or remediation.

7. Vendor agrees to maintain and preserve all documents, records, and other data related to the incident(s).

8. Vendor agrees to fully cooperate at its own expense with the Authority in any litigation, investigation, or other action deemed necessary by the Authority to protect its rights relating to the use, disclosure, protection, and maintenance of Personal Information.

9. Vendor shall promptly use its best efforts to prevent a recurrence of any such incident.

A.34 SECURITY MAINTENANCE

All Provider and subcontractor personnel who are required to work full-time or part-time within the Secured Area, Air Operations Area (AOA), or Customs Area at Southwest Florida International Airport must obtain and display the appropriate Airport-issued identification badge.

Badges must be:

● Individually issued and worn at all times while in these areas.

● Displayed on the outermost garment, clearly visible to readily identify the employee and their associated employer or vendor.

Vehicle Operators: Drivers making deliveries or hauling materials who do not possess Airport-issued badges must be escorted at all times by a properly badged employee while operating within the Secured Area or AOA.

Badge Fees:

A fee is charged for each new, renewed, lost, or unreturned badge. The Authority reserves the right to modify these fees at any time. Current badge fee schedules are available online at:

https://www.flylcpa.com/careers-and-employees/airport-badging/

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Any work being conducted within the AOA or that may be in an area requiring access through, or around the AOA will be coordinated in advance with the Authority’s Project Coordinator. At no time may the successful Bidder access these areas on its own without prior coordination and/or escort.

A.35 PAYMENT

Payment will be made in accordance with the awarded offer pricing for the goods and/or services completed and accepted by the Authority and upon receipt of the successful Offerer's invoice. All invoices must include purchase order number or Agreement number, as applicable, and must be submitted to Lee County Clerk of Court Finance Department, PO Box 2463, Fort Myers, Florida, 33902.

END OF PART A

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PART B

SCOPE OF SERVICES

B.01 INTRODUCTION

Lee County Port Authority (“Authority”) invites the submission of proposals from interested and qualified air service consultant firms to assist in the development of strategies to attract unserved or underserved destination markets to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) for commercial air traffic and cargo and to provide consulting services on an as needed basis to support the Authority’s air service development program.

B.02 PORT AUTHORITY GENERAL INFORMATION

The Lee County Port Authority operates both Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers, Florida. Southwest Florida International Airport is an award-winning, medium-hub commercial service airport with an annual economic impact of more than $8.3 billion to the region. In 2025, RSW served more than 11.1 million passengers and is one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic. There are 16 airlines serving RSW with nonstop service throughout the United States, as well as Canada and Germany. Southwest Florida International Airport has been recognized at state and national levels for its facilities and customer experience.

The RSW terminal is nearly 800,000 square feet with 28 gates and three concourses served by a dual roadway system and a three-story parking garage. There is also an adjacent rental car facility.

Terminal Expansion projects are currently underway at RSW to improve the airport travel experience by consolidating the security checkpoints, adding concession space and providing passengers more amenities and options. In addition, a new Concourse E is being constructed with 14 gates, as well as other terminal, landside and airside improvements.

Page Field (FMY) provides services to general and business aviation and accommodated more than 160,000 aircraft operations in 2025. It is an FAA-designated reliever airport and has an economic impact of $465 million annually to the region. Base Operations at Page Field is an award-winning, fixed-base operator and has been recognized for its customer service and facilities.

Additional information about RSW and FMY is available online at flylcpa.com.

B.04 SCOPE OF WORK

The professional services to be provided by the successful proposer will include, but not be limited to, those set forth below:

1. Review available market data and identify unserved and underserved commercial air routes and air cargo opportunities.

2. Provide, as needed, traffic and revenue forecasts for new routes, including projected passengers, load factors, yield analysis, as well as ancillary revenues and route profitability potential.

3. Prepare Economic Impact Studies of current and proposed air service, both domestic and international travel (as requested).

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4. Present, in person or remotely, at Port Authority Joint Board Meetings, as requested during the term of the agreement.

5. Provide leakage and catchment area data.

6. Research and report on leisure and business travel trends in Southwest Florida.

7. Utilize existing contacts at the highest level of target airlines to facilitate meetings concerning new/and or improved air service and cargo at RSW.

8. Provide domestic and international Second Homeowner Studies

9. Additional on-call services may be authorized by written task authorization during the term of the Agreement. A scope and fee will be agreed upon prior to the authorization of any supplemental tasks by the Authority.

B.05 TERM OF AGREEMENT

The Authority intends to enter into an agreement with Provider subject to the successful negotiations of the parties for the initial term of three (3) years the authority will have the option to renew the term based on provider’s satisfactory performance upon mutual consent upon the same terms and conditions, including pricing for two (2) additional one (1) year terms.

B.06 ACCEPTANCE OF WORK AND COMPLETED SERVICES

The Authority will inspect, monitor and/or review all work and services performed by the Provider in connection with the agreement. Provider may only invoice for completed work that has been accepted by the Authority.

B.07 TENTATIVE SOLICITATION SCHEDULE

The following tentative schedule is provided as a general guide on timing for this solicitation.

The schedule is subject to change. Notices of the staff evaluation committee, ASMC and Board of Port Commissioners meetings are posted at https://www.flylcpa.com/about-lcpa/legal-notices/.

Please refer to the website for actual schedule information.

04/30/2026 Deadline for Questions/Clarifications

05/19/2026 Electronic Proposal Due Date

06/15/2026 Staff Evaluation Committee Meeting

07/21/2026 Airports Special Management Committee (ASMC) Meeting

08/18/2026 Oral Presentations (ASMC), if needed

09/03/2026 Board of Port Commissioners Approval of ASMC Ranking

09/15/2026 ASMC Agreement Review/Recommend

11/05/2026 Board of Port Commissioners Agreement Approval

END OF PART B

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PART C

CONTENT AND ORGANIZATION OF PROPOSAL

The information each Proposer provides will be used to determine the most qualified Proposer(s) and those with the perceived ability to perform the scope of services as stated in this Request for Proposals, which may best meet the overall needs of the Authority.

An evaluation of responding firms will be conducted for the purposes of clarification of both the Proposer’s ability and prospective benefit of their proposal to the Authority. For more information, refer to Part D, Evaluation of Proposals.

C.01 EVALUATION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria indicated below will be applied to the information submitted in proposals in response to all elements of Section C.02, below, providing a consistent and uniform baseline and promoting an objective evaluation of proposals. If presentations or oral interviews are conducted, information provided by Proposers, including content and style, will be part of the evaluation process. The individual identified in the Proposals as the person who is authorized to make representations for the Proposer, should attend and participate in the presentations or oral interview.