27-021-LH HighNote Aviation Restaurant and Corporate Aircraft Catering Concessions (RFP) (12/3/26)

Macon-Bibb County is soliciting proposals for a HighNote Aviation restaurant and corporate aircraft catering concession at Middle Georgia Regional Airport, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal conference on November 18, 2026 and proposals due December 3, 2026 at 12:00 noon. The County reserves the right to award to county businesses within 5 percent of the highest overall scores under its local preference policy. Minority, Women Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are encouraged to participate, and respondents are encouraged to use M/W/DBE sub-consultants.

The operator must develop and maintain a restaurant concept in approximately 2,160 square feet (1,506 square feet of public dining and 654 square feet of commercial kitchen), serving lunch and dinner and providing corporate aircraft catering with demonstrated coordination and delivery procedures. Lunch pricing may not exceed local street pricing by more than 10 percent. Breakfast is preferred but not mandatory. Respondents must have three years of relevant experience, Georgia business licensing, and financial and legal responsibility. The operator obtains all licenses and permits, including alcohol licenses if proposed, and complies with airport security. Employees requiring airside access are subject to badging, escort, and training requirements. Required insurance includes statutory workers' compensation, $1 million each in Errors and Omissions and General Liability coverage, and the County as additional insured.

Pricing includes a minimum base rent of $2,520 monthly ($30,240 annually), a fixed CAM fee of $250 monthly, and percentage rent on gross annual sales above $300,000 at the respondent's proposed rate. The security deposit equals three times the rental rate, and the County pays utilities. Base rent and CAM are subject to annual CPI adjustment. The term is five years, with pricing required for Years 1 through 5. Award is estimated for February 2027, and the County's target opening date is June 30, 2027. No incumbent is named.

Evaluation totals 100 points: restaurant concept and menu (20), financial proposal and value (20), operating plan and reliability (15), corporate catering capability (15), relevant experience (10), financial capacity and capital investment (10), marketing (5), and safety and regulatory compliance (5). Interviews or oral presentations may add points.

Addendum 1 moved the pre-proposal conference from November 11 to November 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. and the question deadline from November 13 to November 20, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern, with questions submitted by email to Lhardwick@maconbibb.us. Proposals require one original, five copies, and a flash drive, delivered to the Procurement Department at 700 Poplar Street, Suite 308, Macon, Georgia. Responding firm names will be read publicly on December 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.