301-27-009 - Operations & Management Services for the Southeast Virginia Farmers Market

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is requesting bids for operations and management services at the Southeast Virginia Farmers Market in Courtland, Southampton County, under IFB 301-27-009, with sealed bids due September 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET and questions due September 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET.

The scope covers full facility operations and management of a 21-acre site in the Southampton County Agri-business Park with approximately 45,947 gross square feet of buildings, including a produce warehouse with cold storage, a melon building, office building, dock space, and sales shed. The successful bidder will operate as an independent contractor and be responsible for all facility operations, maintenance, repairs, and management of building systems, refrigeration equipment, plumbing, electrical systems, and grounds. The awardee must obtain and maintain a Perishable Agricultural Commodity Act license and implement Good Agricultural Practices and potentially Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point programs as required. VDACS retains responsibility for major building system replacements, fire alarm, and sprinkler system maintenance. The supplier must reimburse VDACS for all utility costs and facility-related operational expenses.

The contract runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2031, with one optional five-year renewal period. Bidders must submit firm annual rates for each contract year. All suppliers must submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan and are encouraged to utilize DSBSD-certified small businesses; the contract is not designated as a set-aside. Required insurance includes workers' compensation and commercial general liability of $1 million per occurrence. Bids must be submitted electronically through eVA. The point of contact is Catherine Bobeau, Senior Contract Specialist, at 804-625-3963 or catherine.bobeau@vdacs.virginia.gov.