Airport Business Plan Update - Lakeland Linder International Airport

The City of Lakeland is seeking a consultant to develop an updated Airport Business Plan for Lakeland Linder International Airport through Request for Qualification #2025-RFQ-059. The project requires creating a comprehensive strategic business plan aligned with ACRP Report 77 and Florida General Aviation Airport Business Plan guidelines, serving as a critical planning and decision-making tool for the airport. Key deliverables include a SWOT analysis, financial analysis focusing on budgeting and accounting controls, review of debt structure and funding opportunities, assessment of current and future business opportunities, and evaluation of the airport's operating structure and governance. The evaluation criteria for the proposal includes overall quality of submittal (10 points), personnel qualifications and availability (20 points), airport business plan development experience (30 points), firm's approach to the project (30 points), and quality of referenced projects (10 points). Critical dates include a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on August 22, 2025, with proposal responses due by September 15, 2025, at 3:30 pm. Respondents must submit a 30-page proposal with firm information, project implementation details, and references from up to five similar airports completed within the past three years.

The City of Lakeland encourages participation from minority and women-owned businesses as subcontractors or in joint venture arrangements. While no specific set-aside designations are explicitly stated, the procurement appears open to consulting firms with demonstrated airport business planning experience. Proposals will be evaluated holistically, with the city reserving the right to award the contract based on considerations beyond total cost, emphasizing experience, qualifications, and technical approach. The project timeline targets completion by approximately April 30, 2026. Multiple indemnification documents are included, suggesting comprehensive legal protections for the city, including agreements with contractors, consultants, and vendors that outline liability and insurance requirements. Although a specific budget range is not disclosed, the detailed RFQ and supporting documents indicate a structured procurement process with rigorous safety and performance evaluations for potential contractors. Respondents must demonstrate robust safety practices, including maintaining an Experience Modification Rate below 1.0 and providing comprehensive documentation of safety training and compliance.