Developer/Operator for Hampton I-95 Service Areas

The New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC) is issuing a Request for Qualifications and Request for Proposals (RFQ/RFP) to procure a Developer/Operator to construct and operate new Service Areas at Hampton I-95 locations in both northbound and southbound configurations. The Developer/Operator will be responsible for demolishing existing facilities and constructing replacement Service Area buildings of at least 16,000 gross square feet each, along with 22,000 gross square foot liquor and wine outlet buildings to be owned by the NHLC, self-service automobile fueling stations with a minimum of eight pumps at each location, and comprehensive site improvements including parking, utilities, and landscaping. The Ground Lease Contract will have an initial term of 35 years with two five-year extension options at the sole discretion of the NHLC, with the northbound Service Area substantially complete by June 15, 2028 and the southbound Service Area substantially complete by December 15, 2028. The RFQ submission deadline is June 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM, with shortlist announcements by July 31, 2026, developer interviews before September 4, 2026, and Governor and Executive Council Award anticipated in December 2026. Evaluation criteria include the Developer/Operator's qualifications, project approach, financial capability, and ability to meet construction timelines and operational requirements. The Developer/Operator must comply with all New Hampshire and federal laws, including equal employment opportunity requirements, and must demonstrate the ability to maintain comprehensive insurance including $1,000,000 commercial general liability, $10,000,000 umbrella coverage, and completion and financial guarantee bonds.

The RFP document does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation to particular types of organizations, disadvantaged enterprises, or minority-owned businesses, suggesting the procurement is open to qualified vendors regardless of ownership classification. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The Developer/Operator will be responsible for all development and construction costs, with the NHLC reimbursing liquor store construction costs up to $26,830,000 based on percent complete minus retainage and 15 percent mobilization payments, representing the defined budget ceiling for the state's financial contribution. Revenue to the NHLC will be generated through Fixed Rent paid monthly beginning June 15, 2028 for northbound and December 15, 2028 for southbound, Percentage Rent calculated on Gross Sales with rates varying by five-year periods, Fuel Rent at a minimum of $0.05 per gallon markup, and Electric Vehicle Charging Rent at a minimum of 2 percent of gross revenue. Additionally, the Developer/Operator must maintain a 1 percent monthly gross sales contribution to a Facility Sustainment and Reinvestment Reserve Account controlled by the NHLC, ensuring long-term maintenance and sustainability of the facilities.