Event Manager for The Boathouse at Canal Dock

The City of New Haven, Connecticut, Department of Arts, Culture and Tourism and Economic Development Administration is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from individuals and event management companies to serve as an independent contractor Event Manager for The Boathouse at Canal Dock, a waterfront venue hosting corporate events, conferences, weddings, and celebrations. The Event Manager will be responsible for comprehensive event administration, coordination, and record-keeping, including facility tours, catering coordination, vendor management, staff supervision, calendar coordination with the City and University of New Haven, and marketing efforts. The position requires availability for evening and weekend hours as needed. Evaluation of proposals will be based solely on professional competence and experience, with no cost consideration at this stage. The evaluation criteria assign 50% weight to professional experience (including event management experience in similar facilities, logistical ability, vendor coordination, record-keeping, and regulatory compliance experience), 20% to leadership and interpersonal skills, 20% to risk and compliance history, and 10% to verification factors including resume quality and reference strength. Prospective respondents must submit questions by May 11, 2026 at 5:00 pm, with proposals due electronically through the City's eProcurement Portal by May 18, 2026 at 3:00 pm. The anticipated initial contract term begins June 1, 2026 and runs through June 1, 2027, with two optional one-year renewal periods available at the City's sole discretion.

Respondents must provide a notarized Disclosure & Certification Affidavit, current workforce demographic information, a detailed statement of qualifications demonstrating at least three similar projects completed within the last five years, proof of financial capability, and compliance with equal opportunity, non-collusion, and ban-the-box requirements. The City of New Haven Living Wage Ordinance applies if the contract exceeds $25,000 annually. No specific set-asides or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond are identified in the procurement documents; however, all proposals must adhere to the City's standard contract terms and conditions, including compliance with Connecticut law, federal and state labor requirements, anti-discrimination provisions, and indemnification obligations. The maximum budget for services is $70,000 for the first year, payable in equal monthly installments, with compensation constituting full payment for all costs including salaries, consultant fees, materials, supplies, printing, meetings, travel, and related expenses. The City reserves the right to reject all responses or cancel the project at any time, and all deliverables, reports, and documents submitted become City property subject to review and approval within thirty calendar days.