Management and operation of “JAX on ICE” (holiday ICE rink)

The City of Jacksonville is requesting proposals for management and operation of "Jax on Ice," a seasonal holiday ice rink at Artist Square (718 Riverside Avenue), with proposals due August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. A 5-point local business preference applies to evaluation scoring.

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of two years of experience operating seasonal ice rinks and hold proper Florida licensure. The ice rink occupies approximately 13,700 square feet in a covered space beneath I-95 with 600-amp power supply access. The contractor must operate the facility no later than the Friday following Thanksgiving through Martin Luther King Day in January annually. The scope encompasses all ice rink infrastructure, on-site operations, ticketing management, staffing, marketing, and security. The City retains responsibility for utilities, water, sewer, major system repairs, landscaping, and restroom facilities; the contractor bears all operational costs, equipment, staffing, security, marketing, and minor maintenance.

Evaluation uses multiattribute sealed scoring: business description (25 points), marketing and tracking (15 points), financial responsibility (20 points), maintenance plans (15 points), local business preference (5 points), and lump sum price (20 points). The contractor pays the City an end-of-season fee calculated as a percentage of gross revenue; the highest percentage submission receives maximum points on price. Submissions must include financial statements for the past two years and proof of liability insurance.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for August 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The question cutoff is August 24, 2026 at 1:00 PM. No specific contract term or estimated value is stated in the RFP.