MassDOT RFR Service Plaza Operator

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is soliciting proposals for a comprehensive Service Plaza Operator program to manage and revitalize 18 service plazas located along major highways in the state. The procurement seeks an operator to provide food, beverage, convenience, gas, diesel, and electric vehicle charging services across these locations, with a focus on creating best-in-class service amenities. The successful proposer will be responsible for financing, operating, maintaining, and potentially renovating the service plazas, with a phased delivery approach of 14 plazas on January 1, 2026, and the remaining 4 plazas on July 1, 2027. Proposals will be evaluated based on pass/fail and qualitative criteria, including program understanding, transition plan, operational plan, master revitalization plan, additional services/revenue sources, and revenue terms. The RFP requires proposers to submit a comprehensive proposal detailing their legal/administrative capabilities, relevant experience, financial capacity, key personnel, past performance, and proposed revenue sharing terms. The proposal due date is February 18, 2025, with responses to proposer questions available on November 12, 2024.

The contract opportunity does not specify explicit set-aside designations, but it does include a robust Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) requirement mandating that the selected operator spend a minimum of 1% of contract sales with certified diverse businesses. The initial lease term is 30 years, with a potential 10-year renewal option, and the operator will be required to pay a Minimum Annual Guaranteed Rent and a Percentage Rent based on gross retail sales. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the contract represents a significant financial opportunity requiring substantial private investment in infrastructure, services, and revitalization efforts. The operator must provide performance bonds, payment bonds, and construction performance bonds, and will be responsible for environmental remediation as needed. The procurement emphasizes additional objectives including establishing a sustainable electric vehicle charging network, incorporating sustainable building strategies, marketing the Commonwealth, promoting diversity, and ensuring revenue sustainability for MassDOT.