Operator for the McCollum Hall Music & Performing Arts Center

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency is requesting proposals to operate the McCollum Hall Music & Performing Arts Center, a comprehensive management and programming engagement with proposals due October 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. and questions due September 29, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. The procurement is subject to the City of Fort Myers local vendor preference policies and Minority Business Enterprise Program.

The scope requires the selected operator to develop and implement a comprehensive operating model that restores McCollum Hall as a year-round cultural destination for live music, performing arts, cultural programming, community events, education, heritage tourism, local artist development, and public access, with particular emphasis on community engagement within the MLK Redevelopment Area and accessible, inclusive programming. The operator is responsible for all financial management, accounting, reporting, and compliance. A phased, sustainable operational approach with diversified revenue sources — ticket sales, rentals, grants, sponsorships, donations, memberships, and concessions — is expected. The proposal must include an operating budget showing anticipated revenues and expenses.

Eligible proposers are qualified organizations, firms, nonprofit entities, cultural operators, or operator teams. Standard insurance requirements apply: Commercial General Liability with $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate minimum limits, Comprehensive Automobile Liability with $1,000,000 combined single limit, and Workers' Compensation per Florida statutory requirements.

The initial operating agreement term is ten years with optional renewal periods based on satisfactory performance, funding availability, CRA approval, and continued alignment with public benefit goals. Pricing information and revenue-sharing provisions are to be negotiated following selection of the highest-ranked responsive and responsible contractor.

Evaluation is weighted as follows: 15 points each for demonstrated community engagement within the MLK Redevelopment Area and vision for cultural and historical activation, 15 points for live music and performing arts programming, 10 points each for flexible multi-use facility operations, operational flexibility and community access, and demonstrated ability to build community partnerships. A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Selection Committee meeting is October 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with presentations potentially on October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Electronic submissions are required through the OpenGov portal.