Request For Proposal - Lease of Retail Space at WRTA Bus Terminal

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) is seeking proposals for a multi-year lease of a 991 square-foot retail space located at the Federal Station Bus Terminal in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. This Request for Proposal (RFP) aims to secure a tenant for a strategically located commercial space that receives approximately 9,000 transit passengers daily. The initial lease term is three years, with optional extensions for years four and five. Proposers must submit a comprehensive technical proposal including their business concept, implementation schedule, financial capabilities, and past experience, along with required certifications and insurance documentation. The evaluation will be based on three key criteria: experience operating a successful retail establishment (20 points), benefit of the proposed business to transit customers (20 points), and revenue provided to WRTA (20 points), totaling a possible 60 points. Key dates include a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on December 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., a question submission deadline of January 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and a proposal submission deadline of January 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. through the OpenGov portal, with a public bid opening at the same time.

The RFP does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The current market rate for the commercial space is approximately $16.00 per square foot annually, with utilities including electricity, water, heat, and air conditioning included in the lease. Tenants will be responsible for other utilities and cleaning of the leased space. The lease allows for non-structural interior alterations with WRTA approval and includes an exit clause providing 120 days' notice if major facility renovations affect the leased space. Proposers must provide proposed monthly rent amounts for each of the five potential lease years and secure general liability and auto liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1.0 million per occurrence, naming WRTA as certificate holder and additional insured. Previous tenants operated a breakfast and lunch establishment, suggesting potential food service opportunities. The contract is subject to Federal Transit Administration requirements and all applicable federal regulations governing the use of FTA funds, with an anticipated contract selection date of February 13, 2026.