RFP for City of Lexington Uptown Municipal Service District

The City of Lexington, North Carolina is requesting proposals for management and administration services for its Uptown Municipal Service District, with proposals due September 9, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The City intends to negotiate a five-year contract with the selected proposer to commence upon City Council approval.

The scope requires the contractor to administer the Main Street Program using the Four Point Approach (Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality) to manage uptown revitalization. Services include marketing and communications, economic development, event management, planning and development, and public space management across approximately 55.6 acres containing commercial properties, retailers, offices, restaurants, and residential uses. The selected contractor must maintain an office in the Lexington Uptown District staffed during normal business hours (Monday–Friday), submit quarterly detailed reports within 20 days of quarter-end, and present an annual report to City Council prior to fiscal year-end.

The MSD funding allocation for Fiscal Year 2026 is $99,500, subject to annual modification by City Council based on the approved MSD tax rate and actual revenue collections. Proposers must submit two cost proposals: one based on service levels achievable within the most recent funding allocation and an alternative proposal with different funding requirements. Monthly payment will be made at one-twelfth of the annual budget allocation approved by City Council within 30 days of invoice receipt.

Evaluation criteria are qualifications and experience of proposed team members (30% weight), overall quality and demonstrated understanding of scope (25% weight), implementation timeline and ability to measure success (20% weight), demonstration of prior successes with similar services (15% weight), and proposed cost (10% weight). The first-year contract runs from the approval date through June 30, 2027; subsequent contract years follow the City's fiscal year (July 1 through June 30). Written questions are due August 26, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST, with City responses issued by September 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. The City reserves the right to terminate the contract with 60 days' written notice or immediately upon contractor failure to fulfill obligations.