This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Event Management and Concessionaire Services at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater, issued by the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department. The selected proposer will be responsible for managing and operating concessionaire services, including liquor, non-alcoholic beverage, and food sales, and for producing a minimum of eight and a maximum of twelve concerts annually. The contract period is initially from November 1, 2026, to October 31, 2028, with potential for two additional two-year extensions. Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT. A pre-submission conference is optional and will be held on April 14, 2026. Required attachments include proof of insurance, public health license, and catering menu options and pricing. Evaluation criteria include compensation, company history and experience, business plan, staffing, marketing ideas, references, and local preference. Proposers must adhere to all terms and conditions of the RFP, and any deviations must be clearly noted. The city reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.
The response deadline for proposals is May 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT.
The selected proposer shall pay the city a commission payment at least monthly, which must include a detailed itemization of food, beverage, event, and rental income.
The proposer expressly warrants that all goods supplied shall be merchantable and conform to specifications, drawings, and other descriptions, and shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship.
Proposals will be evaluated by an evaluation and selection committee based on a 101-point scale, with the highest scoring proposal recommended for award, subject to the best interests of the city. Criteria include compensation, history and experience, business plan, staffing, marketing, references, and local preference.
Proposers must clearly demonstrate and provide documentation substantiating that they are qualified and able to meet the requirements of this request for proposal to provide the services proposed.
In any case where the successful proposer has failed to deliver or has delivered nonconforming goods or services, the procurement division may provide a cure notice. If the proposer continues to be in default, the procurement division may procure goods or services from another source and charge the difference to the defaulting proposer, or offset such costs from payments owing to the proposer.
An optional pre-submission conference will be held in person at Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater on April 14, 2026, at 1:00 AM. Proposers must email the procurement representative by noon on April 13, 2026, to RSVP.
Proposer objections to the evaluation and selection committee's recommendation must be filed in writing with the procurement administrator within the appeal deadline set forth in the notice of intent to award.
