The City of Burlington is seeking proposals for information tourism services at the Waterfront Information Center. The selected vendor will occupy a **** space and provide tourist-related information, maps, points of interest, and basic travel assistance. Proposals can also include retail offerings of tourist-related items and souvenirs (local products preferred), snacks and beverages, and ticket sales for local offerings. The vendor is expected to maintain the cleanliness of the adjacent public restrooms and the exterior of the building. The operating season for public information services is May 15th to October 15th annually for two seasons (****). Minimum hours of operation are 11 am to 6 pm. Proposals must include a business concept, qualifications, any objections to the city's contract templates, proposed compensation (minimum **** or 10% of gross receipts), financial projections, and a certificate of insurance. Proposals are due by noon on May 8, 2026, submitted electronically to ***@***. *. * non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for April 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted via email by noon on May 1, 2026, with answers posted by May 4, 2026. The earliest the space will be available is June 15, 2026.
The bid closes at noon on May 8, 2026.
The bid notice states a minimum compensation of **** or 10% of gross receipts during the months of May to October, whichever is highest. Bidders shall propose a monthly compensation to the city during the months of November through April if choosing to use the space year-round.
Proposals will be ranked based on providing services that meet RFP requirements (15 points), demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience (5 points), adequacy of the proposed scope of work and financial projections for the proposed business model and projected compensation to the city (10 points), proposed schedule (hours and length of season, additional operations) (5 points), and quality of references provided (5 points).
Proposals should include a description of qualifications and past experience relevant to the scope of work, including a reference list of former landlords, business contract holders, or associates.
The bid notice does not explicitly detail penalties for non-compliance, but it does mention that the city has the exclusive right to terminate the agreement if the concessionaire is in breach of the agreement, with 7 days written notice in advance of the termination date.
There will be a non-mandatory site visit for all interested parties on April 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Please contact ***@***. *. * to confirm your site visit a minimum of 24 hours in advance.
Questions concerning this RFP must be directed to ***@***. *. * and received by noon on May 1, 2026.
The minimum compensation required by the City of Burlington is ****.