The City of Fort Pierce ( City ) has issued a Request for Proposal ( RFP ) to interested and qualified entities for the Lease and Operation of Little Jim Bait and Tackle.The City of Fort Pierce is pleased to issue this Request for Proposal (RFP) for the lease and operation of Little Jim Bait and Tackle, a property of historic significance and a cherished community asset. The goal of this RFP is to identify a qualified tenant who will not only preserve and protect the property but also operate the facility in a professional and high-quality manner. With the current lease nearing expiration, the City invites proposals that demonstrate respect for the historic nature of the site while adhering to community standards.There will be a voluntary Pre-Submission Meeting followed by a site-visit on March 27, 2025, at 10:00 am at Little Jim Bait & Tackle located at 601 North Causeway, Fort Pierce, FL 34949. Attendance is not required but encouragedANTI-LOBBYING PROVISIONUpon the issuance of this solicitation, or during renegotiation of an existing contract, no prospective offerors/proposers or their agents, representatives or persons acting at the request of such offerors/proposers shall contact, communicate with, or discuss, either in person, by phone, email or text message, any matter relating to the solicitation or the renegotiation with any City officers, agents or employees (including the City Commission and City Manager) other than the procurement official or procurement agent designated in the solicitation, unless otherwise provided for in the solicitation or otherwise directed by the procurement official. This prohibition includes copying such persons on written communications with the procurement agent, but does not apply to presentations made to evaluation committees or at a City Commission meeting where the City Commission is considering approval of a proposed contract. This prohibition ends upon issuance of a purchase order or execution of the final contract, or when the solicitation has been canceled or the renegotiation efforts are terminated. Renegotiation will be deemed to have commenced upon vote of the City Commission directing renegotiation or on issuance of a written notice from the procurement official to the existing contractor instituting a renegotiation process. Failure of vendors seeking to conduct, or potentially interested in conducting business with the City to strictly adhere to this section will result in the offender's bid, proposal or response being disqualified from further consideration, and may also result in the suspension or debarment of the offending vendor.DESIGNATED POINT OF CONTACTThe designated point of contact for this solicitation is:Gelencia Carter, Purchasing Manager, document.write('gcarter'+'@'+'cityoffortpierce.com')For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address.Carbon copy: document.write('purchasing'+'@'+'cityoffortpierce.com')For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address..
Background
The City of Fort Pierce, located in St. Lucie County, Florida, is seeking qualified entities to lease and operate Little Jim Bait and Tackle, a historically significant property and community asset. The goal of this RFP is to find a tenant who will preserve the site's historical character while providing high-quality services. The current lease is nearing expiration, prompting this solicitation to ensure continued operation that aligns with community standards.
Work Details
The successful proposer will be responsible for providing food, beverage, merchandise sales, and dockage services at Little Jim Bait and Tackle. Required improvements include constructing adequate restroom facilities, inside storage for supplies, and kitchen facilities compliant with city regulations. Proposals must adhere to historic preservation guidelines and city codes. Outdoor storage containers and food trucks are not permitted. The proposer must also connect to the public sewer system and complete a flood mitigation plan as the site is in a special flood hazard area. Docks and repairs are the responsibility of the proposer, with no liveaboard dockage allowed.
Period of Performance
The lease term is anticipated to be 20 years with two additional 5-year renewal options. The timeline for development includes immediate commencement of negotiations after proposal rankings are approved in June 2025.
Place of Performance
Little Jim Bait and Tackle is located at 601 North Causeway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949.
Bidder Requirements
Proposers must demonstrate experience in similar operations and provide references. They must comply with anti-discrimination laws during employment practices. Additionally, proposers must not be on any vendor lists maintained by the Florida Department of Management Services related to public entity crimes or other violations.
