Notice Details

New York City Economic Development Corporation (“NYCEDC”) is requesting proposals to lease retail space at Whitehall Ferry Terminal, 4 South St, New York, NY 10004 and St. George Ferry Terminal, 1 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10301. Operated and maintained by the New York City Department of Transportation (“NYC DOT”), the Staten Island Ferry is the only nonvehicular form of transportation between Staten Island and Lower Manhattan that is free of charge. Each weekday, almost 45,000 passengers ride the ferry (117 weekday daily trips), creating a steady and reliable stream of potential customers. This primary market of consumers includes commuters, tourists and other visitors. A recent survey indicates that residents spend approximately $10 per day while in the Terminals. Popular items purchased include beverages, baked goods, snack foods, fast foods, newspapers and other reading materials.

The objective of this RFP is to select respondents (the “Respondent” or “Respondents”) that will provide retail services to visitors at Whitehall Ferry Terminal and St. George Ferry Terminal. Retail spaces are being offered for up to a maximum initial term of ten (10) years, with possible extensions bringing the total term up to a maximum of twenty (20) years.

NYCEDC plans to select Respondents on the basis of factors stated in the RFP which include but are not limited to: readiness to enter into a lease agreement; financial proposal, including lease terms, rental rates and financial returns; projected impact on economic development including quality jobs; and, type of products/services being provided.

It is the policy of NYCEDC to comply with all federal, state and City laws and regulations which prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status and other protected category and to take affirmative action in working with contracting parties to ensure certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) share in the economic opportunities generated by NYCEDC’s projects and initiatives. Please refer to the Equal Employment and Affirmative Compliance for Non-Construction Contracts Addendum in the RFP.

This project has Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (“M/WBE”) participation goals, and all respondents will be required to submit an M/WBE Participation Proposal with their response. To learn more about NYCEDC’s M/WBE program, visit http://edc.nyc/opportunity-mwdbe. For the list of companies who have been certified with the New York City Department of Small Business Services as M/WBE, please go to the https://sbsconnect.nyc.gov/certification-directory-search/.

NYCEDC established the Contract Financing Loan Fund programs for Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/W/DBE) interested in working on public construction projects. Contract Financing Loan Fund facilitates financing for short-term mobilization needs such as insurance, labor, supplies and equipment. Bidders/subcontractors are strongly encouraged to visit the NYCEDC website at http://edc.nyc/opportunity-mwdbe to learn more about the program.

An optional site visit session will be held on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Whitehall Ferry Terminal. Those who wish to attend should RSVP by email to SIFTRetailLeasing@edc.nyc on or before Friday, March 29, 2024.

Respondents may submit questions and/or request clarifications from NYCEDC no later than 5:00 PM on the following dates: Thursday, May 16, 2024, Thursday, August 15, 2024, and Thursday, November 14, 2024. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP should be directed to SIFTRetailLeasing@edc.nyc. Answers to all questions will be posted by the following dates Wednesday, May 22, 2024, Thursday, August 22, 2024, and Thursday, November 21, 2024, to https://edc.nyc/rfps. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP will not be accepted after 5:00 PM on Thursday, November 14, 2024, however, technical questions pertaining to downloading and submitting proposals to this RFP may be directed to RFPRequest@edc.nyc.

Detailed submission guidelines and requirements are outlined in the RFP. Please click the link in the “Submission Requirements” section of this project’s webpage to electronically upload a proposal for this solicitation.