Notice Details

In accordance with Section 1-14 of the Concession Rules of the City of New York (“Concession Rules”), the New York City Department of Small Business Services (“SBS”), on behalf of New York City Tourism + Conventions, Inc. (“NYCT”), intends to enter into negotiations for a significant negotiated concession agreement (“concession”) for a qualified international licensing agent to support the management, development, and expansion of the City’s intellectual property portfolio in global markets located at various international locations.

The concession, which is anticipated to have a term of eight (8) years, will be operated pursuant to a license issued by NYCT. The concession is projected to commence by the end of 2026 and will expire no more than eight (8) years from the commencement date. As compensation to the City, NYCT anticipates receiving a percentage of the negotiated contracts from the agent, which will be based on a royalty on net sales generated by international licensees, inclusive of a guaranteed minimum annual payment structure.

Currently, it is neither practicable nor advantageous to award this concession through a traditional competitive sealed proposal or competitive sealed bidding/proposal process due to the unexpected breakdown in negotiations with the City’s prior international agent, which has left the City without dedicated international representation for its licensing program. As a result, NYCT must act expeditiously to secure a qualified replacement capable of immediately managing existing international relationships, identifying new licensing opportunities, and ensuring continuity in the oversight and protection of the City’s intellectual property abroad. Further, the ability to efficiently identify and onboard qualified licensees is highly time-sensitive and dependent on existing industry relationships and in-market presence. Delays in securing an experienced international agent could limit the City’s ability to capitalize on current market opportunities, including retailer placement windows, seasonal product launches, and territory-specific collaborations, while also hindering efforts to expand into key international markets and generate incremental revenue through licensing and retail distribution. Additionally, delays in establishing consistent in-market representation and oversight may result in gaps in trademark use and enforcement, which could jeopardize the City’s ability to maintain and retain its trademark rights in certain international jurisdictions, as well as increase the risk that the City’s trademarks are not effectively managed or represented in global markets.

Potential concessionaires that would like to express interest in the proposed concession and/or obtain additional information concerning the concession may contact Christina Rowley, Licensing at New York City Tourism + Conventions, Inc., by phone at 212-4845437 or via e-mail at Crowley@nyctourism.com by October 13, 2026.

Thereafter, there will be a process for submission of proposals. NYCT will evaluate the proposals on the basis of demonstrated experience in international licensing, strength of global retail and brand relationships, proven ability to generate revenue through licensing programs, and capacity to manage and grow intellectual property portfolios in multiple international markets.

Where applicable, SBS may condition the award of this concession upon the successful completion of PASSPort (the Procurement and Sourcing Solutions Portal)

Questionnaires and review of that information by the Department of Investigation. In addition, any person or entity with at least a 10% ownership interest in the submitting vendor (including a parent company), may be required to complete PASSPort Questionnaires (Principal Questionnaire for any person and Vendor Questionnaire for any entity with at least a 10% ownership interest in the submitting vendor).

This concession has been determined a non-major concession as defined by Chapter 7 of the Rules of the City Planning Commission. The concession has been determined to be a significant concession as defined by Section 1-02 of the Concession Rules of the City of New York.

Please note that the concession award is subject to applicable provisions of federal, State, and local laws and executive orders requiring affirmative action and equal employment opportunity.

The New York City Comptroller is charged with the audit of concession agreements in New York City. Any person or entity who believes that there has been unfairness, favoritism or impropriety in the proposal process should inform the Comptroller, Office of Contract Administration, 1 Centre Street, New York, New York 10007, telephone number (212) 669-2323.

Please address any questions and/or correspondence relating to the potential concession award to Christina Rowley, Licensing, New York City Tourism + Conventions, Inc., by phone at 212-484-5437, or via e-mail at Crowley@nyctourism.com