Request for Proposals (RFP)
Market Analysis and Financial Feasibility Study for a Convention Center in DeKalb County, GA
(Proposals due 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 19, 2021)
DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc., DBA Discover DeKalb, is seeking the services of a qualified and experienced consulting firm (or team of firms) to prepare a Market Analysis and Financial Feasibility Study for the construction of a convention center in DeKalb County, Georgia. This Request for Proposals (RFP) describes the study background, proposed scope of services, schedule, and submission requirements. As detailed in this RFP, all proposals must be submitted to Discover DeKalb’s office no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 19, 2021.
All questions regarding the bid documents shall be made via email to James Tsismanakis, at james@discoverdekalb.com. Responses to questions received before 5:00 PM on April 2, 2021 will be posted on Discover DeKalb’s website no later than 5:00 PM on April 5, 2021.
Please click here to view RFP
QUESTIONS/ANSWERS:
Q: Will the DeKalb CVB provide the Consultant access to any lodging/meeting facilities data in the market?
A: The DeKalb CVB has a list of hotels in DeKalb. We also have a list of the largest meeting hotels and meeting facilities in the CVB.
Facts and Figures …
Total meeting space – 126,000 square feet
Exhibit space – 96,200 square feet
Conference center space – 64,300
Total guestrooms – 6095
Number of hotels – 61
Q: Does the DeKalb CVB have data they would be willing to provide us on the number of events/conventions that they have been unable to bid on or that were bid on and rejected due to insufficient meeting/room space available?
A: Discover DeKalb CVB attends trade show and events and we bid on and seek out appointments with the companies that fit our current meetings makeup. The largest meeting hotels at this time are listed below:
– Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Center — 336 guestrooms, 48 meeting rooms, 50,000 square feet of meeting space.
– Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area — 294 guestrooms, 20 meeting rooms, 25,000 square feet of meeting space.
– Doubletree Atlanta – Northlake — 194 guestrooms, 12 meeting rooms, 10,000 square feet of meeting space.
– Holiday Inn & Suites Atlanta North – Open June 15th —143 guestrooms, 4000 square feet of meeting space.
Q: For Task VI, is Discover DeKalb open to all financing options? Are there any potential constraints?
A: Yes the city and the county are open to financing opportunities. We will discuss all viable options.
Q: What is Discover DeKalb’s expectation of the Consultant’s involvement with regards to setting up operating agreements and/or development agreements?
A: This is not included within this proposal.
Q: If hired, will the Consultant be restricted from working on other hospitality projects within DeKalb County?
A: NO, this is a feasibility study not an operating contract.
Q: Why was the convention center not built after the previous planning studies?
A: The County moved its intentions to building a performing arts center in Southern DeKalb County and built the Porter Sanford Center.
Q: Will the selected Consultant be given access to the three previous planning studies?
A: Yes