Operations Management Services Request for Proposal

The City of Dubuque, Iowa (the “City”) is soliciting competitive sealed proposals from qualified professional management firms capable of providing a full range of comprehensive management services with a well-proven track record of services consistent with generally accepted operation of a civic/events center and historic theater. This proposal is for the Five Flags Civic Center (“FF”), located at 405 Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa.

FF has long served as an important community asset for Dubuque and its residents. Over the years, Five Flags has served as a critical gathering place in Dubuque, hosting thousands of entertainment events, performing arts, sports, and civic events. The primary elements of the current Five Flags Civic Center are the 4,000-seat arena (24,500-square foot of flat space), a 711-seat historic performing arts theater, 1,950-square feet of meeting space, and a 1,700-square foot black box theater.

The City is seeking a professional, financially sound company and team to operate, market, and manage FF under contract with the City of Dubuque. The City invites management firms to create a proposal that would establish a relationship with the City that will be most beneficial to both the City and the management firm.

The City invites submittals from qualified firms that have proven experience in providing comprehensive management, marketing, and full-service operations at civic and events facilities in comparable or larger markets.  This Request for Proposal (RFP) is for consolidated services. That is, firms should be prepared to provide all management, marketing, and operations services. The City will consider a firm's use of affiliated companies, joint ventures, or subcontractors, to provide consolidated services.  Such use is only acceptable after review by the City, and upon written approval.