Request for Letters of Interest, Rutland-Southern VT Regional Airport Restaurant

Vermont Agency of Transportation
219 North Main Street, Barre, VT 05641
https://vtrans.vermont.gov/contact-us
Request for Letters of Interest
Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport Restaurant Opportunity
RLI Schedule Deadlines
Issue Date Tuesday, 3/31/2026
Tuesday, 3/31/2026 through Monday
Optional Site Visit 04/13/2026
(Prior to LOI due date and time)
Letter of Interest Due Monday, 04/13/2026, 3:00 PM (EST)
Notification of Shortlist Friday, 4/17/2026
Shortlisted Contractors provide Business
Friday, 05/01/2026 3:00 PM (EST)
Plan/ More Detailed Information
Selection of Awarded Vendor Tuesday, 05/05/2026
Lease Finalization & Move In May 2026
May or June 2026
Anticipated Start Date
(based on lease execution)
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL NOTIFICATIONS, RELEASES, AND ADDENDA
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTEREST (RLI) WILL BE
POSTED AT: Contracts for Services | Agency of Transportation
The State will make no attempt to contact interested parties with updated information. It is the
responsibility of each party to periodically check the above webpage for any and all
notifications, releases and addendums associated with this RLI.
STATE POINT OF CONTACT (POC): Sari Tiersch
E-MAIL: Sari.Tiersch@vermont.gov
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VTrans' POC is the only authorized individual to discuss this RLI and will only communicate
with the Party's Authorized Representative. All communications with VTrans about this RLI
shall be in writing via email. To be considered an official communication, the subject line of any
email communication shall start with: Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport
Restaurant Opportunity.
1. General Overview: The Vermont Agency of Transportation, Aviation Program is requesting
Letter of Interests (LOI) from entities (Interested Parties) interested in operating a family
friendly restaurant at the Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport located at 1002
Airport Road, North Clarendon, VT 05759. The process is outlined in the table above.
Don't miss the chance to lease one of the most unique restaurant spaces in Vermont. This
space is positioned on the second floor of the commercial passenger terminal building
overlooking the gorgeous green mountains and aircraft apron. The terminal welcomes
approximately 10,000 passengers through its door every year, with a busy general aviation
and private aviation presence, and strong support of the local community. Preferred hours
for restaurant operations include at least 5 days a week with breakfast and lunch service.
The airport is looking for an operator who can open during the start of summer 2026. To
view a sample/draft lease, see Exhibit C.
2. Site Description: Total lease price is $293.60/ month (.80 cents/ sq ft) for the 367 sq ft.
commercial kitchen fully equipped with appliances and storage space. The tenant is
responsible for the cost of trash, recycling, composting, electric, and propane in the kitchen.
The airport covers water, building heat, and A/C. The space and appliances are leased as-
is. Any tenant paid-for renovations or improvements to the lease space are welcomed and
need prior approval by the State of Vermont Aviation Program. See Exhibits A and B.
3. Optional Site Visit: For those interested in visiting the site prior to submitting a LOI, you
may do so at any time during the following business hours, which are Monday through
Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm. The airport is located at 1002 Airport Road, North Clarendon,
Vermont 05759. Please call Nicoletta Salvatore at (802) 498-8708 to confirm the time of
your arrival. 24-hour notice is preferred but not required.
4. Shortlisting: VTrans intends to shortlist responsive contractors to participate in the final
phase which is submittal of business plans and award. Shortlisting will be based on
evaluation of each Interested Parties, Letter of Interest as outlined below in section 5.
5. Letter of Interest Criteria & Evaluation: The Agency will determine shortlisting for this
opportunity based on an evaluation of the submission of the Letter of Interest which must
include the following. Selection will be based on the Best Value to the State, considering
experience, capabilities and concept.
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a. A statement that the interested party desires to be shortlisted to bid for the subject
project.
b. A statement that the interested part is financially stable and able to commit to full
participation in the restaurant service as outlined in their business plan.
c. Identification of all points of contact, including full name, title, e-mail, phone number and
proposed responsibilities for the restaurant.
d. Provide a general overview of the interested parties' restaurant concept to include
suggested days and hours of operation.
e. Anticipated number of weeks after award that restaurant will be open and ready to
provide services
f. Provide past restaurant experience and/or experience owning a business
g. Provide 3 references that can speak to their direct experience with your prior
establishments or other work experience.
Submission: Interested parties shall submit a Letter of Interest (PDF or Word via email to the
POC and by the due date set forth on the first page of this RLI. Such submission shall use the
subject line Rutland-Southern Vermont Regional Airport Restaurant Opportunity - LOI
submission for (Insert Interested party name) and must include appropriate contact information
and responses to items a-g outlined in Section 5, Letter of Interest Criteria and Evaluation.
6. Vermont Access to Public Records Act: LOI submitted to VTrans become the property
of VTrans and are subject to the disclosure requirements of the Vermont Access to Public
Records Act (1 V.S.A. 315 - 320) ("Act") including any and all related costs that may be
charged and collected relevant to a request under the Act. Interested parties are advised to
familiarize themselves with the Act and to take appropriate action to minimize the risk.
Interested parties may also be subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Federal
agencies are required to disclose any information requested under the FOIA unless it falls
under one of nine exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national
security, and law enforcement. In no event shall the State, the Secretary, or VTrans be
liable for the disclosure of all or a portion of a LOI submitted to VTrans.
Exhibits Attached:
Exhibit A: Kitchen Layout
Exhibit B: State-Owned Kitchen Equipment List
Exhibit C: General Conditions for Tenants of State-Owned Structures
Exhibit D: Sample/Draft Lease
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EXHIBIT A - KITCHEN AND COUNTER AREA LAYOUT AND SQUARE FOOTAGE
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EXHIBIT B
STATE-OWNED KITCHEN EQUIPMENT LIST
a. Three tub industrial grade stainless steel sink and steel drip pan attached to the
sink.
b. Stainless steel hand wash sink.
c. Turbo Air, Radiance Series, 36" stainless steel gas griddle, three burners. 66,000
BTU. The 34 inch thick stainless steel cooking plate is 14 gauge. Cooking surface
is 36" x 22".
d. Dean by Frymaster 40lb fryer, three burners. 105,000 BTU. stainless steel
vessel. (Model #SR142GP)
e. Turbo Air Greenworld 30" x 60" stainless steel worktable with undershelf. (Model
#TSW3060E).
f. Garland Commercial Ranges, Sunfire Series, 36" Wide Stainless Steel Gas
Restaurant Range. Six 22,000 BTU universal style open burners. The 30,000
BTU 26" oven has a porcelainize interior. Oven measures 26"x 13"x 21".
g. Garland Commercial Ranges, Sunfire Series, stainless steel convection oven
with five tray racks measuring 29" x 20" x 28".
h. Turbo Air M3 Series - sandwich/salad table 72-2/3"w - 3 door, cutting board side
rail and bracket for easy cutting board attachment and removal. Includes 18, 4"
deep condiment pans, height adjustable heavy duty polyethylene coated wire
shelves and high-density polyurethane insulation. Cold air compartment.
i. Turbo Air Freezer. 19 cu/ft. One door. The exterior has stainless steel front and
sides. The interior has stainless steel floor and aluminum sides. (Model # M3F19-
1)
j. Turbo Air Refrigerator 19 cu/ft. One door. The exterior has stainless steel front
and sides. The interior has stainless steel floor and aluminum sides. (Model
M3R19-1)
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EXHIBIT C
General Conditions For
Tenants of State-Owned Structures
July 9, 2025
Table of Contents
GC. I. Use of Airport
GC. II. Maintenance of Airport
GC. III. Construction and Use of Buildings
G.C. IV. Indemnity and Public Insurance
G.C. V. Termination
GC. VI. STATE Reservations and Subordination Agreement
GC. VII. Surrender of Possession
GC. VIII. Set Off; Tax Certification
GC. IX. Waiver
GC. X. Hazardous Materials: Environmental Reports
GC. XI. Storage, Handling and Transportation of Hazardous Materials and Wastes
GC. XII. Child Support
GC. XIII. DBE Participation
GC. XIV. Acceptance of Fees
GC. XV. Miscellaneous
GC. XVI. Notice
GC. XVII. Dispute Resolution
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The State of Vermont and the Federal Aviation Administration work jointly to provide the
infrastructure needed for Vermont's State-owned airports to operate. As a requirement to
receiving federal assistance with the capital projects for our airports, we must agree to
the Federal Assurances which impact our operations, policies, and these lease
agreements. Continued compliance with these assurances allows the State of Vermont
to be eligible for additional federal support for our airports.
GC.I. USE OF AIRPORT
1.01. TENANT shall not post any signs without specific written approval of the STATE.
However, the TENANT may post signs identifying the hangar number and
owner/occupant, provided that such signs must be affixed to the building.
1.02. TENANT shall use the facilities on the Airport only for their designated purposes
unless authorized by the STATE for other purposes.
1.03. No partner, affiliate, tenant, subtenant, employee or officer of TENANT shall use
the premises or any rights or privileges acquired under the terms of this lease, or
knowingly allow such use in a manner which would violate criminal law, whether State or
Federal, or be in violation of Title 5, Vermont Statutes Annotated.
1.04. The STATE, acting in its proprietary capacity, may establish reasonable rules and
regulations for noise control at the Airport. TENANT agrees to comply with any such
rules and regulations.
1.05. TENANT agrees to occupy and use the leased premises in a careful, safe, and
orderly manner so as not to interfere in any way with the maintenance or operation of the
Airport or any of its appurtenant structures or facilities, as determined by the STATE.
The STATE shall have the right to enter the premises at any time to conduct routine
inspections.
1.06. Any person(s) using the Airport as a TENANT or subtenant of either shall control
its conduct and demeanor as to not cause, or allow to be caused, any interference in any
way with any other TENANTs of the Airport including the Fixed Based Operator (FBO).
GC.II. MAINTENANCE OF AIRPORT
2.01. TENANT shall park vehicles only in designated parking areas for such vehicles.
2.02. TENANT shall promptly collect and dispose of rubbish and refuse originating from
TENANT's activities on the Airport.
2.03. TENANT agrees to report within twenty-four (24) hours to the airport manager of
the TENANT's discovery of any defect, failure or the required repair or replacement of
any part of the Airport facilities, particularly, any facilities relating to the safe take-off and
landing of aircraft.
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2.04. TENANT agrees to keep all buildings and premises in a neat, safe and sanitary
condition at all times.
GC.III. UTILITY INSTALLATIONS
3.01. All proposed utility installations on the Airport, whether on the leased premises,
common areas of the Airport, or areas of the Airport leased to third parties, shall be
submitted to the STATE in advance for its approval and TENANT agrees to not install or
allow to be installed any utilities prior to receiving such approval.
G.C. IV. INDEMNITY AND PUBLIC INSURANCE
4.01. Independence; Liability: The TENANT will act in an independent capacity and not
as officers or employees of the STATE.
The TENANT shall defend the STATE and its officers and employees against all
claims or suits arising in whole or in part from any act or omission of the TENANT or of
any agent of the TENANT. The STATE shall notify the TENANT in the event of any such
claim or suit, and the TENANT shall immediately retain counsel and otherwise provide a
complete defense against the entire claim or suit.
After a final judgment or settlement, the TENANT may request recoupment of
specific defense costs and may file suit in the Vermont Superior Court, Washington Unit,
Civil Division, requesting recoupment. The TENANT shall be entitled to recoup costs only
upon a showing that such costs were entirely unrelated to the defense of any claim
arising from an act or omission of the TENANT.
The TENANT shall indemnify the STATE and its officers and employees in the
event that the STATE, its officers or employees become legally obligated to pay any
damages or losses arising from any act or omission of the TENANT.
4.02. Insurance: Before exercising any rights granted by this Lease, the TENANT must
provide certificates of insurance to show that the following minimum coverages are in
effect. It is the responsibility of the TENANT to maintain current certificates of insurance
on file with the STATE through the term of the Lease. No warranty is made that the
coverages and limits listed herein are adequate to cover and protect the interests of the
TENANT for the TENANT's operations. These are solely minimums that have been
established to protect the interests of the STATE.
Workers Compensation: With respect to all operations performed, the TENANT shall
carry workers compensation insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of
Vermont.
General Liability and Property Damage: With respect to all operations performed under
the contract, the TENANT shall carry general liability insurance having all major divisions
of coverage including, but not limited to:
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Premises - Operations
Products and Completed Operations
Personal Injury Liability
Contractual Liability
The policy shall be on an occurrence form and limits shall not be less than:
$1,000,000 Per Occurrence
$2,000,000 General Aggregate
$1,000,000 Products/Completed Operations Aggregate
$ 50,000 Fire/Legal Liability
TENANT shall name the State of Vermont and its officers and employees as additional
insureds for liability arising out of this Lease.
Automotive Liability: The TENANT shall carry automotive liability insurance covering all
motor vehicles, including hired and non-owned coverage, used in connection with the
Lease. Limits of coverage shall not be less than: $1,000,000 combined single limit.
TENANT shall name the State of Vermont and its officers and employees as additional
insureds for liability arising out of this Lease.
4.03. Increased Insurance Coverage. STATE reserves the right, upon thirty (30) days'
written notice, to require reasonable increases in the foregoing required insurances.
4.04. Certificate of Insurance. The insurance required above shall be placed with a
reputable insurance company authorized to do business in the State of Vermont. A binder
or certificate of insurance, naming the State of Vermont as an additional insured, shall be
delivered to the STATE as proof of compliance with this Article within ten (10) days of
execution of this Lease. The policy shall provide that the insurance shall not be
terminated or canceled without thirty (30) days' notice to the STATE. Renewal
certificates shall be forwarded to STATE within ten (10) days of renewal. The amounts of
the insurance shall not be deemed as limitation of the liability of the TENANT to indem-
nify, defend and save harmless the STATE as provided in this Article.
G.C. V. - TERMINATION
5.01. TENANT may terminate this Lease at any time for any reason with thirty (30) days'
written notice to the STATE of its intent to terminate.
5.02. If any payment to the STATE, the leasehold mortgagee, if any, or any third party
providing goods or services to TENANT's operation at Airport, shall be in default and
unpaid for thirty (30) days after notice to TENANT, unless cured within thirty (30) days
after notice by the STATE to TENANT specifying the default and demanding compliance,
STATE may re-enter and take possession of the premises. This re-entry shall constitute
a termination of this lease.
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5.03. If TENANT becomes delinquent in the payment of local, State, or Federal taxes for
a period of thirty (30) days, unless cured within thirty (30) days after notice by the STATE
to TENANT specifying default and demanding compliance, STATE may re-enter and take
possession of the premises. The re-entry shall constitute a termination of this lease.
5.04. If the Airport is closed by fire, storm, casualty, or other Act of God, or by action of
lawful authority for any period in excess of thirty (30) days, rental to the STATE shall be
abated during that period. If the Airport is closed for these reasons for a period in excess
of three (3) months, then TENANT at its option may terminate this lease by giving STATE
thirty days (30) notice.
5.05. In the event of breach or default of any of the covenants set forth in this lease, the
STATE shall have the right to terminate this lease and to re-enter and repossess the land
and the facilities thereon remove TENANT's property, and hold the same as if this lease
had never been made or issued.
5.06. If the STATE terminates this lease due to breach or default by TENANT of any of
the covenants in this lease, TENANT shall be responsible for all damages, attorney's
fees, and expenses directly or indirectly caused by the default and termination.
5.07. If TENANT files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or proceedings in bankruptcy
are instituted against TENANT and TENANT is adjudicated bankrupt pursuant to
proceedings, or if TENANT is divested of, or be prevented by any final action of any
Federal or State authority from conducting and operating its operations, this lease shall
be immediately terminated.
5.08. If the STATE terminates this lease for any cause other than default or failure to
comply with the terms of the lease by TENANT, if the rent shall have been paid by the
TENANT in advance to a day subsequent to the date of termination of this lease, then the
STATE within sixty (60) days after demand by TENANT, shall refund and repay to
TENANT the apportioned amount of the rent paid by TENANT in advance for that portion
of the term so avoided.
5.10. The TENANT covenants and agrees to surrender the premises hereby demised at
the expiration of the term, or at any time when this lease shall be terminated as provided
in this Agreement, in good order and condition satisfactory to the STATE.
5.11. If it becomes necessary for STATE to institute suit for eviction and/or for damages,
on account of rental arrears or violation of the terms of the lease, STATE shall be entitled
to recover of the TENANT its or their attorneys' fees and court costs, which fees and
costs TENANT hereby covenants and agrees to pay.
5.12. This lease shall automatically end if the TENANT becomes delinquent in the
payment of any property taxes assessed on the Premises or on any TENANT-owned
improvements located on the Premises.
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