City of Atlantic Beach
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 26-04
Farmers Market Operator
RFP DUE DATE: APRIL 15, 2026
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
City of Atlantic Beach RFP No. 26-04
The City of Atlantic Beach, Florida invites qualified respondents to submit proposals for the following opportunity:
Farmers Market Operator
The City intends to award a contract to an individual or firm to provide services necessary for the
project (the “Project”) described herein.
The City of Atlantic Beach, Florida (the “City”) will receive proposals in person at City Hall until
2:45 p.m. (local), on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 and will be addressed and delivered as shown below:
The City’s contact information for this RFP is:
Procurement Office
800 Seminole Road
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Telephone: (904) 247-5800
Email: pdrake@coab.us
This RFP is posted to the City’s site at www.coab.us/bids or by contacting the Procurement Office at
pdrake@coab.us or 904-247-5880. See Part II, Section H of the RFP for information regarding submitting a
proposal.
The City reserves the right to reject proposals with or without cause and for any reason, to waive any
irregularities or informalities, and to solicit and re-advertise other proposals. Incomplete or non-
responsive proposals may be rejected by the City as non-responsive or irregular. The City reserves the right
to reject any proposal for any reason, including, but without limitation, if the proposer fails to submit any
required documentation, if the proposer is in arrears or in default upon any debt or contract to the City or
has failed to fulfill faithfully any previous contract with the City or with other governmental jurisdictions.
All information required by this RFP must be supplied to constitute a proposal.
Table of Contents
Part I Statement of Work
1
A
Objective
1
B
General Information
1
C
Scope of Work
3
D
Submission Guidelines
4
E
Rules of Operation
6
F
Insurance and Licenses
6
Part II General Information
8
A
Definitions
8
B
Contract Award / Term
8
C
Proposal Costs
8
D
Inquiries
9
E
Delays
9
F
Pre-proposal Meeting
9
G
Proposal Submission
9
H
Proposal Format
10
I
Experience
11
J
Approach to Providing Services
11
K Compensation
11
L
Conflict of Interest
11
M Additional Information
11
N
Proposal – Procedural Information
11
O
Public Records
13
P
Irregularities; Rejection of Proposals
14
Q
Evaluation Method and Criteria
14
R
RFP Solicitation & Selection Schedule
15
S
Representations and Warranties
16
T
Indemnification
17
Part III – Forms and Exhibits
RFP Form A. Qualifications Statement
1
RFP Form B. Reference Form
3
RFP Form C. Price Proposal Form
4
RFP Form D. Proposer’s Certification
5
Exhibit A. Market Conditions for Farmers Market Approval
7
Exhibit B. Goods & Pricing
10
Exhibit C. Site Plan
11
Farmers Market Operator
City of Atlantic Beach, FL RFP No. 26-04
Part I – Statement of Work
PART I - STATEMENT OF WORK
A. OBJECTIVE
The City of Atlantic Beach is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to manage and operate a Farmers
Market in complete and strict accordance with specifications in the Request for Proposals. While the
Farmer’s Market currently operates Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jack Russell Park, 800 Seminole
Road, Atlantic Beach, Florida, the City encourages proposals to consider alternative times, days and
locations in Atlantic Beach, as well.
The City will only consider proposals that provide for the continued management and operation of the
Farmers Market primarily as a public market which provides the organization and facilities that connect
communities to local farmers, producers, and nutritious, locally grown and artisanal food while fostering
a vibrant gathering space for all residents.
Additional objectives of the Farmers Market include:
• Connection with a City of Atlantic Beach partner who will uphold the character and charm of Atlantic
Beach by maintaining the highest level of professionalism and attention to detail in serving our
community.
• Provide a low-barrier entry point for farmers and others who offer locally grown produce and
artisanal foods.
• Bridge the gap between rural production and urban consumption.
• Promote a more sustainable food system by shortening the supply chain.
• Build “community” by functioning as a “third space” – a social hub that isn’t home or work.
Proposers must demonstrate qualifications, experience and/or capability in the organization, operation,
and marketing of farmers markets plus any other related activities that are involved with operating a
Farmers Market. The City will favor proposals that contribute to the vibrancy of the City.
The City expects the operator to work independently; however, the City will maintain a level of oversight
in event activities. The City reserves the right to have input on the overall strategy and may assist in
outreach to stakeholders to help events succeed.
B. GENERAL INFORMATION
The City of Atlantic Beach is (est. pop. 13,513) operates with the mission, “The place to be – through
exceptional public services.” Our community has a strong sense of belonging and safety. Our citizens and
government care deeply about community character, and we understand that unified support is required
to preserve it. We are graced with the functional beauty of our beach, our marsh, and our tree canopy.
Our shady streets and multi-use paths connect our welcoming neighborhoods and vibrant local
businesses. Our city supports our diverse, multigenerational, socially linked community with green spaces,
active lifestyles, parks, and programming. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean (to the east), the
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Farmers Market Operator
City of Atlantic Beach, FL RFP No. 26-04
Part I – Statement of Work
Intracoastal Waterway (to the west) and Hanna Park (to the north), Atlantic Beach is considered by many
to be the most desirable place to live in Northeast Florida.
A Glimpse into History and Government
Atlantic Beach's modern history traces back to the late 1800s when railroad magnate Henry Flagler
developed the area as a small seaside community and a luxury resort destination with the construction of
the Continental Hotel. The community officially incorporated as a town in December 1925, elected its first
City Commission in August 1926, and adopted a new charter in 1957, formally establishing it as a city.
Along with Neptune Beach and Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach maintained its own municipal
government when the majority of Duval County consolidated with the City of Jacksonville in 1968,
allowing it to preserve its independent identity and character.
The City of Atlantic Beach operates under a non-partisan Commissioner-Manager form of government.
The legislative and policy-making authority rests with a five-member City Commission, which includes a
Mayor and four Commissioners. These members are elected by residents on a staggered-term basis. The
Commission appoints a City Manager who serves as the chief administrative officer, responsible for
executing the policies set by the Commission, overseeing city departments, and preparing the annual
budget.
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.