RFP for City of Lexington Uptown Municipal Service District

Request for Proposals
City of Lexington
The Uptown Municipal Service District
RFP sent to vendors.............................................................. Date: 08/12/26
Deadline for written questions to the City............................ Date: 08/26/26 5:00pm EST
City responses to Contractor questions................................. Date: 09/01/26 5:00pm EST
Proposals due...................................................................... Date: 09/09/26 5:00pm EST
"LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED"
Direct all inquiries concerning this RFP:
Britt Smith, CLGPO
City of Lexington Purchasing Officer
28 West Center Street
Lexington, NC 27292
Office: 3362483928
BSSmith@LexingtonNC.gov

Table of Contents
1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS ..................................................................................................
1.1 Introduction and Background
1.2 Information about the City of Lexington
1.3 RFP Response Time
1.4 Pre-Proposal Questions
1.5 Proposal Submission, Requirements and Contact Information
1.6 Rights to Submitted Material
2 PROPOSALS .........................................................................................................................
2.1 Proposal Content
2.2 Evaluation Criteria
2.3 Final Selection
3 SCOPE OF SERVICES .............................................................................................................
3.1 Purpose
3.2 Core Program Areas and General Objectives of the Main Street Four Point
Approach(R)
3.3 Role, Scope and Authority of Contractor
3.4 Annual Budget Allocation
3.5 Negotiation of Final Scope of Work
3.6 Discretion of the City
4 CONTRACT TERMS ...............................................................................................................
4.1 Annual Cost Proposal
4.2 Annual City Budget Allocation
4.3 Mandatory Reporting
4.4 Community Engagement
4.5 Term of Contract
4.6 Payment by the City
4.7 Non-Discrimination
4.8 Assignment
4.9 Jurisdiction
4.10 Insurance
4.11 Indemnity and Hold Harmless
4.12 Intellectual Property
4.13 Force Majeure
4.14 Advertising
4.15 Cancellation
4.16 Applicability of North Carolina Public Records Law
4.17 Miscellaneous
4.18 Audit
4.19 E-Verify
4.20 Federal and State Legal Compliance
4.21 State Treasurer's List Regarding Iran and Boycott of Israel

1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
1.1 Background
The City of Lexington, NC (the "City") is seeking proposals from qualified organizations to
provide services that promote, maintain and enhance the City's Uptown Municipal Service
District ("MSD") and to work with the City and its staff and the MSD Community to achieve
mutually developed goals. We are sending out this Request for Proposals as required by
NCGS 160A-536 related to Municipal Service Districts.
1.2 Information about the City of Lexington
The City of Lexington (hereinafter referred to as the "City") is located on the I-85 Corridor
representing a growing area that connects large metropolitan regions. The mild climate,
diverse workforce and proximity to the Piedmont and Triad combine to make Lexington a
great place to live, work and play.
The community
Lexington, North Carolina, is a city that beautifully blends its historic charm with a newly
emerging and vibrant atmosphere. Nestled in the center of Davidson County, Lexington is a place
that proudly carries its heritage while embracing progress and growth. Lexington boasts a rich
history dating back to the 18th century, evident in its well-preserved architecture and landmarks.
Visitors and residents can explore the historic uptown, which features beautifully restored
buildings, creating a nostalgic and charming ambiance. Over the past decade, Lexington has
experienced a wave of development and revitalization. As a result, new businesses, restaurants,
and cultural offerings have emerged, breathing new life into the city and drawing both locals and
visitors to experience its transformation. The city's population (~ 20,000) and economy have
been steadily growing, making it an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking
opportunities and a vibrant community.
The vibrant Lexington community is swiftly establishing itself as a prominent nucleus for
employment opportunities in the heart of the Piedmont Triad Region. Strategically positioned at
a central nexus, the subject site enjoys the advantage of being just a mere 15-minute drive away
from numerous significant employment hubs. A testament to its rising stature, the City of
Lexington has garnered attention by securing the prestigious selection from Siemens Mobility to
house an international train manufacturing facility. This landmark decision not only underscores
the City's prowess but also promises a boost to the local economy and job market. Adding to its
momentum, the City has further expanded its horizons by annexing an expansive 700-acre tract
of land that is currently undergoing intensive development for industrial purposes, spearheaded
by the acclaimed Samet Construction. This progressive step is set to enhance the city's industrial
landscape and provide a fertile ground for economic growth. Within the vicinity, two prominent
industrial players are shaping the employment landscape. Egger Wood Products and the current
construction of Nucor not only stand as industrial powerhouses but also represent a wellspring of
job opportunities, collectively contributing to the generation of hundreds of jobs. In essence, the
Lexington community is not merely evolving; it is emerging as a dynamic force within the region,
fostering economic advancement, job proliferation, and a future brimming with potential.
3

Lexington's vibrant atmosphere is palpable, with a variety of events, festivals, and cultural
activities taking place throughout the year. From lively street markets to music festivals and art
exhibitions, there's always something happening to engage the community and visitors alike.
While embracing its history, Lexington has also shown a progressive attitude toward innovation
and modernization. The city actively supports local businesses and startups, fostering an
environment conducive to entrepreneurship and technological advancement. Lexington exudes
authenticity, from its friendly and welcoming locals to its traditional southern cuisine and
genuine sense of community. Visitors often find themselves immersed in a down-to-earth
atmosphere that celebrates its roots and traditions. Lexington, North Carolina, is a city that
strikes a perfect balance between preserving its heritage and embracing the future. It offers a
vibrant, growing community with an authentic spirit that makes it an inviting destination for
anyone looking to experience the best of both worlds.
The MSD
The North Carolina General Statutes, at Chapter 160A, Article 23 prescribe purposes for which a
Municipal Service District (MSD) may be established. A city council may define any number of
service districts in order to finance, provide, or maintain for the districts one or more services,
facilities, or functions in addition to or to a greater extent than those financed, provided or
maintained for the entire city. The statute provides that districts may be established for
purposes of downtown revitalization. Downtown revitalization projects are defined as
improvements, services, functions, promotions, and developmental activities intended to further
the public health, safety, welfare, convenience, and economic well-being of the central city or
uptown area.
The MSD consists of approximately 55.6 acres and is a broad mix of general commercial
properties, retailers, offices, restaurants, residential and bars that serve and cater to visitors,
professionals and resident population of the City. The City's vision for Uptown is a thriving
community crossroads that serves as a social, cultural and professional center of Lexington. A
map of all of the parcels included within the MSD is attached hereto as Exhibit A and
incorporated herein by reference.
A North Carolina municipal service district is a defined area in which the municipality's governing
board levies an additional property tax to provide enhanced services to the residents or
properties in the district. The additional tax collected can be used for functions specifically
defined in state statutes including downtown and urban revitalization. The City of Lexington has
one MSD in its uptown area.
In September, 2015, the NC State General Assembly adopted legislation impacting the process by
which cities contract with private and non-profit agencies to provide services within an MSD. The
legislation outlined certain contractual requirements including specifying the purposes for which
city funding is to be used in the MSD and appropriately accounting for the funding at the end of
each fiscal year.
4

The City desires to partner with a private or non-profit agency that has experience and expertise
managing a municipal service district, and the NC Main Street Program in a manner that
positively positions the City as an attractive vibrant destination for those who live, work and play
within the MSD through provisions of services that follow and utilize the Main Street(R) Philosophy
and Four Point Approach(R) of Organization, Design, Promotion and Economic Vitality in its uptown
revitalization efforts to enhance its status as a North Carolina Main Street community. In
addition to the foregoing these services will require a strong knowledge in providing services
within an uptown area, while understanding the needs for both commercial and residential
stakeholders. Also, required is a strong knowledge of local government practices, federal and
state regulations.
Program activities should result in an uptown that experiences increased marketing of its
uptown, reductions in building vacancies, increases in business activity, property values and the
number of uptown residents.
Subject to approval by the Lexington City Council, and subject to the availability of funding the
City expects to negotiate a contract for services with the selected agency during the month of
September, 2026.
1.3 RFP Response Time
The RFP process shall adhere to the following schedule.
RFP Process Date Time
Wednesday, 08/12
RFP Posted
Contractor's Written Questions Due Wednesday, 08/26 5:00 pm
City Responses to Contractor questions Tuesday, 09/01 5:00 pm
RFP Due Date/Time Wednesday, 09/09 5:00 pm
Note: All times shown as Eastern Standard Time (EST).
1.4 PreProposal Questions
Questions concerning the specifications and requirements of this Request for Proposals (RFP) shall
be submitted in writing to Purchasing Officer, Brith Smith at bssmith@lexingtonnc.gov no later
than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Responses to all questions received and any modifications to this RFP will be issued by formal
addendum. All addenda will be posted and made available to all prospective vendors no later
than 5:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the following link:
LINK TO DOWNLOAD ADDENDUMS: https://cloud.lexingtonnc.gov/s/wlEg5gcftJRFllb
No oral statement, explanation, interpretation or commitment made by any person shall be
binding or have any force or effect unless expressly incorporated into a written addendum
issued by the City. It is the responsibility of each vendor to access and review all addenda posted at
the link provided above and to acknowledge receipt of all addenda by signing and returning the required
documentation with its proposal submission.
5

1.5 Proposal Submission Requirements and Contact Information
Proposals shall be prepared and submitted in the format prescribed in Section (2) PROPOSALS.
Proposers must submit one (1) electronic copy of their proposal in PDF format via document
upload at the link provided below no later than 5:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Proposals received after the stated deadline will not be accepted or considered.
PROPOSAL UPLOAD LINK: https://cloud.lexingtonnc.gov/s/GwNQxcILCdduSJX
The City of Lexington reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, in whole or in part, and to
waive any informalities, irregularities, or technicalities when it is determined to be in the best
interest of the City to do so.
Any requirement of this RFP that a proposer cannot satisfy must be clearly identified and
explained within the proposal submission. Proposers are required to respond to all sections
and requirements of this Request for Proposals (RFP). Failure to provide complete responses or
required information may result in the proposal being deemed non-responsive and may
constitute grounds for disqualification.
1.6 Rights to Submitted Material
All proposals, responses, inquiries, or correspondence relating to or in reference to this RFP, and
all reports, charts, and other documentation submitted by Proposers (other than materials
submitted as and qualifying as trade secrets under North Carolina law) shall become the property
of the City when received and the entire proposal shall be subject to the public records laws of the
State of North Carolina except where a proper trade secrets exception has been made by the
Proposer in accordance with the procedures allowed by North Carolina law.
The City reserves the right to retain all proposals submitted and to use any ideas in a
proposal regardless of whether that proposal is selected. Submission of a proposal indicates
acceptance by the Proposer of the conditions contained in this Request for Proposal.
2 PROPOSALS
2.1 Proposal Content
Proposals must be clear, succinct, and not exceed thirty (30) pages in length. Responses must
follow the format outlined herein. The City may reject as nonresponsive at its sole discretion any
proposal or any part thereof that is incomplete, inadequate in its response, or departs in any
substantive way from the required format. Proposal responses shall be organized in the following
manner:
A. Cover Letter / Letter of Intent
B. Executive Summary
C. Project Understanding, Approach and Schedule
D. Team Organization, Experience and Certifications/Qualifications
E. Consultants and/or Subcontractors
F. References
G. Cost Proposal
H. Financial Statement (If Applicable)
I. Additional Proposal Requirements
A. Cover Letter/Letter of Intent
The cover letter shall be addressed to Mr. Britt Smith, Purchasing Officer. It may be up to two
pages (which do not count toward the 30page maximum) and, at a minimum, must contain
6

the following:
* Identification of organization, including name, address, email address and telephone number.
* Name, title, address, email address and telephone number of contact person during period of
proposal evaluation.
* A statement to the effect that the proposal shall remain valid for a period of not less
than 90 calendar days from the date of submittal.
* Signature of a person authorized to bind the Firm to the terms of the proposal.
B. Executive Summary
In a brief narrative, describe the overall approach and plans to meet the requirements of the
RFP. The intent of this narrative is to convey to the City that the Vendor understands the
nature of the work and the level of effort necessary to successfully provide the defined
services.
C. Project Understanding, Approach and Schedule
This section shall include, in narrative, outline, and/or graph form the vendor's approach to
accomplishing the tasks outlined in the Scope of Services section of this RFP. A description
of each task and deliverable and the schedule for accomplishing each shall be included.
D. Team Organization, Experience and Certifications/Qualifications
The information requested in this section should describe the qualifications of the firm and
key staff to demonstrate the Proposer's ability to perform the requested services. In
addition, include the following information:
* Experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel providing the
defined services.
* Resumes for proposed lead staff and previous work completed that is applicable.
* Team Organization Chart showing all firms, contractual relationship between firms, and
names of specific staff proposed for this project, including their titles. (Identify certified
Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) or Women Business Enterprises (WBE) firms, if any.)
* A summary of your firm's demonstrated capability, including length of time that your
firm has provided the type of services being requested in this RFP.
E. Consultants and/or Subcontractors
The City desires to enter a contract with one Proposer that will be responsible for all defined
services. If the Proposer plans on using consultants and/or subcontractors as part of its
implementation plan, then provide the company profile, name, address, email address and
telephone for all consultants and/or subcontractors providing support. Define the
responsibilities and give a description of services to be provided by consultants and/or
subcontractors. Describe the Firm's business and reporting relationship with any consultants
and/or subcontractors. Identify certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) or Women
Business Enterprises (WBE) firms, if any. Include references and resumes for all third party
consultants and/or subcontractors in the proposal. The City has the right to accept or reject
any changes made to the proposed project team members, including the use of consultants
and/or subcontractors.
F. References
The Proposer must provide a minimum of three references whom the City may contact
regarding qualifications and past performance (within 5 years). The City may randomly select
7

references to contact as part of the Proposer's evaluation process.
The following must be included for each reference:
a. Name of Organization and Contact
b. Title of Contact
c. Address (delivery and email)
d. Telephone Number(s)
G. Cost Proposal
Provide two (2) cost proposals in response to the Scope of Services:
1. A cost proposal based upon service levels achievable consistent with the most recent
funding allocation from the City; and
2. An alternative proposal that may include a proposed level of service that would require a
different funding allocation to achieve.
Cost Proposals should include at a minimum:
1. Itemized estimated cost to deliver each project requirement defined in the Scope of
Services;
2. Overhead cost estimates including proposed direct and indirect compensation by job title;
3. Subcontractor cost estimates (if any);
4. Other leveraged funds (any non-City sources of revenue).
The MSD funding allocation for fiscal year 2026 was $99,500.00.
H. Financial Statement
The vendor shall provide the following financial information:
Recent audited or reviewed financial statements prepared by an independent certified public
accountant (CPA) that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e.,
profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the audited or reviewed financial
statements were prepared more than six (6) months prior to the issuance of this RFP, the
vendor shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income
statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and
expenditures from the date of the audited or reviewed financial statements to the end of the
most recent financial reporting period (i.e., the quarter or month preceding the issuance date
of this RFP);or
Recent compiled financial statements prepared by an independent CPA that shall include, at a
minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow
statement and, if the compiled financial statements were prepared more than three (3) months
prior to the issuance of this RFP, the vendor shall submit its most recent internal financial
statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries
reflecting revenues and expenditures to date), and other evidence of financial stability such as
most recently filed income tax return, evidence of a line of credit/loans/other type of financing
with statement of amount in use/outstanding balance (e.g., a complete copy commitment letter,
loan agreement, billing statement reflecting the line of credit or statement from lender
acknowledging the commitment to fund the vendor's stated financing), performance bond,
personal guaranty with copies of personal income tax filing and statement of net worth or such
other evidence that is accurate, reliable and trustworthy regarding the vendor's financial
stability.
8

Recent shall be defined as financial statements that were prepared within the 12 months
preceding the issuance date of this RFP.
Consolidated financial statements of the vendor's parent or related corporation/business
entity shall not be considered, unless: (1) the vendor's actual financial performance for the
designated period is separately identified in and/or attached to the consolidated statements;
(2) the parent or related corporation/business entity provides the State with a document
wherein the parent or related corporation/business entity will be financially responsible for
the vendor's performance of the contract and the consolidated statement demonstrates the
parent or related corporation's/business entity's financial ability to perform the contract,
financial stability and/or such other financial considerations identified in the evaluation
criteria; and/or (3) vendor provides its own internally prepared financial statements and such
other evidence of its own financial stability identified above.
The vendor's failure to provide any of the abovereferenced financial statements or failure to
submit all the requested financial statements may result in the rejection of the vendor's
proposal and rejection is more likely to occur if other vendors provide financial documentation
in compliance with the foregoing provisions. Vendors are also encouraged to explain any
negative financial information in its financial statements and are encouraged to provide
documentation supporting those explanations.
All financial information, statements and/or documents are provided in response to this
proposal
requirement shall be kept confidential, IF THE VENDOR COMPLIES WITH PARAGRAPH 13 OF
THE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SUBMITTING PROPOSALS BY MARKING THE FINANCIAL
INFORMATION, STATEMENTS AND/OR DOCUMENTS CONFIDENTIAL.
I. Additional Proposal Requirements
Items included on the list of additional proposal requirements may be a reiteration of
information included in previous sections. Proposer should reference if a response to one of
the following is included in a separate section.
* Proposer shall:
o Describe the service levels provided to deliver defined services, such as
frequency and methods used.
o Provide measurable and quantifiable metrics that support outlined services and that
will measure success.
o Discuss the mechanism(s) the organization will use for ongoing feedback on services.
o Discuss how the organization will leverage funding from other sources.
o Examine board composition and membership to identify actual or perceived
conflicts of interest. If needed, include proposed changes to board membership to
avoid conflicts of interest.
o Examine board composition for inclusiveness of residents, tenants and property owners of
both small and large businesses.
o At minimum, maintain an office in the Lexington Uptown District that is staffed
during normal business hours, Monday - Friday.
o Follow NCGS 160A-536 including but not limited to submitting a yearly report
and presentation to City Council.
o Address the development of a longterm strategic plan for the MSD.
* Outline the desired mix of goods and services offered in the MSD.
* Outline priority of work/efforts needed in the MSD
* Include a retail economic strategy that considers diversity of retail choices.
* Structure annual work plan and metrics to align with the MSD strategic plan
9

goals and objectives and align with the City's annual budget process.
2.2 Evaluation Criteria
This is not a bid. There will not be a public bid opening. Proposals will be evaluated based on but
not necessarily limited to the following criteria:
Criteria Weights
Qualifications and experience of the proposed
30%
team members for the requested services
Overall quality and detail of submittal and
25%
demonstrated understanding of scope of
services
Time required to implement all aspects of the
20%
scope of services and ability to measure and report
on future success
Demonstration of prior successes with similar
15%
services and projects
Proposed Cost 10%
2.3 Final Selection
A team, comprised of City staff, will be responsible for the proposal evaluations. This team, in
accordance with the criteria listed above, will evaluate all proposals received as specified. The
City team members, in applying the major criteria to the proposals, may consider additional
subcriteria beyond those listed. During the evaluation period, the City of Lexington reserves the
right to interview firms if it is determined to be beneficial in determining the top firm.
The final selection will be the firm which, in the City's opinion, is the most responsive and
responsible, meets the City's requirements in providing this service, and is in the City's best
interest. The City maintains the sole and exclusive right to evaluate the merits of the proposals
received.
Firms will be objectively evaluated based on their responses to the project scope outlined in the
RFP. The written proposal should clearly demonstrate how the firm could best satisfy the
requirements of City.
Price quoted must be held firm for 90 days after the RFP is due. The City reserves the right to
make an award without further discussion of the proposal submitted. The City shall not be
bound or in any way obligated until both parties have executed a contract. The City also
reserves the right to delay the award of a contract or to not award a contract. The RFP may be
awarded by individual task or total proposal, whichever is most advantageous to the City.
The general conditions and specifications of the RFP and the selected proposal, as amended by
agreement between the City and the Contractor including email or written correspondence
relative to the RFP, may become part of the contract documents. Failure of the Contractor to
perform as represented may result in elimination of the Contractor from competition or in
contract cancellation or termination. The Proposer selected will be notified by telephone.
10