RFP-25-26-048-Retail and Commercial Development Consultant

REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
RFP 25-26-048
Solicitation:
"Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
Title:
Wednesday April 8,2026 11:00 AM
Pre- Proposal Pre-Proposal Meeting will be at at
rd
3 Floor Conference Room in the Municipal Building at
427 Patton Street Danville, VA 24541 and on Microsoft Teams:
RFP-25-26-048Pre-Bid
Meeting Id: 247 834 761 431 71
Passcode: Ac2do7sD
Wednesday April 22,2026 at 4:00PM
Last Day for Questions: E-Mail questions to purchasing@danvilleva.gov by no later than
Wednesday May 6, 2026, at 4:00PM
Proposal Closing Sealed proposals shall be accepted no later
Date:
Mail or Hand-Deliver to:
Purchasing Department
427 Patton Street, Room 304
Danville, VA 24541
Electronic Proposals will be accepted on eVA (https://eva.virginia.gov )
Direct Proposal Carol Henley, Director of Purchasing
Procedures (434) 799-6528
Inquiries to: purchasing@danvilleva.gov
Corrie Bobe, Director, Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism,
Project Owner:
corrie.bobe@discoverdanville.com

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
Intent:
1.0
It is the intent of this RFP for The City of Danville's Office of Economic Development and
Tourism to seek proposals from qualified consulting firms to lead a comprehensive retail
consulting and recruitment initiative focused on strengthening the City's commercial offerings,
including retail, food & beverage, and entertainment uses. The selected consultant will provide a
combination of market analysis, strategic planning, and recruitment support designed to position
the City competitively for new commercial investment. The overarching goal is to create vibrant,
accessible commercial districts that support economic vitality, enhance quality of life, and position
Danville as a regional destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
1.1 Submit invoice(s) to:
City of Danville
Accounts Payable
PO Box 3300
Danville, VA 24543
Attention : Corrie Bobe, Economic Development and Tourism
Deadline
1.2 Wednesday May 6,2026, at 4:00PM
Sealed Proposals shall be submitted no later than
to City of Danville
Purchasing Department
: Attn.: Carol Henley
427 Patton Street, Room 304
Danville, VA 24541
Proposals will not be accepted both electronically and on paper. The Proposal with the latest
time stamp received prior to the due date and time will be evaluated for each Bidder.
April 8,2026 at 11:00 AM
1.3 Pre-Bid Conference: Pre-Bid Monday at
rd
3 Floor Conference Room in the Municipal Building at 427 Patton Street and on
Microsoft
RFP-25-26-048Pre-Bid
Meeting Id: 247 834 761 431 71
Passcode: Ac2do7sD
Wednesday April 22,2026 by 5:00PM
1.4 Bid Inquiries: The last day for questions will be
Email Carol Henley at purchasing@danvilleva.gov

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
1.5 Owner's Representative: Corrie Bobe, Economic Development and Tourism
Scope of Work:
2.0
The City of Danville's Office of Economic Development and Tourism is seeking proposals
from qualified consulting firms to lead a comprehensive retail consulting and recruitment
initiative focused on strengthening the City's commercial offerings, including retail, food &
beverage, and entertainment uses. The selected consultant will provide a combination of market
analysis, strategic planning, and recruitment support designed to position the City competitively
for new commercial investment. This initiative will encompass the entire City of Danville, with
particular emphasis on the Schoolfield Historic District and the River District, including the Dan
River Falls complex. Proposers should clearly describe their proposed level of effort,
m1. eMthaordkoelto Agyn, aalnyds idse liverables associated with each task outlined below.
The * consultant shall conduct a detailed market analysis to inform retail and commercial
recruitment efforts. At a minimum, this analysis shall include:
* Assessment of existing retail, food & beverage, and entertainment inventory within the
City and relevant competitive markets.
* Analysis of demographic, workforce, visitor, and consumer spending data at a level of
* granularity appropriate to support operator recruitment.
Identification of market gaps, leakage, and opportunity categories by use type.
Competitive landscape analysis, including peer communities and comparable districts.
Proposals should specify data sources to be used (public, proprietary, or third-party), the depth
of analysis, and whether primary data collection (e.g., stakeholder interviews, surveys, or focus
g roups) is proposed. Deliverables shall include a written summary and supporting data suitable
f2o. rS Ctritayt eugsiec. Marketing & Recruitment Plan
The con*s ultant shall develop a strategic marketing and recruitment plan to guide the City's retail
and commercial recruitment efforts. This plan shall:
* Define target retail, dining, and entertainment categories and concepts aligned with
market demand and community goals.
* Establish positioning, messaging, and outreach strategies for priority districts and
sites.
Recommend branding and promotional approaches specifically for recruitment
purposes.
Proposals must clearly state whether the consultant's role is limited to strategy and
recommendations or includes development of professional marketing collateral and direct
execution of outreach efforts. If collateral development or campaign execution is proposed, the
s3c. oOppee, froartmora tR, eacnrdu lietvmeel onft production should be clearly described.
The* c onsultant shall support operator recruitment efforts consistent with the approved strategy.
At a minimum, this shall include:
Identification of national, regional, and local retail, food & beverage, and entertainment
concepts aligned with the City's market profile.

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
*
Preparation of target and prospect lists by use category and district.
Proposals must clearly define what "actively recruit" entails, such as direct outreach to operators
or site selectors, coordination with brokers, participation in industry events, or facilitation of
meetings. The City does not expect the consultant to negotiate or execute binding lease or
o perating agreements, but proposers should describe any support provided through the
p4r. eD-ecovmelmopitemr eEnntg oarg leemtteern-ot f-interest stage.
The* c onsultant shall support engagement with commercial and mixed-use developers capable of
deliv* ering spaces suitable for retail, dining, and entertainment tenants. This may include:
* Identifying and cultivating relationships with developers aligned with the City's goals.
Facilitating introductions between developers, property owners, brokers, and City staff.
Advising on catalytic development opportunities within targeted districts, particularly the
River District and Schoolfield Historic District.
Proposals should clarify the level of engagement proposed, such as lead generation, networking
facilitation, organization of tours or meetings, or advisory support related to project positioning.
5T.r aSnitsea cRteioandailn neesgso &ti aCtoioonr disi nnaotti oexnp ected unless explicitly proposed.
The* c onsultant shall provide recommendations to improve site readiness and support tenant and
developer decision-making. This may include:
* Identification of physical, regulatory, or infrastructure considerations affecting priority
sites.
* Coordination with City staff, property owners, brokers, and developers to align
expectations.
High-level recommendations related to site improvements or sequencing.
Proposals should clarify whether site readiness recommendations are limited to strategic
guidance and coordination or include pre-development analysis, such as high-level financial
m6. oIdmeplilnegm oern ctoantcioepnt Sutarl astieteg yla ayonudt Masesaessusmreemntesn. t
The* c onsultant shall deliver an implementation framework that enables the City to carry forward
recr*u itment efforts. This shall include:
A phased roadmap outlining recommended actions, responsibilities, and timelines.
* Defined success metrics and performance indicators (e.g., prospect activity, meetings
conducted, sites positioned, deliverables completed).
Recommended tools or processes for tracking progress.
Proposals should specify whether post-delivery support, progress tracking, or periodic check-ins
SUaPreP iLnEcMluEdNedT,A oLr wGEhNetEhReAr tLh CeO dNelDivIeTrIaObNleS is limited to a handoff playbook for City implementation.
3.0
3.1 Compliance: This procurement process is governed by the "Procurement Code of
the City of Danville, Virginia". Copies of the Procurement Code may be obtained by writing

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
the City of Danville, Purchasing Department, PO Box 3300, Danville, Virginia 24543.The City
of Danville's "Standard Requirements & Instructions for Bidding", Version 3.0, dated July 1,
2025. Copies may be obtained from the Purchasing Office or by downloading from the City's
website "Finance Department, Purchasing Division.
3.2Award:
A. The award will be made to the best responsive bidder, with consideration given to
completion time.
B. If a scoring matrix will be used in the evaluation, it will be shared in this solicitation.
C. The City reserves the right to reject any or all offers and to waive informalities and minor
irregularities in offers received.
D. The award will be made to the proposal conforming to the RFP and will be most
advantageous to the City.
3.3 Authority:
RFP-25-26-048 "Retail and
A. TCohme Dmireercctioarl oDf ePvuerlcohpamsinegn at sC tohnes duelstaignnte"e of the City Manager has the sole responsibility
and authority for negotiating, placing, and when necessary,
modifying each and every proposal, purchase
order or other award issued by the City of Danville. In the discharge of these
responsibilities, the Director of Purchasing may be assisted by assigned buyers. No other
City officer or employee is authorized to order supplies or services, enter into purchase
negotiations, or in any way obligate the government of the City of Danville for any
indebtedness. Any purchases contrary to these provisions and authorities shall be void
and the City shall not be bound thereby.
B. This procurement process, including withdrawal of Proposals and appeal or protests, is
governed by the "PROCUREMENT CODE OF THE CITY OF DANVILLE, VIRGINIA". Copies of the
Procurement Code may be obtained by writing the City of Danville Purchasing Department,
427 Patton St. Room 304, Danville, Virginia 24541 and by downloading from the City's
website, Finance Department, Purchasing Division. The City of Danville does not discriminate
against faith-based organizations.
3.4 Method of Proposal Submission:
The latest
A. Pdraotepdos aanlsd w tiimll en ostt abme paeccde bpitded w bilolt bhe e tlehcet roonnliyc ablildy aacncde opnte pda apnerd. eEvaachlu matuesdt. choose only
one method of submission to avoid any confusion or duplication of entries.
No bid may
be considered if received after the time shown on the title page. The allowable methods
for submitting are electronic and paper submission.
RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and
Paper Submission: Proposals must be written in ink or typewritten. Envelopes must be
Commercial Development Consultant"
sealed and marked in the lower left-hand corner
Proposals
and submitted to the office indicated on the
title page. (2 copies required)

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
B. Electronic Submission: Bidders who choose to submit their Proposals electronically must
ensure that they are registered on eVA at. https://eva.virginia.gov Proposals can be
found under the Business Opportunities Tab > Virginia Business Opportunities (VBO).
Search RFP 25-26-048. When addenda are issued, suppliers that have submitted an
electronic response will have to RESUBMIT their response to the latest version of the
solicitation.
C. Bidders are expected to examine all instructions, specifications, drawings, sites,
installations, etc. Failure to do so will be at the Bidder's risk. Erasures or other changes
must be initialed by the person signing the bid.
3.5 Permits:
The Vendor shall, at his own expense, secure any business or professional licenses, permits, or
fees required by the City of Danville or Commonwealth of Virginia.
3.6Proposals Binding 90 Days: Unless otherwise specified, all formal Proposals submitted shall
be binding for ninety (90) calendar days following bid-opening date.
3.7 Equal Employment:
Du ring the performance of this contract, the Vendor agrees as follows:
A. The Firm will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of
race, religion, color, sex, or national origin, except where religion, sex, or national origin is a bona
fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the Vendor. The
Vendor agrees to post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for
employment, notices setting forth the provisions for this non-discrimination clause.
B. The Firm also shall not discriminate against any handicapped person in violation of any
state or federal law or regulation and shall also post in conspicuous places, available to
employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the provisions of this
additional non-discrimination clause.
C. The Firm, in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of
the Vendor, will state that such Vendor is an equal opportunity employer.
D. Notices, advertisements, and solicitations placed in accordance with Federal law, rule or
regulation shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of meeting the requirements of this
article.
E. The Firm will otherwise comply with all other applicable provisions of local, State, and
Federal law.
F. The City of Danville does not discriminate against faith-based organizations.
3.8 Drug Free Workplace:
Du ring the performance of this contract, the Firm agrees to:
A. Provide a drug-free workplace for the Firm employees.

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
B. Post in conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, a
statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution,
dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited in
the Firm's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for
violations of such prohibition.
C. State in all solicitations or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the
Vendor that the Vendor maintains a drug-free workplace.
D. Include the provisions of the foregoing clauses in every subcontract or purchase order of
or over $10,000, so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or
vendor. "Drug-free workplace" means a site for the performance of work done in
connection with a specific contract awarded to a Vendor in accordance with Chapter 43,
the employees of whom are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale,
distribution, dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or marijuana
during the performance of the contract.
State law reference(s) - Authority, Code of Virginia 2.2-4312
3.9 Indemnification:
A. The Firm shall indemnify, keep and save harmless the City, its agents, officials and employees,
against all injuries, deaths, loss, damages, claims, patent claims, suits, liabilities, judgments, costs and
expenses, which may in anywise accrue against the City, its agents, officials and employees in
consequence of the granting of this contract or which may in anyway result therefrom, whether or
not it shall be alleged or determine that the act was caused through negligence or omission of the
Firm or his employees, or of the subcontractor or their employees, if any, and the Firm shall, at their
own expense, appear, defend and pay all charges of attorneys and other expenses arising therefrom
or incurred in connection therewith, and, if any judgment shall be rendered against the City in any
such action, the Firm shall, at his own expense, satisfy and discharge the same. The Firm expressly
understands and agrees that any performance bond or insurance protection required by this
contract, or otherwise provided by the Firm, shall in no way limit the responsibility to indemnify,
keep and save harmless and defend the City, its agents, officials, and employees as herein provided.
The Firm shall have charge and control of the entire work until its completion and acceptance by the
City.
B. The Firm shall assume all risks and responsibilities for casualties of every description in
connection with the work, except that he shall not be held liable or responsible for delays or damage
to the work caused by acts of God, acts of Public enemy, acts of Government, quarantine restrictions,
general strikes through the trade, or by freight embargoes not caused or participated in by the Firm.
The Firm shall have charge and control of the entire work until completion and acceptance of the
same by the City.
C. The Firm shall alone be liable and responsible for, and shall pay, any and all loss or damage
sustained by any person or party either during the performance or subsequent to the completion of
the work under this agreement by reason of injuries to persons and damage to property, buildings,
and adjacent work, that may occur either during the performance of the work covered by this
contract or that may be sustained as a result R of or in consequence thereof, irrespective of whether
or not such injury or damage be due to negligence or the inherent nature of the work.
D. The Firm shall bear all losses resulting from the amount or character of the work being
different, or because the nature of the premises on which the work is done is different from what
was expected, or on account of the weather, or similar other causes.

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
3.10
Insurance:
The Firm shall not commence work under this contract until they have obtained all the insurance
required hereunder and such insurance has been approved by the City; nor shall the Firm allow any
Subcontractor to commence work on his subcontract until all similar insurance has been obtained and
approved. Approval of the insurance by the City shall not relieve or decrease the liability of the Firm
hereunder.
A. Worker's Compensation including Occupational Disease and Employer's Liability Insurance: The
Firm shall take out and maintain during the life of this Contract Workers' Compensation and Employer's
Liability Insurance for all of their employees to be engaged in work on the project under this contract in
an amount no less than the minimum allowed by the State Corporation Commission, and in case of such
work is sublet, the Firm shall require the Subcontractor similarly to provide Workers' Compensation
and Employer's Liability Insurance for all of the latter's employees to be engaged in such work.
B. Comprehensive General Liability Insurance: The Firm shall maintain during the life of this Contract
comprehensive general liability insurance as shall protect him, the City of Danville and its offices, agents
and employees, and any Subcontractors performing work covered by this Contract from claims for
damage for personal injury, including death, as well as from claims for property damage, which may
arise from operations under this Contract, whether such operations by himself or by any Subcontractor,
or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by either of them. The amount of such insurance shall not
be less than a combination single limit of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence on bodily injury and property
damage and $1,000,000.00 aggregate on completed operations. The comprehensive general liability
insurance provide the following coverage:
C. Automobile liability insurance minimum combined single limits of $1,000,000.00 for any one person
and subject to the same limit for each person, $1,000,000 on account of any one accident. This insurance
shall include bodily injury and property damage for the following vehicles: Owned Vehicles Non-Owned
Vehicles Hired Vehicles
D. Umbrella Policy. At the option of the Firm, primary limits may be less than required, with an umbrella
policy providing the additional limits needed. This form of insurance will be acceptable provided that
the primary and umbrella policies both provide the insurance coverages herein required. However, any
umbrella policy must have minimum coverage limits of $3,000,000.00.
E. Professional Liability - $1,000,000.00 per occurrence
F. To the fullest extent permitted by law, a Waiver of Subrogation Clause shall be added to the General
Liability, Automobile, Excess or Umbrella and Workers Compensation policies in favor of the City of
Danville and shall apply to it Owners officers, agents and employees, with respect to all Projects during
the policy term.
G. Prior to commencement of Work on any individual Project, the Firm shall submit a Certificate of
Insurance in favor of the City of Danville and an Additional Insured Endorsement (in a form acceptable
to the City) as required hereunder. The Firm's Insurance policies shall provide for thirty (30) days'
notice to City for cancellation or any change in coverage and be evidenced by the Certificate of
Insurance. Copies of insurance policies shall promptly be made available to the City upon request.
H. The City of Danville, along with their respective officers, agents and employees, shall be named as
additional insureds.

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
I. Certificate holder should read as follows:
The City of Danville
427 Patton Street
Danville, VA 24541
A. dimensions on Drawings shall govern over scale dimensions and detailed drawings shall govern
over general drawings.
3.11 Novation:
The Firm shall not assign or transfer, whether by an Assignment or Novation, any
of its rights, duties, benefits, obligations, liabilities or responsibilities under this Contract
without the written consent of the City; provided, however, that assignments to banks,
trust companies or other financial institutions for the purpose of securing bond may be
made without the consent of the City. Assignment or Novation of this Contract shall not be
valid unless the Assignment or Novation expressly provides that the assignment of any of
the Firm's rights or benefits under the Contract is subject to a prior lien for labor
performed, services rendered and materials, tools and equipment supplied for the
performance of the work under this Contract in favor of all persons, firms or corporations
rendering such labor or services or supplying such materials, tools and equipment
3.12 Observance of Laws:
The Firm at all times shall observe and comply with all Federal, State and City laws,
bylaws, ordinances and regulations in any manner affecting the conduct of the work or
applying to employees on the project, as well as all orders or decrees which have been
promulgated or enacted, by any legal bodies or tribunals having authority or jurisdiction
over the work materials, employees or contract. The Vendor does not and shall not
during the performance of the contract for goods and services in the Commonwealth;
knowingly employs an unauthorized alien as defined in the federal Immigration Reform
and Control Act of 1986. Vendor shall prohibit the use of forced or indentured child
labor in the performance of the contract and requiring that the Vendor include such
prohibition in every subcontract or purchase order that exceeds $10,000, so that the
prohibition will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. Vendor agrees that all
information technology (IT), including web-based applicaWtioCnAsG, s 2o.f1tw Laervee, la AnAd dsuigcictaels s
ccorintteerniat, provided under this contract must conform to the Revised Section 508
Standards (29 U.S.C. 794d) and, specifically, must meet
. Vendor shall provide a completed Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
(VPAT/ACR) and a Vendor Accessibility Roadmap, demonstrating compliance prior to
final acceptance.
3.13 Performance:
In case of default by the Vendor, the City may procure the commodity or services from
other sources and hold the Vendor responsible for any excess costs occasioned thereby.
3.14 Subcontracts:
Firm may subcontract services to be performed hereunder with the prior approval of the
City, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. No such approval will be construed as making
the City a part of, or to such subcontract, or subjecting the City to liability of any kind to any
subcontractor. No subcontract shall, under any circumstances, relieve the Firm of its liability and

RFP 25-26-048 "Retail and Commercial Development Consultant"
obligation under this contract; and despite any such subcontracting the City shall deal through the Firm,
and subcontractors will be dealt with as representatives of the Firm.
3.15 Suspension of Work:
The work may be suspended by the City when deemed in the best interest of the City.
3.16 Termination:
If the Contractor fails to begin the work under this contract within the time specified, of fails
to perform the work with sufficient workmen and equipment or with sufficient materials to insure the
completion of said work within the specified time, or shall perform the work in an unsatisfactory manner,
or shall neglect or refuse to remove materials or perform anew such work as shall discontinue the
prosecution of the work, or if the Contractor shall become insolvent or be declared bankrupt, or shall
commit any act of bankruptcy or insolvency, or shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or
from any other cause whatsoever shall not carry out the work in an acceptable manner, the City shall give
notice in writing to the Contractor and his surety of such failure, delay, neglect, refusal, or default,
specifying the same and if the contractor, within a period of seven days after such notice, shall not proceed
in accordance therewith, then the City Manager acting for and on behalf of the City shall, upon receipt of
a written certificate from the Engineer of the fact of such failure, delay, neglect, refusal, or default and of
failure of the Contractor to comply with such notice, have full power and authority to declare the forfeiture
of this contract, and to forfeit the rights of the Contractor in this contract, and the City Manager at this
option may call upon the surety to complete the work in accordance with the terms of this contract or
may have the City take over the terms of this contract or may have the City take over the work, including
any or all materials and equipment on the ground as may be suitable and acceptable to the City and may
complete the work by or on its own employees, or may enter into a new contract for the completion of the
work, or may use such other methods as in the opinion of the City Manager shall be required for the
completion of the work in an acceptable manner. All costs and charges incurred by the City, together with
the cost of completing the work, shall be deducted from any monies due or which may become due on this
contract. In case the expense so incurred by the City shall be less than the sum which would have been
payable under this contract if it had been completed by the Vendor and had not been forfeited by the City,
then the Vendor shall be entitled to receive the difference, subject to any claims of liens thereon which
may have been filed with the City or any prior assignment filed with it. In case such expense shall exceed
the sum, which would have been payable under this contract, the Vendor and the surety shall be liable
and shall pay the City the amount of such excess.
4.0 Proposal Requirements:
To be considered for selection, responding firms must submit a complete proposal that includes the
follow iFnigr mco mQupoanliefinctast: ions and Relevant Experience
o
1.
Overview of the firm's history, areas of expertise, and experience in retail, food &
o
beverage, and entertainment recruitment.
Demonstrated success in similar sized communities, particularly in mixed-use and historic
Project Tdeisatmrict development.
o
2.
o
Bios and roles of key team members who will be assigned to this project.
Description of each member's relevant experience and responsibilities.