Solicitation:
Title:
REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS
RFP 25-26-048
“Retail and Commercial Development Consultant”
Pre- Proposal
Pre-Proposal Meeting will be Wednesday April 8,2026 at 11:00 AM at
3rd 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
Last Day for Questions: E-Mail questions to purchasing@danvilleva.gov by no later than
Wednesday April 22,2026 at 4:00PM
Proposal Closing
Date:
Sealed proposals shall be accepted no later
Wednesday May 6, 2026, at 4:00PM
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
Procedures
Inquiries to:
Project Owner:
Carol Henley, Director of Purchasing
(434) 799-6528
purchasing@danvilleva.gov
Corrie Bobe, Director, Danville Office of Economic Development and Tourism,
corrie.bobe@discoverdanville.com
RFP 25-26-048
“Retail and Commercial Development Consultant”
1.0 Intent:
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
1.2 Deadline
Sealed Proposals shall be submitted no later than Wednesday May 6,2026, at 4:00PM
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.
1.3 Pre-Bid Conference: Pre-Bid Monday April 8,2026 at 11:00 AM at
3rd 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
1.4 Bid Inquiries: The last day for questions will be
Wednesday April 22,2026 by 5:00PM
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
2.0 Scope of Work:
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,
methodology, and deliverables associated with each task outlined below.
1. Market Analysis
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
groups) is proposed. Deliverables shall include a written summary and supporting data suitable
for City use.
2. Strategic Marketing & Recruitment Plan
The consultant 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
scope, format, and level of production should be clearly described.
3. Operator Recruitment
The consultant 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
operating agreements, but proposers should describe any support provided through the
pre-commitment or letter-of-interest stage.
4. Developer Engagement
The consultant shall support engagement with commercial and mixed-use developers capable of
delivering 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.
Transactional negotiation is not expected unless explicitly proposed.
5. Site Readiness & Coordination
The consultant 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
modeling or conceptual site layout assessments.
6. Implementation Strategy and Measurement
The consultant shall deliver an implementation framework that enables the City to carry forward
recruitment 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
are included, or whether the deliverable is limited to a handoff playbook for City implementation.
3.0 SUPPLEMENTAL GENERAL CONDITIONS
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.
3.2 Award:
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:
A. The Director of Purchasing as the designee of the City Manager has the sole responsibility
and authority for negotiating, placing, and when necessary, RFP-25-26-048 “Retail and
Commercial Development Consultant” 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:
A. Proposals will not be accepted both electronically and on paper. Each must choose only
one method of submission to avoid any confusion or duplication of entries. The latest
dated and time stamped bid will be the only bid accepted and evaluated. 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.
Paper Submission: Proposals must be written in ink or typewritten. Envelopes must be
sealed and marked in the lower left-hand corner RFP 25-26-048 “Retail and
Commercial Development Consultant” and submitted to the office indicated on the
title page. Proposals (2 copies required)
This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.