PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR

PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF THE

SMITH-WILLS STADIUM 1200 LAKELAND DRIVE JACKSON, MS 39216

October 31, 2018

REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF SMITH WILLS STADIUM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section I Introduction / Invitation Page 3 Section II Mission Page 4 Section III Purpose Page 4 Section IV Criteria For Selection Pages 4 -6 Section V Scope of Work and Services Page 6 – 7 Section VI Background – Smith Wills Stadium Facts Pages 7 – 8 Section VII Amenities Page 8 – 11 Section VIII Submittal Requirements Page 12 Section IX Review, Evaluation, Selection and Contract Award Page 13 Section X Submittal Instructions Pages 14 – 15 Section XI Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan Application Pages 16 – 27 Section XII General Terms & Conditions Pages 28

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REQUEST FOR PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT SERVICES OF SMITH WILLS STADIUM

SECTION II – MISSION

The mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to enhance the overall physical and recreational needs of the public by promoting the quality of life and positive recreational programming through coaching, teaching, mentoring, preserving, protecting and enhancing its park lands and public green spaces. In addition, working to encourage the redevelopment and economic expansion of the City of Jackson, the Department of Parks and Recreation owns and/or manages various sports and entertainment venues, including Smith Wills Stadium and is charged with providing visitors with a quality recreational, educational and entertainment experience.

The Department of Parks and Recreation will utilize its expertise to assist the City of Jackson with the management and promotion of Smith Wills Stadium, through the Request For Professional Management Services process.

SECTION III – PURPOSE

The Department of Parks And Recreation is seeking such Professional Management Service packets on behalf of the City of Jackson from individuals, firms and/or organizations authorized to do business in the State of Mississippi who are interested in:

 Introducing new and innovative ideas to help increase interest, attendance, and revenue.  Committed to improve stadium facilities.  Implement a re-imagined visitor experience.  Provide venue management through sales, marketing, event booking and programming.  Offer food and beverage operations through concessions and catering companies.

Submissions will be reviewed by the Department of Parks And Recreation, and awarded with an assessment to the Mayor and City Council for final consideration and action.

IV – CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

Selection will be based on a multi-faceted organization, with core specialized responsibilities in stadium management, including event management.

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Creation and/or introduction of capital improvement projects to improve the Stadium’s facilities and events; consistently updating to reflect new changes. Be willing to enter into an agreement and lease for a period of five (5) years.

 The rent for the premises will be $______per year totaling $______for a period of five (5) years.

 The selected Manager/Lessee must be willing to pay the City of Jackson 30% of all revenue on ticketed sales events.

 The selected Manager/Lessee must pay the City Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000.00) per quarter.

 Ensure all independent contracts/contractors are required to list obtain a Certificate of Liability Insurance, listing the City of Jackson as co-insured.

The party will also lease the City’s personal property located at the Smith Wills Stadium

Including the following: a) All equipment, accessories, parts, supplies, furniture, tools, vehicles and personal property of any nature whatever, which are presently used by, or at Smith Wills Stadium. b) Upon Termination of any agreement, the selected Manager/Lessee ceasing to manage or operate the stadium, will transfer and convey all property back to the City of Jackson, together with all added improvements and fixtures, in like condition as when conveyed, normal wear and tear excepted. Forward thinking analysis considering the Stadium’s Mission, Vision Goals and Objectives, to improve existing structures and site conditions, provide financial sustainability, conservation, to educate and ensure quality visitor experiences by all.

The selected Manager/Lessee will have the right to plan, operate and supervise the Stadium with the City’s direction and input. They shall have the ability to control, the right to plan, supervise, manage and operate the Stadium. They shall have the authority and right to construct, alter and improve buildings or structures with the written consent and permission of the Mayor or his Designee. They shall have the authority to raise admission fees, with the written approval of the Mayor or his Designee.

Subject to the written consent of the Mayor, the selected Manager/Lessee shall have the right, subject to the written approval and consent of the Mayor or his Designee the authority to sell, buy, lease, trade and otherwise acquire or dispose of personal property or equipment. Subject to receiving prior approval/written consent of the Mayor the selected Manager/Lessee may also destroy or tear down buildings or structures in accordance with its planning, and the vision of the City of Jackson.

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The selected Manager/Lessee shall provide the City with an annual audit of the operation, management and financial condition of the Stadium prepared by an independent certified public accountant, in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles, and will allow the City or its representative reasonable access to all financial records and documents.

The selected Manager/Lessee will have the authority to operate or to cause to be operated, concessions on the Stadium property. Any profits derived by the selected Manager/Lessee from concessions, gate receipts or otherwise, over and above operational expenses which, shall be presented to the City via audit, shall be divided with the City receiving 30% and the selected Manager/Lessee 70%.

Manager/Lessee will provide all internal security and all security deemed necessary for special events.

The selected Manager/Lessee shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or handicap. The selected Manager/Lessee agrees to develop and utilize an employee grievance procedure for all its employees. The selected Manager/Lessee agrees to develop written personnel rules, regulations and policies in accordance with sound personnel and management principles.

SECTION V – SCOPE OF WORK AND SERVICES

The City seeks to increase the number and type of events held at Smith-Wills Stadium, as well as to increase attendance at all events, while preserving and enhancing access to the facility for scholastic, amateur, and community sporting and other events. In order to accomplish this objective, the selected Manager/Lessee may develop agreement(s) with professional and/or collegiate sports team(s) to utilize Smith-Wills Stadium as their game location.

The Manager/Lessee must support the mission, vision and goals of the City of Jackson, Department of Parks and Recreation and understand they serve the City of Jackson.

Scope of Work and Services will be based on applicants’ plans to ensure and provide the following:

1) Experience in managing, operating, maintaining and marketing the stadium with respect to the day-to-day operations;

2) Ability to market, book, promote and develop a wide variety of civic, community, athletic, educational, cultural and commercial events and activities at the stadium;

3) Ability to provide quality maintenance of the Stadium, in a safe, well maintained and sanitary condition;

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4) Enhance the quality of experience of all patrons attending all events at the Stadium;

5) Maximize the number of events at the Stadium;

6) Maximize attendance at events;

7) Maximize the positive economic impacts and employment opportunities from the Stadium;

8) Make the Stadium an attractive venue to book a wide-variety of local, regional and national events;

9) Plan and organize all sports and special events;

10) Secure sport teams as short or long term tenants;

11) Provide financial reporting to the City with timely execution of recording and reporting the results of operations on a quarterly basis; providing annual financial statement preparation and reporting;

12) Oversee the utilization of venues, finances, business administration, maintenance, repairs, construction and whatever else comes up;

13) Make recommendations to the City regarding capital improvements, repairs and replacements (including emergency repairs) needed to maintain the Stadium and/or improve operations;

14) Make recommendations on Stadium operating improvements that would promote better service to the event users and patrons, promote efficiency and costs savings, and/or increase the safety and security of the Stadium;

15) Responsible for all operational aspects of Smith Wills Stadium having full responsibility for all Stadium departments including; Operations, Facilities, Maintenance, Stewarding, Security, Pitch Event Management and Smith Wills Stadium tours;

16) Responsible for all marketing objectives and plans with respects to the stadium emphasizing cleanliness and beautification of the ballpark; and,

17) Be a leader in customer service.

SECTION VI - BACKGROUND - Smith-Wills Stadium Facts

Smith–Wills Stadium is a 5,200 seat stadium in Jackson, Mississippi. It is located on Lakeland Drive, less than half a mile east of Interstate 55, in the northeastern part of the city.

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Smith-Wills Stadium opened in 1975, and was home to the until 1990. Since that day in 1975, Smith-Wills Stadium has seen its share of historical moments on and off the field, hosting professional baseball and musical concerts.

Smith-Wills Stadium was home to the Jackson Generals from 1991 – 1999. The Jackson Generals were a AA affiliate of the . After the 1999 season, the Generals were sold to an investment group headed by hall of famer, Nolan Ryan.

In 2000, Smith-Wills Stadium was home of the Jackson DiamondKats. The Jackson DiamondKats were an independent team and played in the Texas-Louisiana League, which changed its name to the Central Baseball League. In 2005 FieldTurf artificial turf converted Smith Wills Stadium into a true multipurpose facility, enabling it to host football and soccer games.

The Jackson Senators played at Smith Wills Stadium from 2002 to 2005.

For a short time while Jackson Statue University buit an on-campus stadium of their own, the Tigers played games at Smith Wills Stadium, followed by the Cotton League.

Smith-Wills Stadium is now the home to the Belhaven Blazers. In 2007 the Blazers added covered hitting cages located just beyond the left field foul area. The “Hackin’ Shack” is completely lighted with three (3) large batting cages and two (2) pitching mounds.

Smith-Wills Stadium is owned and operated by the City of Jackson, Smith-Wills Stadium is currently utilized by Jackson Public Schools for sports-related events. It is also currently available for rent by other groups.

SECTION VII – AMENITIES

An aerial photo, site photos, aerial views and parking lot site plan i s shown below as Exhibits A, B and C.

. Opened: 1975 . Site: 33.0 acres . Dimensions: LF – 300  CF - 400  RF - 330 . Capacity/Seating: 5,200 . Field: State of the Art “Sprint-Turf”: Installed in 2006 . Field Lighting & Scoreboard: Yes . Restrooms: Yes -- ADA Compliant . Press Box: Yes

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. Program: Capable of hosting soccer, football, lacrosse and other field sports, as well as music and entertainment events.

. Team Locker Rooms Yes - The baseball facility features home and visiting clubhouses, each with showers, laundry rooms and athletic training rooms.

. Public Restrooms Yes . Concessions Yes . Referees' Locker Room & Storage Yes

. Stadium Parking City zoning regulations require one (1) parking space for every three (3) Stadium seats. There are 982 patron parking spaces. There is also a 500 space City owned lot directly across from the Stadium ("Little League Fields") that is available for event parking on evenings and weekends. The City has identified an additional 2,200 spaces in the vicinity of the Stadium, however, they currently have no agreements with these lots for Stadium parking.

Smith Wills Stadium – Exhibit A

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Smith Wills Stadium – Exhibit A – Cont’d

Smith Wills Stadium Aerial View – Exhibit B

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Smith Wills Stadium – Exhibit C

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SECTION VIII - SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

All statements of qualifications should include the information outlined below, in the following order. 1. Business Information: State the full name and address of your organization(s) and the branch office, if any, which will perform the services described in this Request For Professional Management Service packets (RFP). Project team must maintain an office in the immediate proximity of the City. Please include telephone numbers, point of contact, and official signature of an authorized company representative. If the submitter is a corporation, provide an impression of the corporate seal. Indicate whether you operate as a single or sole proprietorship, partnership, or cooperation. Include the state(s) in which you are incorporated and/or licensed to operate. Provide a certified copy of applicable business licenses, certificates of incorporation, and/or partnership from the applicable governing authorities (i.e. the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office).

2. Submitter Qualifications and Experience: Include a description of the firm or individual, relevant experience, history and qualifications, and financial capability for the past five years.

3. Project Team Qualifications and Experience: Provide resumes that describe the background, experience, and qualifications of the key personnel that will be assigned to manage this facility, if selected.

4. References: Include a minimum of three instances of retainment for management services similar to those described above. Include the name, address, telephone number, point of contact, and description of the services provided for each such reference.

5. Subcontractors/Associate Firms/Proposers: Identify all other firms or individuals, if any, that are included in this proposal/qualification.

6. Understanding of the Services to be Provided: Statement of the submitter’s understanding of the services to be provided, and its proposed approach for providing the requested services.

7. Additional Services Required: Based on the submitter’s understanding of the services to be provided, identify any additional services that might be required.

8. Litigation History: Provide a list of any and all litigation you or your firm have been a party to and/or been involved in, whether directly or indirectly, within the past five (5) years. Also, provide a brief explanation of the basis of the litigation and your firm’s involvement in the same.

9. Other Relevant Information: include any other relevant information concerning the services to be provided and/or your qualifications.

10. Create year-round innovative and creative fund raising programs.

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SECTION IX - REVIEW, EVALUATION, SELECTION AND CONTRACT AWARD

Initial Evaluation Criteria: The City will evaluate all submittals received based on the following general criteria:

1. Submitter’s Qualifications and Experience with similar projects (30pts) 2. Qualifications and Experience of Staff assigned to the Project (25pts) 3. References Including Applicable Past Work (20 pts) 4. Understanding of Services to be provided (25pts)

A review committee will be convened to review and evaluate all responsive submittals. Three entities (more or less) receiving the highest total points or deemed to be in the best interest of the city, may be invited to make a presentation to the committee about the qualifications, experience of the firm or individual, and project team. Committee members may ask questions about the submittal or the presentation. After hearing all three presentations and after all discussions have concluded, the committee members will evaluate and/or rank the three firms/individuals. Then the committee will make a selection and recommend their selection to the Mayor and City Council.

If for any reason a contract cannot be mutually agreed upon, the City may elect to initiate negotiations with an alternate firm. A contract cannot be awarded to a firm or individual prior to approval by the City Council.

Contract Requirements The successful proposer will be required to sign a Professional Management Services Agreement with the City of Jackson, Mississippi.

Closing All questions should be addressed to: Ison B. Harris, Jr., Director Department of Parks and Recreation City of Jackson, Mississippi Post Office Box 17 Jackson, Mississippi 39205 Or Call: (601) 960-0471

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SECTION X - SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Three (3) copies of the completed signed Request For Professional Management Services must be received at the Office of the City Clerk on or before ______3:30 p.m., Central Standard Time. The copies of the Request For Professional Management Service packets (RFP) must be submitted in a sealed envelope or container identified on the outside as follows:

Submitter’s Name Address Telephone Number

Professional Management Services Smith Wills Stadium Parks and Recreation Department

City of Jackson City Clerk 219 S. President Street To be received until: Jackson, MS 39201 January 8, 2019 @ 3:30 PM, CST

Mailed submittals must include two envelopes with the outer envelope addressed as follows:

Mailing Address: City Clerk City of Jackson, Mississippi Post Office Box 17 Jackson, Mississippi 39205

The inner envelope must be addressed for hand delivery as indicated above.

Submitters are responsible for informing any commercial delivery service, if used, of all delivery requirements and for ensuring that the required address information appears on the inner and outer wrapper or envelope used by such service.

The Request For Professional Management Services must be signed by any officer of the company, legally authorized to enter into a contractual relationship in the name of the proposer.

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Failure to comply with any of the aforementioned requirements may result in the Request For Professional Management Services being rejected as non-responsive.

The City will issue responses to inquiries and any other corrections or amendments it deems necessary in written addenda issued prior to the Request For Professional Management Services due date. Proposers should not rely on any representations, statements, or explanations other than those made in this Request for Request For Professional Management Services or in any addendum to this Request for Request For Professional Management Services .

Where there appears to be a conflict between the Request for Request For Professional Management Services and any addenda issued, the last addendum issued will prevail.

Request For Professional Management Services received after the due date and time will not be considered. Modifications received after the due date will not be considered. No responsibility shall be attached to the City for the premature opening of statements of qualification not properly addressed and identified, and/or delivered to the proper designation.

The City may reject any and all statements of qualifications, and reserves the right to waive any technicalities, irregularities, or informalities in any Request For Professional Management Services or in the proposed procedure.

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SECTION XI - EQUAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY (EBO) PLAN APPLICATION

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It is the City of Jackson’s Policy that all companies participating in the City’s procurement process submit a completed Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan Application. The EBO Plan Application of your project team must be submitted with this SOQ.

The City of Jackson is committed to the principle of non-discrimination in public contracting. It is the policy of the City of Jackson to promote full and equal business opportunity for all persons doing business with the City. The company or individual selected for this project shall submit a completed and signed Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan Application at the time of selection, in accordance with the provisions of the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) Plan.

Failure to comply with the City’s EBO Plan shall disqualify a contractor, bidder or offeror from being awarded an eligible contract. For more information on the City of Jackson’s Equal Business Opportunity Program, please contact the Office of Economic Development at (601) 960-1638. Copies of the EBO Plan Application and MBE/FBE Directory, as well as all other related information, are available at 200 South President Street, Second Floor, Jackson, Mississippi.

Jobs for Jacksonians

The City of Jackson, Mississippi (“City of Jackson”) is committed to cultivating and ensuring the quality of life of its citizens, through various programs, employment, initiatives, and assistance. The City encourages all persons, corporations, and/or entities doing business within the City, as well as those who seek to contract with the City on various projects and or conduct business in the City, to assist the City in achieving its goal by strongly considering City residents for employment opportunities.

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XII - GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS

. The selected Manager/Lessee agrees to comply with all Federal and State employment laws, which apply to a non-governmental employer.

. The selected Manager/Lessee shall provide the City with an annual audit of the operation, management and financial condition of the Stadium, prepared by an independent certified public accountant and in accordance with generally accepted auditing principles, will allow the City or its representative reasonable access to all financial records and documents.

. Transparency/Media: The selected Manager/Lessee agrees and understands any and all meetings and documents related to operation of the Smith Wills Stadium will be subject to the Open Meetings/Open Records Act. Further, The selected Manager/Lessee agrees Media involvement shall only be utilized for the sake of promoting the Smith Wills Stadium, and not for resolving disputes. Manager/ Lessee will keep the City updated concerning activities at the Stadium and of any concerns or challenges. Further, Designated City representatives shall have the right to observe, inspect and enter the premises or financial records at any time.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties execute this lease and written agreement on this the _____ day of ______, 2019.

INSERT COMPANY NAME CITY OF JACKSON

By: ______By: ______Manager/Lessee Honorable Chokwe Antar Lumumba

Date: ______Date: ______

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