Economic Development Consulting Services

The Sanford Airport Authority (SAA) is soliciting competitive, sealed proposals from interested and qualified firms to provide Economic Development Consulting Services. The intent and purpose of the RFP is to identify a single firm to provide on-going, on-all economic development consulting services for the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

The winning proposer will be selected and determined through the SAA’s review of each response, considering the factors identified in this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and any other factors that it considers relevant to serving the best interest of the SAA and its mission. Nothing in this RFP shall be construed to create any legal obligation on the part of the SAA or any respondents. The SAA reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to amend, suspend, terminate, or reissue this RFP in whole or in part, at any stage. In no event will the SAA be liable to respondents for any cost or damages incurred in connection with the RFP process, including but not limited to, any and all costs of preparing a response to this RFP or any other costs incurred in reliance on this RFP. All supporting documentation submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the SAA . Respondents may also withdraw their interest in the RFP, in writing, at any point in time as more information becomes known.

The Sanford Airport Authority, established in 1971 by the Florida Legislature, is responsible for the operation of the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) and its facilities.

Established early 20 ^th century, the facility operated as a public airport until the City of Sanford transferred the land to the U.S. Navy in 1942, establishing Naval Air Station Sanford, which trained pilots on aircraft like the PV-1 Ventura and PBO Hudson. Following the war, the Naval Air Station was decommissioned in 1946, and the city reacquired the airport, accommodating various tenants including a baseball training camp and a retirement home. The Navy briefly took back the airport in 1951, utilizing it again as a training base for fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft.

After the Navy's final departure in 1968, the airport transitioned fully to civilian use under the management of the Sanford Airport Authority, in 1971.

Today, Orlando Sanford International Airport serves as a major regional hub with a focus on low-cost airlines, offering domestic and international flights, and leveraging its proximity to Orlando's tourism attractions. Since commercial aviation operations commenced in 1999, SFB has steadily grown to serve approximately 3 million passengers annually, serving as a catalyst for regional economic development. SFB's economic impact is estimated at $3.5 billion annually, highlighting its vital role in the local and regional economy.

A key factor in the airport's success is its fully leased 270-acre commerce park, which contributes significantly to its financial stability. With nearly 500 acres of undeveloped land available for development, the SAA is seeking proposals for firms to assist it in leveraging its 2022 Strategic Real Estate Development Plan and drive the Airport's continued growth and ensure its position as a major transportation and commercial hub in Central Florida.