Notice of Intent to Release Request for Proposals ("RFP") - Civic Gymnasium Facility Activation - Lease & Community Recreation Operations

Notice of Intent to Release Request for Proposals (“RFP”)

Civic Gymnasium Facility Activation—Lease & Community Recreation Operations

ISSUED:  April 24, 2026

The City of Davis (“City”) hereby provides notice of its intent to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease and activation of a City-owned gymnasium facility located at 23 Russell Blvd. Davis, California. The RFP is anticipated to be released in May 2026.

This Notice of Intent is issued to inform the public, prospective operators, and interested community members of the City’s plans and to invite early expressions of interest.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City is seeking a qualified private operator to enter into a long-term lease agreement for 16,000+ square foot gymnasium facility. The selected operator will be responsible for funding facility renovations and operating community-centered recreation programs including youth and/or adult sports, fitness, and martial arts or movement-based programming. In consideration, the City anticipates offering a lease structure that will take into account both fair market value and the community benefit provided through proposed programming, subject to an independent appraisal and City Council approval.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE RFP

The forthcoming RFP will require qualified proposers to demonstrate:

• Relevant Experience

  Experience operating recreation, fitness, youth and/or adult sports, or comparable community-facing facilities.

• Community Benefit & Programming Plan

  A compelling community benefit and programming plan

• Financial Capacity & Capital Investment

  Financial capacity to fund the renovation and activation of a 16,000 sq. ft. facility, including baseline improvements and other repairs to be identified in the forthcoming Facility Conditions Assessment.

• Business Plan & Financial Feasibility

  A viable business model supported by a multi-year financial pro forma demonstrating operational sustainability.

• Regulatory Construction Compliance An understanding of, and approach to compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws related to construction, renovation, or facility improvements, including potential public works and prevailing wage requirements under California law.

The City will provide proposers with a Facility Conditions Assessment and an independent MAI appraisal of the fair market value rent prior to RFP submission deadline, so that all proposers have equal access to the information needed to prepare credible proposals.

Detailed terms, evaluation criteria, and facility access procedures will be outlined in the forthcoming RFP.

PRE-RFP ENGAGEMENT

The City encourages prospective operators, community organization and interested parties to:

• Submit a non-binding Expression of Interest (EOI)

  Email to Deanne Machado: dmachado@cityofdavis.org

  Include a brief description of your organization and interest in the facility. EOIs are optional and will not affect scoring, but help the City gauge market interest.

• Deadline

  Please submit EOIs by May 11, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.

• Review Available Materials

The Facility Conditions Assessment (upon release), which will be posted at the City of Davis Business/Bids and RFPs webpage:

https://www.cityofdavis.org/business/bids-rfp-s

This Notice of Intent is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The City reserves the right to modify, delay, or cancel the anticipated RFP at any time without obligation. No agreement will be awarded except through the formal RFP process and subsequent City Council approval.