RFQ Mixed-Use Development of City-Owned Land-Blount & Gillespie Site

CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT OF CITY-OWNED LAND - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE
RFQ No. COF1516995
DATE ISSUED: May 1, 2026
RFQ RESPONSES DUE: July 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
FUNDING SOURCE: Local
ISSUED BY: City of Fayetteville, North Carolina
PRIMARY CONTACT: Kim Toon, CLGPO, Purchasing Manager
kimberlytoon@fayettevillenc.gov
(910) 433-1942
OFFERORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO RETURN THIS FORM.
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
A MESSAGE FROM THE CITY MANAGER
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM - City Manager, City of Fayetteville
The City of Fayetteville is fully committed to providing Small Local Business Enterprises (SLBEs) and small
businesses an equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of City contracting, including but not limited to
participation in the procurement of contracts relating to construction, professional services, equipment, supplies,
and improvements to facilities throughout the City.
It is the policy of the City to prohibit discrimination against any person or business in pursuit of these
opportunities on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, or disability, and to conduct its
contracting and purchasing programs so as to prevent such discrimination. The City is committed to following
all applicable federal, state, and local laws as they relate to procurement practices.
Small Business Participation Commitment
The City will actively seek and identify qualified small businesses, including SLBEs, and offer them the
opportunity to participate in the procurement of contracts for all City purchasing and service contracts as well
as construction and repair contracts. The City aspires to spend 40% of its eligible contract dollars with small
local suppliers and contractors.
Small Business Enterprise Program
The City's Charter has been amended by the General Assembly (H.B. 198) to establish a small business
enterprise program to promote the development of small local businesses. The City is authorized to establish
bid and proposal specifications that include measures to enhance participation by small business enterprises
located in Cumberland and Hoke Counties, including:
* Arranging solicitations, specifications, and contract requirements to facilitate small business
participation
* Providing technical assistance and capacity building programs
* Carrying out information and communication programs on contracting procedures and opportunities
* Implementing outreach programs to identify and engage qualified small businesses
* Offering supportive services to help small businesses compete effectively
* Ensuring prompt payment to subcontractors
* Simplifying bonding and insurance requirements where appropriate
Federal and State-Funded Projects - Important Notice
In accordance with state directive following the U.S. Department of Transportation's October 3, 2025 Interim
Final Rule to 49 CFR Part 26:
For Federally-Funded Contracts:
* No DBE goals may be established for federally-funded contracts until further guidance is provided by
the state
* All existing DBE certifications are in suspended status pending Unified Certification Program (UCP)
reevaluation under new individualized disadvantage standards
* Firms are not required to submit DBE participation commitments at this time
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
For State-Funded Contracts:
* No MB/WBE goals may be established for state-funded contracts until further guidance is provided by
the state
The City will continue to facilitate participation by all qualified small businesses through the measures listed
above and will resume DBE and MB/WBE program activities once the state provides further guidance.
Equal Opportunity for All
The City is committed to:
* Providing equal access to contracting opportunities for all qualified businesses
* Removing barriers to small business participation
* Supporting economic development and capacity building in our community
* Ensuring fair and open competition in all procurements
* Maintaining compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements
* Supporting diversity in our supplier and contractor base
For more information or questions about the SLBE policy, please contact the Purchasing Division at (910) 433-
1942.
Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas J. Hewett, ICMA-CM
City Manager, City of Fayetteville
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-267 and 160A-268, the City of Fayetteville is soliciting Statements of Qualifications
from qualified real estate development teams for the development and disposition of City-owned property
described below. Responses must be received no later than 3:00 PM ET, July 1, 2026:
Mixed-Use Development of City-Owned Land - Blount & Gillespie Site
Responses will be received by the City of Fayetteville and will remain open until 3:00 PM ET, July 1, 2026.
Respondents may also mail submissions to the City Purchasing Office, Attn: Kim Toon, CLGPO, 433 Hay
Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301, or deliver in person or by express mail to the same address. Emails may be
submitted to kimberlytoon@fayettevillenc.gov.
The advertisement for this RFQ was published at least seven (7) full days before the due date in a newspaper
of general circulation and/or electronically in accordance with G.S. 143-129(b).
Plans, specifications, and bid documents may be obtained in the Purchasing Office of the City of Fayetteville,
2nd floor, City Hall, 433 Hay Street, Fayetteville, North Carolina, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., Monday through Friday, or by email request to kimberlytoon@fayettevillenc.gov.
The City reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and to waive informalities in any submission where
such waiver is in the best interest of the City, taking into consideration experience, financial capacity,
development approach, and the factors outlined herein.
City of Fayetteville
Kim Toon, CLGPO - Purchasing Manager
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Small Business Participation Commitment ..................................................................................................... 2
Small Business Enterprise Program ................................................................................................................ 2
Federal and State-Funded Projects - Important Notice ................................................................................. 2
Equal Opportunity for All ............................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................... 8
1.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Solicitation Process .................................................................................................................................. 9
1.3 Solicitation Schedule ................................................................................................................................ 9
1.4 Pre-Response Conference ...................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 Vendor Registration ............................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 2: PROJECT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES .................................................................... 11
2.1 Project Background ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.2 Project Goals .......................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Design Parameters .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.3.1 Public Open Space .......................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.2 Private Development ....................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 E.E. Smith House ............................................................................................................................ 12
SECTION 3: REGIONAL CONTEXT ............................................................................................................ 13
3.1 Market Context ....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Expanding Downtown Fayetteville ........................................................................................................ 13
SECTION 4: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY .......................................................................................... 14
4.1 Site Description ...................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.1 Rezoning ......................................................................................................................................... 14
4.1.2 Environmental ................................................................................................................................. 14
4.1.3 Additional Due Diligence ................................................................................................................ 14
4.2 Current Ownership ................................................................................................................................. 14
4.2.1 Site Recombination ......................................................................................................................... 14
4.3 Project Funding and Financing .............................................................................................................. 15
4.3.1 Potential Financing Tools ................................................................................................................ 15
SECTION 5: SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 16
5.1 Procurement Process .............................................................................................................................. 16
5.1.1 Pre-Response Conference ............................................................................................................... 16
5.1.2 Questions and Answers ................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.3 Acknowledgement of Amendments ................................................................................................ 16
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
5.1.4 Submission Instructions .................................................................................................................. 16
5.2 Submission Contents and Format ........................................................................................................... 16
5.3 Proposal Submission - Hard Copy and Electronic Requirements ....................................................... 17
5.4 Vendor Registration ............................................................................................................................... 17
5.5 Insurance Requirements ......................................................................................................................... 17
5.6 Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................................. 17
5.7 ADA Compliance ................................................................................................................................... 18
5.8 Confidentiality of Submissions .............................................................................................................. 18
5.9 Withdrawal of Proposals ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.10 Public Records ..................................................................................................................................... 18
5.11 City's Reserved Rights ......................................................................................................................... 18
SECTION 6: EVALUATION CRITERIA....................................................................................................... 19
6.1 Development Approach (20 Points) ....................................................................................................... 19
6.2 Firm Experience (20 Points) .................................................................................................................. 19
6.3 Relevant Project Experience (20 Points) ................................................................................................ 19
6.4 Individual Experience and Project Team (20 Points) ............................................................................. 20
6.5 Financial Capacity (20 Points) ............................................................................................................... 20
6.6 Additional Considerations (Non-Scored) ............................................................................................... 20
SECTION 7: GENERAL CONDITIONS AND LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................ 21
7.1 Contract Term ........................................................................................................................................ 21
7.2 Contract Execution ................................................................................................................................. 21
7.3 Availability of Funds .............................................................................................................................. 21
7.4 Non-Discrimination / Equal Opportunity ............................................................................................... 21
7.5 E-Verify Compliance ............................................................................................................................. 21
7.6 NC Secretary of State Registration ........................................................................................................ 21
7.7 Collusive Bidding ................................................................................................................................... 21
7.8 General Indemnity .................................................................................................................................. 22
7.9 Assignment ............................................................................................................................................. 22
7.10 Termination .......................................................................................................................................... 22
7.11 Transition Assistance ........................................................................................................................... 22
7.12 Dispute Resolution ............................................................................................................................... 22
7.13 Notification of Legal Issues ................................................................................................................. 22
SECTION 8: RESPONDENT INFORMATION SHEET ................................................................................ 23
SECTION 9: STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS CERTIFICATION ..................................................... 24
ATTACHMENT A: REFERENCES FORM ................................................................................................... 25
ATTACHMENT B: SMALL BUSINESS PARTICIPATION (SDBE & HUB PROGRAMS) ...................... 26
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
B.1 City of Fayetteville SDBE Program ...................................................................................................... 26
B.2 NC HUB Program ................................................................................................................................. 26
B.3 Federal DEI Compliance Certification (Federal Contractors Only) ...................................................... 26
ATTACHMENT C: CERTIFICATION OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ....................................................... 27
ATTACHMENT D: NON-COLLUSION CERTIFICATION ......................................................................... 28
ATTACHMENT E: DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION & RESPONSIBILITY CERTIFICATION .................. 29
ATTACHMENT F: PENDING LITIGATION & LEGAL PROCEEDINGS DISCLOSURE ....................... 30
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Introduction
The City of Fayetteville is issuing this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a qualified development
partner to advance the redevelopment of the Blount and Gillespie site, a City-owned assemblage of
approximately 9.3 acres located immediately south of Downtown Fayetteville. The City seeks to select a
development team with the experience, financial capacity, and local expertise to deliver a catalytic mixed-use
project that expands Downtown and aligns with community priorities and market conditions.
Downtown Fayetteville has benefited from recent public and private investment that has strengthened its role
as a destination. Since 2017, the area has seen approximately $25.5 million in private residential and mixed-use
development, including the transformation of a blighted commercial building into the Condominiums at 300
Hay and the conversion of a motel into condominiums and townhomes at ParkView. Commercial and civic
investments have further supported Downtown's growth. The City welcomed professional baseball with the
2019 opening of the $43 million Segra Stadium, home to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, a Class A Advanced
affiliate of the Houston Astros. The stadium draws more than 200,000 visitors annually and supports
approximately 150 full-time and 200 part-time jobs.
Driven by this investment and increased foot traffic, Downtown Fayetteville has also seen the opening of a new
$9.5 million charter school, along with approximately $8.8 million in private investment across breweries,
arcades, barbershops, restaurants, and retail outlets. At the same time, Downtown's growth has been constrained
by limited development opportunities and a shortage of new housing. The Blount and Gillespie site represents
a significant near-term opportunity to extend Downtown's footprint and better connect adjacent neighborhoods
to the urban core through strategic placemaking.
Based on the findings of market analysis and financial feasibility studies, the City envisions a mixed-use
development program led by multifamily residential uses in addition to ground-floor retail and activated,
publicly accessible open space. Conceptual design tested multiple site configurations and demonstrated that
mid-rise residential development with integrated public amenities and ground-floor retail provides a viable
framework for redevelopment.
The City has undertaken and continues to advance a series of actions to prepare for successful redevelopment.
The City is actively advancing parcel recombination to deliver a unified development site and rezoning to
support the preferred development program. The City is also open to considering targeted public participation,
such as a Tax Increment Grant (TIG), to facilitate the delivery of public benefits. The City's preferred
transaction structure is a fee-simple conveyance of the property to a selected development partner, subject to a
negotiated development contract.
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
Figure 1: Site Map with Boundaries
1.2 Solicitation Process
This solicitation will follow a two-step process. Given the complexity of the proposed development, the scale
of investment required, and the importance of selecting a partner with demonstrated experience in comparable
public-private real estate transactions, the City has determined that a qualifications-first approach is appropriate.
This method reduces the burden on Respondents at the initial stage while allowing the City to identify the most
capable teams before requesting detailed proposals. In the first step, this RFQ invites interested development
teams to submit Statements of Qualifications presenting their experience, financial capacity, development
approach, and ability to secure financing. The City will evaluate all complete submissions against the criteria
in Section 6 and shortlist up to five (5) of the most qualified Respondent teams. All Respondents will be notified
in writing of the shortlisting outcome within 30 days following the close of the evaluation period.
The City of Fayetteville will host a Pre-Response Conference on May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. The City will
accept clarifying questions before May 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. In the second step, shortlisted Respondents
will receive an RFP that will seek greater detail on development approach, proposed program, financial plan,
management structure, and a financial offer to the City. The selection panel will then select one or more
Respondent teams to enter into negotiations toward a development contract. Any resulting development contract
is subject to City Council approval pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-267 and 160A-268 prior to execution.
1.3 Solicitation Schedule
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CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, NC | COF1516995 | MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT - BLOUNT & GILLESPIE SITE | RFQ
MILESTONE DATE
RFQ Released May 1, 2026
Pre-Response Conference May 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET
RFQ Questions Due May 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
Response to Written Questions May 29, 2026
RFQ Response Due July 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET
RFP Release to Shortlist TBD - est. Q4 2026
RFP Response Due TBD - est. Q1 2027
All references to time of day shall be prevailing local time, Fayetteville, North Carolina. All dates are subject
to change; any modifications will be communicated via addendum posted to the City's procurement website.
1.4 Pre-Response Conference
The City of Fayetteville will host a virtual pre-response conference at 10:00 AM ET, May 15, 2026. Attendance
is highly recommended but is not mandatory. All potential Respondents may join using the following link:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/ - Passcode: [to be provided]
Any information shared during the conference must be confirmed by written addendum to constitute part of the
official RFQ. Oral explanations, statements, or instructions given by the City will not be binding.
1.5 Vendor Registration
Development teams wishing to respond to this RFQ must register through the City's Vendor Portal at the City's
procurement website prior to submitting. W-9 and other tax documentation will be required at the development
contract stage, not at the RFQ stage. Questions may be directed to Kim Toon, CLGPO, Purchasing Manager,
at kimberlytoon@fayettevillenc.gov or (910) 433-1942.
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