No doubt you recall the hubbub surrounding the Love Field concessions-bidding process that consumed much of last year as Mayor Tom and the council argued over no-bid contracts for incumbents Gilbert Aranza, Helen Giddings and Eddie Bernice Johnson. It was certainly fresh on my mind only Tuesday night, when I flew to Austin for a 12-hour down-n-back and was reminded of how sorry the choices are for the thirsty traveler. (Also: Has it always smelled like roast beef and old shoes?) Anyway.
As mentioned a couple of weeks back the city's presently asking interested parties for their proposals -- and only Monday, the city extended the bidding process two extra weeks, from May 4 to May 18. Earlier this week, the city also provided a rare glimpse into the financials at Love: this doc containing the last 36 months' worth of sales figures for every retailer and eatery in the city-owned airport. (I always wondered how well that Sunglass Hut did -- close to $70,000 last September alone.) No wonder those incumbents demanded those no-bid contracts.
Also after the jump is a lengthy Q&A just posted by the city in response to questions asked by would-be concessionaires following last week's meet-and-greet at the convention center. Among them, this what-next:
43. Proposals due May 4th [now 18th] then what happens?There's much more on the other side (if necessary). Leave your 15 percent at the door (necessary).
Answer: After proposals are submitted, they will go through a chain of custody, then each proposer will be announced during a "public bid opening" process, thereafter, proposals will be distributed to evaluating committee. The proposals will be scored and the most advantageous proposers are determined. The lottery process will be conducted ( if necessary), incumbents are given first right of refusal (if necessary), incumbent proposals are evaluated as part of first right of refusal (if necessary), recommendations are made to Dallas City Council, and City Council makes award.
