City of Charleston - Eastside Corner Store Operator - 26-P023R (2026)
City of Charleston cityCity · Charleston, SC- Due
- Nov 19, 2026
- 21 days left
- Posted
- Oct 23, 2026
- Contract term
- 5 years
- Primary contact
- Robin Barrett-Robinson
- (843) 724-7314
The 30-second brief
The City of Charleston is seeking qualified vendors to contract as an operating partner to operate a convenience and grocery store at the Empresarial Resource Center (ERC) located within the Mixed-Use James Lewis Apartments at 91 Hanover St. The store will sell food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, grab and go meals, medical supplies, and household items, with more than 51% of gross floor area dedicated to such products. No on-site food preparation is permitted per DHEC; only commercially pre-packaged food may be sold. The existing market building is sustainably upfitted with major equipment by the City at no cost to the operator. The initial contract term is 5 years, with the option for up to two 1-year renewals. A non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for November 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Written questions are due by November 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Proposals must be submitted by November 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
Proposed Store Concept, General Management Philosophy, Experience / Current and/or Past Performance, Financial Capacity, Demonstrated Ability to Work with a Diverse Customer Base
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Summary
The City of Charleston is seeking qualified vendors to contract as an operating partner to operate a convenience and grocery store at the Empresarial Resource Center (ERC) located within the Mixed-Use James Lewis Apartments at 91 Hanover St.
The store will sell food items including fresh fruits and vegetables, grab and go meals, medical supplies, and household items, with more than 51% of gross floor area dedicated to such products. No on-site food preparation is permitted per DHEC; only commercially pre-packaged food may be sold. The existing market building is sustainably upfitted with major equipment by the City at no cost to the operator. The initial contract term is 5 years, with the option for up to two 1-year renewals. A non-mandatory site visit is scheduled for November 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM. Written questions are due by November 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Proposals must be submitted by November 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
5- Proposed Store Concept
- General Management Philosophy
- Experience / Current and/or Past Performance
- Financial Capacity
- Demonstrated Ability to Work with a Diverse Customer Base
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
7- RFP Cover Page
- Certificate of Familiarity
- Any Addenda
- Certificate of Insurance
- References
- Financial Records/Statements
- SBE Compliance Provisions Affidavits
- Submit to
- City of Charleston, Procurement Division, 2 George Street, Suite 3600, Charleston, SC 29401
- Duration
- 84 months
- Scope location
- Charleston, SC
- Reported agency
- City of Charleston
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from City of Charleston city?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is November 19, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: City of Charleston, Procurement Division, 2 George Street, Suite 3600, Charleston, SC 29401. For questions, contact Robin Barrett-Robinson.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of Charleston city in SC, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Robin Barrett-Robinson at (843) 724-7314. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
Show 6 more questions
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Proposed Store Concept, General Management Philosophy, Experience / Current and/or Past Performance, Financial Capacity, Demonstrated Ability to Work with a Diverse Customer Base" Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Charleston city?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Charleston city are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Charleston city regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 5 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of November 19, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: RFP Cover Page, Certificate of Familiarity, Any Addenda, Certificate of Insurance, References, Financial Records/Statements, SBE Compliance Provisions Affidavits. Review the full document from City of Charleston city for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Charleston, SC. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.