City of Newport Lease and Development Opportunity – Riverboat Row Waterfront Site RFP 2026
City of NewportCity · Newport, KY- Due
- Apr 13, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Mar 23, 2026
- Primary contact
- Tiffany Myers
The 30-second brief
The City of Newport, Kentucky, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease, redevelopment, and operation of a unique 301 Riverboat Row waterfront site along the Ohio River, formerly the 'Hooters' restaurant location. The City seeks proposals for water-oriented uses such as riverboat dining, tourist excursions, floating entertainment venues, or hospitality concepts that activate the riverfront. Key site features include three existing pedestrian access ramps and high visibility near downtown attractions. Respondents must provide a project concept, site plan, financial proposal, and implementation schedule. The City retains ownership of adjacent parking and future land-based development rights. Proposals are due by April 13, 2026, with a question deadline of April 3, 2026. Evaluation criteria include concept quality (20%), feasibility (20%), and financial return (20%).
Project Concept and Intended Use, Site Plan and Infrastructure Improvements, Financial Proposal and Lease Terms, Development / Implementation Schedule, Experience and Qualifications, Regulatory and Permitting Strategy, Community Benefit and Public Value
Quality creativity and compatibility of proposed concept (20%), Feasibility and operational plan (20%), Financial return to the City/lease terms (20%), Experience and qualifications of Respondent/team (15%), Capital investment and proposed improvements (10%), Implementation schedule and ability to deliver timely results (10%), Community benefit and riverfront enhancement (5%)
Hear what Newport plans next before it's posted.
Get alerts freeFree account · 30-second setup · No credit card
Summary
The City of Newport, Kentucky, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease, redevelopment, and operation of a unique 301 Riverboat Row waterfront site along the Ohio River, formerly the 'Hooters' restaurant location.
The City seeks proposals for water-oriented uses such as riverboat dining, tourist excursions, floating entertainment venues, or hospitality concepts that activate the riverfront. Key site features include three existing pedestrian access ramps and high visibility near downtown attractions. Respondents must provide a project concept, site plan, financial proposal, and implementation schedule. The City retains ownership of adjacent parking and future land-based development rights. Proposals are due by April 13, 2026, with a question deadline of April 3, 2026. Evaluation criteria include concept quality (20%), feasibility (20%), and financial return (20%).
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
7- Project Concept and Intended Use
- Site Plan and Infrastructure Improvements
- Financial Proposal and Lease Terms
- Development / Implementation Schedule
- Experience and Qualifications
- Regulatory and Permitting Strategy
- Community Benefit and Public Value
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
6- Attachment A – Site Map / Aerial
- Attachment B – Site Photographs and Ramp Images
- Attachment C – Known Utility Information
- Attachment F – Non-Collusion Affidavit
- Attachment G – Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
- Attachment H – Equal Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Requirements
- Submit to
- Office of the City Clerk, Newport Municipal Building, 998 Monmouth Street, 2nd Floor, Newport, Kentucky 41071
- Scope location
- Newport, KY
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from City of Newport?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is April 13, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: Office of the City Clerk, Newport Municipal Building, 998 Monmouth Street, 2nd Floor, Newport, Kentucky 41071. For questions, contact Tiffany Myers.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including City of Newport in KY, 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 Tiffany Myers. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Project Concept and Intended Use, Site Plan and Infrastructure Improvements, Financial Proposal and Lease Terms, Development / Implementation Schedule, Experience and Qualifications, Regulatory and Permitting Strategy, Community Benefit and Public Value. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
Show 4 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: "Quality creativity and compatibility of proposed concept (20%), Feasibility and operational plan (20%), Financial return to the City/lease terms (20%), Experience and qualifications of Respondent/team..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Newport?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Newport are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Newport regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
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: Attachment A – Site Map / Aerial, Attachment B – Site Photographs and Ramp Images, Attachment C – Known Utility Information, Attachment F – Non-Collusion Affidavit, Attachment G – Conflict of Interest. Review the full document from City of Newport for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Newport, KY. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.