Eastern Market Manager

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DC is seeking proposals for managing Eastern Market. Here are the details:

Market Manager for Eastern Market

Washington, DC

The District of Columbia Office of Property Management is seeking a contractor to operate and manage Historic Eastern Market in Washington, DC.

Originally constructed in 1873, Eastern Market is presently undergoing a $14 million rehabilitation. A temporary East Hall has been erected to allow market merchants to operate while construction proceeds.

Eastern Market is a thriving food market. Fresh meats, baked goods, cheeses, and other foods are sold from indoor stalls, and fresh produce is sold outside beneath the covered sidewalk. Artisans and antiques dealers also sell their goods outside the market on weekends, making Eastern Market a popular stop for both locals, residents of the broader metropolitan area, and tourists. Art, music and theatrical performances are held in the North Hall, which will also be available for public and private events.

The selected bidder or team should have demonstrated experience with the following:

• Operating public markets, public event space, farmers’ markets, or other similar facilities.

• Operating food markets

• Staff management and supervision

• Marketing, promotion, and special event development

• Retail tenant recruitment and leasing

• Strategic planning for nonprofit organizations

• Financial management

• Locally grown food suppliers and marketing

• Locally produced arts and crafts sourcing and sales

• Flea Market administration and management

A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Eastern Market on August 14, 2008, at 11:00AM.

The full RFP package can be found online at www.opm.dc.gov/easternmarket.

The deadline for submissions is September 16, 2008, at 2:00 PM.