Request for Proposals: Fixed Based Operator (FBO) Services at Gastonia Municipal Airport (AKH)

The City of Gastonia, North Carolina, is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Fixed Base Operator (FBO) to provide aeronautical services at the Gastonia Municipal Airport. The selected FBO will enter into a non-exclusive operating agreement with the City for an initial term of five years, with an optional renewal term of up to five years. The FBO will be responsible for providing a range of services, including: 1. General aviation services, such as aircraft receiving, marshaling, towing, parking, tie-down, and hangaring. 2. Line service and apron servicing, including the sale, storage, and dispensing of aviation fuels and related petroleum products. 3. Aircraft ground handling and ramp safety oversight. 4. Operation of UNICOM and communication with aircraft during hours of operation. 5. Provision of pilot lounge, restroom facilities, and customer waiting areas. 6. On-site aircraft maintenance services, including routine and non-routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of general aviation aircraft. 7. Sale of aircraft parts, accessories, and supplies. 8. Customer and ground services, such as courtesy transportation and rental car coordination, routine custodial services, and grounds keeping. The FBO will also be required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including FAA Grant Assurances, and to maintain insurance coverage, including Fixed Base Operators Legal Liability insurance and Hangar Keepers insurance. The City is seeking a qualified, experienced, and financially capable company to provide high-quality aeronautical services to the general aviation public. The selected FBO will be required to submit a detailed compensation proposal, including a proposed fuel flowage fee structure, minimum annual guarantee, percentage rent, or revenue sharing, and proposed capital investment in facilities, equipment, or infrastructure. The proposal submission requirements include: 1. A signed proposal from the company's contractually binding authority. 2. A minimum required services agreement (Attachment A). 3. A required agreement terms acknowledgement (Attachment B). 4. Company information (Attachment C). 5. A compensation and fees proposal. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM on July 1, 2026, and should be emailed to Randi Gates, Director of Transportation, at [email protected]. The City reserves the right to reject any proposal that does not meet the stated specifications for submission of proposals.