Comprehensive Business and Operations Plan Development Service

RFP Issue Date: March 12th, 2026.

Question Deadline: March 16th, 2026.

Proposal Submission Deadline: March 20th, 2026.

Project Start: Mid April 2026.

Market and Benchmarking Analysis Deliverable Due: June 1st, 2026.

Project Duration: Not to exceed five months.

Monthly milestones and written progress reports required.

Council meeting presentations required.

All deliverables must inform the FY 2028 budget process.

Deliverables include Executive Summary, Full operations assessment and governance framework, Financial models, Sponsorship and fundraising strategy, Implementation roadmap, Prioritized recommendations, Draft report, review process, final report, and Public presentation.

The agency seeks a qualified vendor to develop a comprehensive business and operations plan aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness and long-term sustainability. The selected firm will perform a thorough assessment of current operations, including staffing structure, roles and responsibilities, governance, facility scheduling, ticketing systems, concessions, technical services, front-of-house operations, and rental practices. The analysis will identify operational strengths, inefficiencies, existing gaps, and potential risks.

A detailed quantitative analysis of facility utilization for all primary performance, exhibition, and rental spaces is required. The engagement includes defining recommended governance models and operational roles, evaluating alternative structures, and providing actionable recommendations addressing financial implications. The selected vendor will benchmark against at least five to six comparable performing arts or cultural facilities within similar municipal contexts and perform demographic and market analyses based on 20, 40, and 60-minute drive-time radii, reviewing trends in population, disposable income, and leisure spending.

Additionally, the vendor will assess current brand positioning, messaging, and audience insights to inform programming, pricing, access, and marketing strategy. Opportunities to increase and diversify agency revenue from earned and contributed sources will be identified. Targeted stakeholder engagement will be central to the process, ensuring the resulting plan is informed by a broad spectrum of input.