School committee approves reissuing facilities and concessions RFPs after no bids on combined contract

North Smithfield School Committee voted Dec. 16 to reissue separate requests for proposals for field management and concession operations after a previous combined solicitation drew no bids.

Superintendent St. Jean told the committee the district received no responses to the combined RFP and recommended splitting the work into two contracts — one for field management and one for concessions — to increase interest. “We did not get any response,” St. Jean said, and staff proposed issuing two RFPs so vendors can focus on one area.

Committee members discussed logistics and responsibilities if two vendors are hired: scheduling will likely remain with the district or the athletic director, while game‑management, parking oversight and post‑event cleanup are key services vendors would need to provide. St. Jean noted custodial costs as a driver of rental pricing, describing an approximate custodian rate of $60 per hour and higher weekend rates.

The motion to reissue the two RFPs, with possible minor modifications before publication, was moved and seconded; the committee recorded a roll call vote with Chair Bartimoli, Missus Mayo, Mister Connell and Mister Simpkins voting in the affirmative.

Staff said the drafts will be posted Jan. 5 and remain open for four weeks, with an expected return to the committee after the solicitation period. The transcript records discussion of possible revenue impacts if the district reduces certain community concessions or gate‑receipt arrangements.

Next steps: staff will finalize the draft RFP language and post the solicitations in January. Bidders will be asked to provide proposed pricing and demonstrate capacity for game management and cleanup as part of their proposals.