Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Services, GA Management, and the Design & Construction of a Jet A Fuel Farm

The Port of Bellingham (the "Port"), owner and operator of Bellingham International Airport ("BLI" or the "Airport"), is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced firms to (1) provide full-service Fixed Base Operator ("FBO") services at the Airport, (2) design, permit, finance, and construct a new Jet A fuel farm on a Port-owned parcel, and (3) perform General Aviation management services for Port-owned aircraft tie-downs and hangars, all as further described in this Request for Proposals ("RFP").

The selected proposer (the "Operator") will enter into a long-term lease and operating agreement with the Port. The Port intends to award this opportunity to the responsible proposer whose proposal is determined to be most advantageous to the Port and the Airport, based on the evaluation criteria set forth in Section 8.

The successful proposer will be responsible for, at a minimum, the following:

• Operation of a full-service FBO, including the sale of aviation fuel (Jet A and 100LL/AvGas), line service, and related aeronautical services;
• Design, permitting, financing, and construction of a new Jet A fuel farm at the location identified in Section 3, including all associated tanks, containment, piping, pumps, and dispensing infrastructure;
• General Aviation management services for Port-owned aircraft tie-downs and two (2) Port-owned hangars, including tenant management, billing and collections, and maintenance coordination;
• Compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local requirements, including FAA grant assurances, 14 CFR Part 77, environmental regulations, and fire codes.

The successful proposer will be responsible for delivering the new Jet A fuel farm as a turnkey development. [...] If selected, the proposer (the "developer") shall be responsible for, at a minimum:

• Obtaining all permits and approvals required for the design and construction of the fuel farm, including building, mechanical, electrical, fire, grading, and stormwater permits;
• All communication and coordination with Whatcom County and the Port throughout the design, permitting, and construction phases;
• Filing FAA Form 7460-1 (Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration) with the FAA for the proposed fuel farm construction, as described in Section 4.2;
• Financing the full capital cost of the fuel farm and delivering the completed facility in accordance with all applicable codes and standards;
• Providing the Port with complete design and construction drawings suitable for the Port to submit to the FAA (see Section 4.3).

Respondents must submit one (1) copy of the proposal in PDF format via the Port's procurement portal. Submittals will only be accepted in digital (PDF) format; printed or emailed submittals are not acceptable.

The deadline for proposal submittals is **2:00 P.M. PST, December 14, 2026**. Submittals received after the specified time and date will not be considered.

Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale, allocated across six (6) weighted categories: Financial Offer to the Port (20 points), FBO Business Plan & Service Offering (20 points), Fuel Program, Supply Chain & Development (20 points), Qualifications, Experience & Industry Certifications (20 points), Financial Capacity & Stability (12 points), and Operations, Safety & Environmental Compliance (8 points).

The Port may, at its discretion, request interviews, presentations, clarifications, or best-and-final offers from one or more proposers before making a selection. Interviews / Presentations (if held) are January 4 - 6, 2027. Anticipated Agreement Negotiation / Execution is No Later than July 2027.