Request For Proposal
City of Richmond – Port of Richmond
Lease, Development, and Operation of Basin 4 at Point Potrero Marine Terminal for Maritime Emissions Reduction, Clean Maritime Technology, and Supporting Port Operations
Port of Richmond
City of Richmond
1322 Canal Boulevard,
Richmond, CA 94804
RELEASE DATE: July 16, 2026
DUE DATE: August 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:
www.ci.richmond.ca.us/bids
Table of Contents
OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................................... 3 PROJECT BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 3 SCOPE OF PROJECT ......................................................................................................................... 4 GOALS.......................................................................................................................................... 4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREMISES ................................................................................................. 4 QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE........................................................................................................ 4 PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS............................................................................................................ 5 SELECTION PROCESS ....................................................................................................................... 6 TIMELINE......................................................................................................................................... 7 PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION ........................................................................................ 7 GENERAL GUIDELINES..................................................................................................................... 8 PUBLIC RECORDS......................................................................................................................... 9 INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS....................................................................................................... 9 BUSINESS LICENSES ..................................................................................................................... 9 COMPLIANCE WITH CITY ORDINANCES ...................................................................................... 9 SANCTUARY CITY CONTRACTING ORDINANCE ........................................................................... 9 COLLUSION.................................................................................................................................. 9 WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL.................................................................................................... 10 PORT’S OBJECTIVE......................................................................................................................... 10 ATTACHMENTS.............................................................................................................................. 10 Attachment 1: Basin 4 Site Map................................................................................................ 10 Attachment 2: Property and Existing Conditions Information ................................................. 10 Attachment 3: Insurance Requirements................................................................................... 10 Attachment 4: Proposed Lease Terms / Form of Lease............................................................ 10
OVERVIEW
The City of Richmond, CA ("City"), through the Port of Richmond ("Port"), invites proposals from qualified firms and organizations interested in leasing, developing, improving, and operating certain waterfront property located at Basin 4 within the Point Potrero Marine Terminal ("PPMT").
The Port seeks an experienced maritime operator capable of establishing and maintaining a long-term maritime emissions reduction, clean maritime technology services, and related operations at the Port of Richmond Point Potrero Marine Terminal facility at Basin 4. The selected Proposer will be expected to operate a financially sustainable maritime business; support compliance with applicable air quality and maritime environmental regulations; reduce emissions from vessels visiting Richmond; maintain the Premises in a safe and professional condition; and generate fair and reasonable economic value for the Port.
This RFP describes the project, the desired uses of the Premises, the tenant selection process, and the minimum information that must be included in the proposal. Failure to submit information in accordance with the RFP requirements and procedures may be cause for disqualification. Respondents are required to read and understand all information contained within this entire proposal package. By responding to this RFP, the Respondent agrees to have read and understood these documents.
Issuance of this RFP does not obligate the City to enter into a lease or other agreement. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, request additional information, conduct negotiations, modify the solicitation process, and terminate the solicitation when determined to be in the City’s best interests.
PROJECT BACKGROUND/DESCRIPTION
The Port of Richmond is a municipal port operated by the City of Richmond and serves as an important maritime industrial, logistics, and economic development asset for the City and the San Francisco Bay Area. The Port operates as a landlord port and seeks to maximize the productive use of its real property assets while advancing the following strategic objectives:
• Safety and security;
• Financial sustainability and economic growth;
• Productive utilization of Port property;
• Environmental stewardship and emissions reduction;
• Creation and retention of maritime and industrial employment; and • Long-term protection and enhancement of City-owned waterfront assets.
Point Potrero Marine Terminal is a major Port facility supporting maritime commerce, automobile imports, vessel operations, industrial tenants, maritime services, and other Portrelated activities.
Basin 4 is a waterfront property within PPMT that presents a unique opportunity for the development of a maritime emissions reduction and clean maritime technology facility supporting vessels calling at the Port of Richmond and potentially other maritime facilities within the San Francisco Bay Area. The zoning for this facility is IW, Water-Related Industrial Zoning district.
The purpose of this RFP is to identify and select a qualified tenant and maritime operator that will lease, improve, activate, maintain, and operate Basin 4 for uses that provide substantial operational, environmental, financial, and strategic benefits to the Port and City. The Port is particularly interested in proposals that establish Basin 4 as a base of operations for marinebased technologies, vessels, barges, equipment, and personnel providing emissions reduction services to ocean-going vessels and other maritime operations.
SCOPE OF PROJECT
GOALS
This RFP seeks proposals capable of:
• Supporting compliance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) At-Berth Regulation and other applicable air quality requirements; • Deploying commercially demonstrated maritime emissions control technology; • Providing services to regulated vessel categories calling at the Port of Richmond; • Investing in the Premises and associated maritime equipment; • Creating skilled maritime, technical, operational, and maintenance employment; • Advancing the City’s environmental, economic development, and green economy objectives; and
• Providing competitive rent and other economic benefits to the Port.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREMISES
The Premises consist of City-owned waterfront property located at Basin 4 within Point Potrero Marine Terminal. A site map and available property and existing conditions information are provided in the Attachments to this RFP.
The Port makes no representation regarding the condition, suitability, load capacity, regulatory status, environmental condition, utility capacity, or fitness of the Premises for any particular use. Proposers are encouraged to attend the pre-proposal conference and site tour and to conduct their own due diligence.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
To be considered responsive, a Proposer must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:
• Maritime Operations Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of experience operating marine vessels, barges, maritime industrial equipment, emissions control equipment, or comparable maritime infrastructure.
• Commercial Operating Experience: Demonstrated experience providing commercial services to ocean-going vessels, marine terminals, shipping companies, ports, or comparable maritime customers.
• Emissions Reduction Technology: Demonstrated ownership of, contractual control over, or legally enforceable access to commercially operational maritime emissions reduction technology. The technology proposed for deployment must be approved, authorized, accepted, or otherwise eligible for use under applicable California Air Resources Board regulations, as evidenced by a current Executive Order documenting CARB-Approved Emissions Control Solution approval. The Proposer must have confirmed and contracted business within the Port of Richmond and at other sites within the San Francisco Bay Area.
• Financial Capacity: Sufficient financial resources to fund tenant improvements; maintain operations; maintain required insurance; pay rent and other lease obligations; and operate the proposed facility without requiring the Port to fund the Proposer’s primary business equipment or operations.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals should be clear, concise, and sufficiently detailed to permit the Port to evaluate the qualifications of the Proposer and the benefits of the proposed use. Proposals should include the following information:
• Cover Letter and Executive Summary: Provide an overview of the proposed project, proposed use of Basin 4, anticipated investment, environmental benefits, economic benefits, and reasons the proposal represents the best overall value to the Port. • Proposer Qualifications: Provide legal name and organizational structure; ownership information; corporate headquarters; years in operation; relevant maritime experience; relevant emissions reduction experience; port and marine terminal operating experience; key customers; regulatory approvals; and relevant project references. • Proposed Use and Operating Plan: Describe the proposed use of Basin 4; marine vessels and barges to be stationed at the Premises; equipment and technology to be deployed; and the number and type of employees.
• Capital Investment Plan: Describe anticipated investment in the improvement of the facilities, including operational improvements, utility improvements, security improvements, and other capital investments. Provide the estimated dollar value of investment to be made during the first five (5) years of the lease. The successful proposer's capital investment, operational commitments, and project schedule may be incorporated into the final lease as performance obligations. • Economic and Workforce Benefits: Describe the number of permanent jobs; types of employment; apprenticeship opportunities; workforce training; local hiring opportunities; contracting opportunities for local businesses; and other economic benefits.
• Financial Capacity: Provide evidence of financial capacity, which may include audited financial statements; reviewed financial statements; bank references; evidence of financing; investor commitments; available capital; corporate guarantees; and other evidence demonstrating the ability to perform the proposed project. The Port may request additional financial information during the evaluation and negotiation process. • Lease and Economic Proposal: Provide the proposed initial lease term; requested extension options; proposed annual base rent; and other proposed financial terms. ◦ As part of the financial proposal, the Proposer shall include a proposed Gross Revenue Share Percentage to be paid to the Port of Richmond for all revenues generated from operations within the City of Richmond.
◦ The Gross Revenue Share Percentage shall be expressed as a fixed percentage (%) of the Proposer’s total gross revenues, without deductions, exclusions, or offsets, except as may be expressly permitted under the final lease or operating agreement.
◦ The Port reserves the right to negotiate a final Gross Revenue Share Percentage as part of the award process.
• References: Provide relevant project and customer references. • Required City Forms: Include all required City forms, including the Sanctuary City Compliance Statement.
• Exceptions: Identify any exceptions to the proposed lease terms or RFP requirements.
Proposals should be less than 15 pages. Detailed data and information may be provided as Appendices to the base proposal.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Port intends to use a qualifications- and best-value-based evaluation process. Proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee designated by the City. The City may request clarification; request supplemental information; conduct site visits; verify references; perform financial due diligence; request a Best and Final Offer; and recommend a preferred Proposer to the City Council. The City Council retains final authority to approve any lease resulting from this solicitation.
The information in each proposal will be reviewed and evaluated based on the following criteria:
Evaluation Criteria Points
Commercial Maritime Operations and Port Experience, including Demonstrated Maritime Emissions Reduction Technology
10 Regulatory Approval for CARB At-Berth Compliance Capability 20 Financial Capacity, including Established Business in Richmond 20 Proposed Base Rent and Investment Outlook in Basin 4 20 Expected Environmental and Community Air Quality Benefits 15 Alignment with City of Richmond and Port of Richmond Objectives:
Economic Development, Workforce Development, Green Economy Benefits 15 TOTAL 100
The City is not required to select the proposal offering the highest rent. Selection will be based upon the proposal determined to provide the greatest overall value to the Port and City.
TIMELINE
ACTIVITY DATE
RFP Issued July 16, 2026
Pre-Proposal Site Tour* July 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM
Deadline for Questions July 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM
Responses to Questions/Addenda July 31, 2026
Proposals Due August 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM
Selection of Preferred Proposer August 2026
City Council Consideration of Lease September 2026
Anticipated Lease Commencement November 2026
*The Site Tour will take place on July 23, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Please meet at 1319 Canal Blvd., Richmond, CA parking area. This location is at the head of the Basins and immediately in front of the Red Oak Victory ship (WWII Museum Ship).
The City reserves the right to modify this schedule.
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION INFORMATION
Electronic proposals shall be submitted via the City’s secure online bidding system. All required sections of the proposal must be submitted via the website. The Respondent is solely responsible for "on time" submission of their electronic proposal. The Bid Management System will not accept late proposals, and no exceptions shall be made. Respondents will receive an ebid confirmation number with a time stamp from the Bid Management System indicating that their proposal was submitted successfully. The City will only receive those proposals that were transmitted successfully. The proposal must be received no later than 3:00 p.m., local time, on August 5, 2026. The proposal and any required certifications shall be signed by an individual or individuals authorized to execute legal documents on behalf of the Respondent.
All questions must be submitted via the electronic BidsOnline system on the Q&A tab by July 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM. If the City finds it necessary to issue an addendum, prospective Respondents will receive e-mail notification of the addendum. Otherwise, answers to questions received will be provided on the Q&A tab and notification will be sent by July 31, 2026. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to periodically check the BidsOnline website, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/bids, for any possible addenda to the RFP that may have been posted.
Any party submitting a proposal shall not contact or lobby any City Council member, City official, employee (except those specified for contact), or agent regarding the RFP. Any party attempting to influence or circumvent the RFP, bid submittal, and review process shall have their proposal rejected for violating this provision of the RFP.
Interested parties may download copies of the abovementioned proposal by visiting the City’s website, www.ci.richmond.ca.us/bids. To download the RFP, new Respondents will be required to register. Once the Respondent downloads any documents relative to a solicitation, that Respondent’s name will appear on the Prospective Bidders list for that project and will receive any addenda or notifications relating to the RFP.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
This RFP does not commit the City of Richmond to award a lease or contract, to defray any costs incurred in the preparation of a proposal pursuant to this RFP, or to procure or contract for work. The City of Richmond may reject a proposal without providing the reason(s) underlying the declination. A failure to award a lease to the proposer offering the highest rent shall not constitute a valid cause of action against the City of Richmond. The City shall not be responsible for work done, even in good faith, prior to final approval of the proposed lease. The City may investigate the qualifications of any Respondent under consideration, require confirmation of information furnished by the Respondent, and require additional evidence of qualifications to perform the uses described in this RFP.
The City reserves the right to:
• Reject any or all proposals;
• Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals;
• Postpone opening for its own convenience;
• Remedy technical errors in the Request for Proposals process; • Negotiate with any, all, or none of the Respondents;
• Solicit best and final offers from all or some of the Respondents; • Select one or more Respondents;
• Accept other than the highest proposed rent; and
• Waive informalities and irregularities in proposals.
PUBLIC RECORDS
All proposals submitted in response to this RFP become the property of the City of Richmond and public records and, as such, may be subject to public review. Documents protected by law from public disclosure will not be disclosed by the City of Richmond if clearly marked with the word "confidential" on each applicable page. Trade secrets may be marked as confidential only to the extent they meet the requirements of California Government Code section 6254.7. Only information claimed to be a trade secret at the time of submittal to the City of Richmond and marked as "confidential" will be treated as a trade secret.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
The City of Richmond requires parties doing business with it to obtain insurance, as shown in the RFP Attachments. The required insurance certificates must comply with all requirements of the standards as shown and must be provided within fifteen (15) days of issuance of the Notice of Intent to Award and prior to the commencement of any occupancy of or work on the Premises.
BUSINESS LICENSES
The successful Respondent and all subcontractors used in the work will be required to hold or to obtain a City of Richmond business license, for which the fee will not be waived.
COMPLIANCE WITH CITY ORDINANCES
The successful Respondent shall comply with all applicable City contracting, business license, prevailing wage, local employment, and other applicable requirements, as further described in the Attachments.
SANCTUARY CITY CONTRACTING ORDINANCE
The Richmond Sanctuary City Contracting Ordinance No. 12-18 prohibits the City from granting and/or retaining contracts with any person or entity that provides Data Broker or Extreme Vetting services to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division of the United States Department of Homeland Security ("ICE"). Respondents must submit the Sanctuary City Compliance Statement with their proposal.
COLLUSION
By submitting a proposal, each Respondent represents and warrants that its proposal is genuine and not false or collusive or made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any person not named therein; that the Respondent has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other person to submit a false proposal, or any other person to refrain from submitting a proposal; and that the Respondent has not, in any manner, sought collusion to secure any improper advantage over any other person submitting a proposal.
WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL
A Respondent may withdraw their proposal before the expiration of the time for submission of proposals by delivering to the Port Department a written request for withdrawal signed by, or on behalf of, the Respondent.
PORT’S OBJECTIVE
Through this solicitation, the City seeks to transform Basin 4 into a productive, revenuegenerating maritime facility that supports regulatory compliance, clean maritime technology deployment, private capital investment, environmental stewardship, skilled employment, and the long-term competitiveness of the Port of Richmond.
The selected tenant should demonstrate the technical expertise, operational capability, financial strength, regulatory experience, and commitment to private investment necessary to establish Basin 4 as a significant center for maritime emissions reduction and clean maritime operations serving the Port of Richmond and the broader San Francisco Bay maritime industry.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1: Basin 4 Site Map
Attachment 2: Facility Plans
Attachment 3A/3B: Insurance Requirements
Attachment 4: Port Lease Template (final terms to be negotiated with selected tenant)