A request for proposals for a children’s play area planned for Jacksonville International Airport’s developing Concourse B has attracted 36 bids since being issued by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority on Feb. 2, according to a website JAA uses to advertise projects.
The play area will be themed around “Come Fly With Me,” an airport-distributed coloring and activity book designed to introduce children to air travel.
The RFP, listed at demandstar.com, does not include a proposed budget. JAA will evaluate bids based on the proposed lump-sum price, overall experience, proposed schedule and project design. Preference will be given to applicants operating in Baker, Clay, Flagler, Duval, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
Designs for the 20-foot-by-20-foot space must maintain clear sightlines for caregivers, comply with all applicable accessibility and safety requirements and integrate with the surrounding concourse aesthetic.
For reference, a play area at Anderson Regional Airport in South Carolina that features airplane-shaped climbing structures, slides, swings and a runway design. was constructed for $350,000 and and one at Norwood Memorial Airport in Massachusetts that includes airplane-themed structures and views of the runway cost $213,630.
According to the RFP, “the vendor’s ability to create an engaging and visually appealing design is crucial. The play area should stimulate creativity and exploration, incorporating themes, colors and interactive elements that capture their interest.”
The selected vendor will handle design, construction, delivery and installation of the play area.
Construction is expected to begin in June and finish by Dec. 1 under JAA’s timeline. Proposals are due March 12 and can include pricing for an ongoing preventive maintenance plan covering up to five years. The three-member JAA Awards Committee is scheduled to select a vendor April 27. Members include members of the authority’s senior staff.
The play area is the latest addition to Concourse B’s ongoing development, which includes quick-service restaurants Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and V Pizza, sit-down establishment Cantina Louie Mexican Street Food and recently announced seafood restaurant Salt & Tide and Pura Bean Coffee Co.
Concourse B, which will add six gates at JIA, is under construction with a planned opening by the end of December. A new six-level, 2,000-space garage is scheduled for completion around the same time.
JAA CEO Mark VanLoh told the board Feb. 2 that those projects remain on schedule.
