RE: Authorization to Extend Grant Funds to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc.
RIOC seeks authorization to extend grant funds for the first six (6) months of FY 2018 to the Roosevelt Island Youth Program, Inc. (“RIYP”), the current operator of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. RIOC intends to release a competitive Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for a Youth Center Operator before the expiration of this period.
This period will also be used to schedule and commence general rehabilitation of the Youth Center, to address leaks on the roof and terrace, ADA-compliant restrooms, remodel the kitchen facilities, mechanical/electrical/plumbing upgrades, and finishes — resulting in a more safe and attractive space for the Island’s youth.
The grant will require detailed information regarding programing, attendance, staffing as well as a six month budget of all funds necessary to operate the Center.
Based on the foregoing, RIOC requests the Board’s approval to disburse $100,000 in grant funds and enter into a six month grant agreement with the RIYP in order to ensure the continued operations of the Youth Center.
which attracted three bidders - the current operator RIYP, Island Kids and the Roosevelt Island Center of Community Developemt (RICCD). RIOC's RFP scoring of the applicants resulted in a tie between 2 bidders. RIOC did not reveal the names of the tied bidders to the public or the bidders themselves.
On January 23, RIOC announced that the two tied applicants would be further evaluated to determine the winning RFP bid but subsequently withdrew the RFP on January 27. On February 1, RIOC President Susan Rosenthal reported the reason for withdrawing the Youth Center RFP was:
... members of the Roosevelt Island community have submitted numerous communications to RIOC generally questioning the legitimacy of the review that resulted in a tie. Some communications included disparaging remarks about bidders. All such communications, attempting to influence the RIOC review committee while the RFP is pending, are inappropriate and are prohibited by State Finance Law. These communications, among other things, caused RIOC to withdraw the RFP on January 27, 2017.....
Also, the terms of the RFP (page 17) state that RIOC may withdraw the RFP at any time at it's sole discretion.
To date, the Youth Center RFP applicants did not know who the tied bidders were or the RFP scoring results.
Until now.
The RIYP and Island Kids were tied for first place with 241 points. RICCD scored 230 points.
Scoring criteria was based upon 4 separate categories:
The winning Youth Center bidder was expected to be decided during the January 26 RIOC Board meeting.
On January 23, RIOC announced:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Directors meeting previously scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017 has been rescheduled and will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center Theater, 548 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
On January 23, I asked RIOC President Susan Rosenthal and RIOC Directors:
Any update on the status of Youth Center operator RFP....
Ms Rosenthal answered later that day:
RIOC’s evaluation process has resulted in a tied score for two of the proposing entities. To resolve this tie, RIOC will conduct a second evaluation of the tied proposals with a new review panel. We expect to complete this phase of the evaluation process by February 3rd, 2017.
We will answer all appropriate inquiries at the conclusion of the process.
During January 24 RIOC Operations Advisory Committee meeting (full audio web cast here and here), RIOC Director David Kraut asked about the status of the Youth Center RFP. Ms Rosenthal replied that there was a tie among two bidders but would not answer Mr. Kraut's follow up question regarding the identity of the tied bidders because the RFP was still an "open bid".
At the conclusion of the public portion of the Operation Advisory Committee meeting, the RIOC Board went into Executive Session to discuss the Youth Center RFP.
I'm told that Ms Rosenthal would not disclose the identity of the tied bidders to the RIOC Directors during the Executive Session.
Late Friday afternoon, January 27, all 3 Youth Center RFP bidders received an email from RIOC informing them that the Youth Center RFP was withdrawn and a revised RFP would be issued at a future date.
On January 28, I asked RIOC President Rosenthal and RIOC Directors:
I understand that RIOC withdrew the Roosevelt Island Youth Center Operations RFP yesterday and intends to issue a new RFP in the future.
Susan stated at Tuesday's Operations Advisory committee meeting that there were 2 bidders who were tied for the Youth Center Operations RFP and that these 2 bidders would meet with a new RIOC panel to determine the winning bidder under the RFP.
Why was the Youth Center RFP withdrawn?
What happened between the Tuesday Operations Committee meeting and Friday for RIOC to decide to withdraw the Youth Center RFP?...
Have not received a reply yet from RIOC.
I also asked the Youth Center bidders for comment regarding RIOC's withdrawal of the RFP. Island Kids Nikki Leopold replied:
Island Kids received an email yesterday afternoon about the RFP being withdrawn. We are disappointed to say the least. We've spent considerable time on this process, We were working closely with one of the largest providers of free afterschool programming in the city and met with a major funder who was considering a sizable match to the RIOC funds in the case that we were awarded the contract. We're confident that our proposal would have raised the bar for Island youth services. We look forward to the release of the revised RFP and hope that RIOC will give a timeline in the very near future.
Will update when any statement received from RIOC or other RFP bidders.
RICCD received an email Friday afternoon about the RFP being withdrawn. Our RICCD leadership and board came into the bidding process with extensive experience in critical areas that would undoubtedly increase the effectiveness of youth programming in our diverse neighborhood. We eagerly await the revised RFP and hope to better understand the latest change in the RFP process.
UPDATE 2/1, 5:20 PM - RIOC President Susan Rosenthal replies:
On September 21, 2017, RIOC issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) for the operation of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center. RIOC received three proposals based on this solicitation. All three proposals complied with the guidelines and were forwarded to a review committee of three RIOC evaluators. The RIOC evaluators followed RIOC and New York State Procurement Guidelines and evaluated the three proposals as detailed in the RFP. This review resulted in a tie score between two of the applicants. Accordingly, on January 20, 2017 all bidders were informed that the evaluation process resulted in a tie score and the two tied bidders’ applications were going to be submitted to a new panel of evaluators for review.
Since that time, members of the Roosevelt Island community have submitted numerous communications to RIOC generally questioning the legitimacy of the review that resulted in a tie. Some communications included disparaging remarks about bidders. All such communications, attempting to influence the RIOC review committee while the RFP is pending, are inappropriate and are prohibited by State Finance Law. These communications, among other things, caused RIOC to withdraw the RFP on January 27, 2017.
RIOC intends the new review committee to include members of other entities with expertise in child services to ensure the best operator for our children. Once the new review committee is constituted, RIOC will issue a new RFP for the operation of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.
All bidders and community members are reminded that clear guidelines exist within the RFP and the State Finance Law regarding communications concerning a proposal while the proposal is pending. We ask that the bidders and community members abide by these rules and laws.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
UPDATE 2/1, 6:35 PM - Island Kids Board of Directors add:
We refute the assertion that Island Kids was an unqualified and inexperienced applicant for the Youth Center RFP. Island Kids is absolutely qualified for the following reasons.
Island Kids has done an excellent job of and continues to develop its board - a true mix of Island residents, parents, nonprofit specialist, including a nonprofit attorney and a nonprofit CPA, marketing and development professionals, and education specialists. We are proud of the diversity and depth of expertise on the board as Island Kids continues to grow. Our Certificate of Incorporation is with the Attorney General’s office and in the process of being revised to reflect the full scope of services we intend to provide in the future. This process started before our response to the RFP was submitted. Over the last two years, Island Kids Board of Directors has spent a great deal of time working with the Lawyer’s Alliance to update and improve governance procedures including revisions to our by laws and the creation of an employee manual that outlines policies and procedures as well as our legal responsibilities to our employees. We are known for our integrity and at least three Island non-profits have approached us for advice on matters related to Board oversight and procedures.
Island Kids has developed strong partnerships with many Island organizations and has an excellent reputation amongst parents for providing high quality programming. As we crafted our proposal, much thought was put into collaboration with outside organizations with the same high standards of quality and inclusiveness that we pride ourselves on. Sports and Arts in Schools has that reputation along with 25 years of providing K-12 afterschool and summer programs. This partnership would have raised the bar on youth services to a level unprecedented on Roosevelt Island and also provides evidence of the organizations strategic capabilities in growing our program.
As far as our fundraising capabilities, Island Kids has raised well over $300,000 in the last 10 years, most of which has gone towards scholarships for children in need. Additionally, in preparation for the possibility of being awarded the Youth Center contract, Island Kids met with a funding partner who was considering a very substantial match to the RIOC funds. Given the small scope of our program, Island Kids has had great success in fundraising and we were confident that obtaining the Youth Center contract would open up additional funding opportunities.
Finally, we want to address the alleged conflict of interest between Sports and Arts and Schools (SASF) and the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL). NYJTL is a parent organization of SASF and they operate completely separately. The fact that they share an office space is no indication of a conflict. The Island would have been incredibly lucky to have SASF involved on any level, as their programming is outstanding. We hope to have the opportunity to work with them if and when and if the RFP is released again.
Island Kids refuses to let this latest personal attack deter us from moving forward. The attempt to thwart the process with baseless allegations, distracts all of us from moving forward with the Youth Center RFP which, with the right contractor would provide high quality, free programming, to children who otherwise would not receive such services. We look forward to RIOC’s response.
This is a developing story. More to come.
UPDATE 12/3 - The Island Kids Board of Directors share this letter they sent to RIOC responding to claims made by Frank Farance regarding the Youth Center RFP:
February 1, 2017
Dear Ms. Rosenthal and the RIOC Board of Directors,
It has come to our attention that a resident of Roosevelt Island has contacted the RIOC Board of Directors questioning the Youth Center RFP process and in doing so has made false assertions against Island Kids and the Executive Director of Island Kids, Nikki Leopold, as related to their recent RFP submission and overall business operations.
Island Kids was and continues to be a vital part of the Roosevelt Island community providing much needed programming for children on Roosevelt Island for over 25 years. A stalwart presence on the island and part of the island's rich history of non-profit and community based organizations, these unwarranted and false claims have the potential to irrevocably damage Island Kids' ability to address the needs of the children and families on Roosevelt Island.
Island Kids has and continues to value its partnership with RIOC. We refuse to believe that RIOC has in any way, either deliberately or intentionally, conducted the unlawful behavior that Frank Farance states. In addition, Island Kids was thrilled to be considered as a candidate for the bid as called for by the RFP and is profoundly saddened by the individual's egregious allegations of collusion in the RFP process on the part of RIOC and Island Kids.
The Board of Directors of Island Kids also wishes at this time to address the false assertions made by the individual concerning the relationship between Island Kids, the PTA, and SASF.
Nikki Leopold was the PTA President between 2008 and 2010. During that time, she wrote the public purpose application for both Island Kids and PS/IS 217 PTA. At some point the Island Kids EIN was inadvertently written into the PTA proposal in error. As PTA members change year to year, the number was pulled from the old proposal and entered into the 2014 PTA public purpose proposal. RIOC did, in fact, follow up on this error. Sean Singh called both Nikki and Erin Olavesen to inquire about the issue. Nikki explained the mix up and the issue was resolved. At no time has either organization intentionally used the others EIN for any purpose. Both Island Kids and the PTA can verify that all public purpose payments have been made to the entities separately and proof of payments can be produced if necessary. Additionally, the correct EIN numbers for both organizations can be found on their tax returns.
Regarding the alleged conversation with Charlie DeFino, there is not much to say. The idea that Nikki Leopold is presently collecting money for the farmer market is preposterous, she has had no direct involvement with the PTA since 2013, when her daughter left the school. For a brief period, she continued to assist with the Farmers Market in her capacity as a PTA board member during the Board transition in 2011. Perhaps that is the conversation Mr. DeFino recalls. The PTA keeps records of all transactions regarding the Farmer’s Market including receipts for cash payments and I’m sure that they would be happy to confirm that.
We refute the assertion that Island Kids was an unqualified and inexperienced applicant for the Youth Center RFP. Island Kids is absolutely qualified for the following reasons.
IK has done an excellent job of and continues to develop its board - a true mix of Island residents, parents, nonprofit specialist, including a nonprofit attorney and a nonprofit CPA, marketing and development professionals, and education specialists. We are proud of the diversity and depth of expertise on the board as Island Kids continues to grow. Our Certificate of Incorporation is with the Attorney General’s office in the process of being revised to reflect the full scope of services we intend to provide in the future. This process started before our response to the RFP was submitted. Over the last two years, the Island Kids Board of Directors has spent a great deal of time working with the Lawyer’s Alliance to update and improve governance procedures including revisions to our by laws and the creation of an employee manual that outlines policies and procedures as well as our legal responsibilities to our employees. We are known for our integrity and at least three Island non-profits have approached us for advice on matters related to Board oversight and procedures.
Island Kids has developed strong partnerships with many Island organizations and has an excellent reputation amongst parents for providing high quality programming. As we crafted our proposal, much thought was put into collaboration with outside organizations with the same high standards of quality and inclusiveness that we pride ourselves on. Sports and Arts in Schools has that reputation along with 25 years of providing K-12 afterschool and summer programs. This partnership would have raised the bar on youth services to a level unprecedented on Roosevelt Island and also provides evidence of the organizations strategic capabilities in growing our program.
As far as our fundraising capabilities, Island Kids has raised well over $300,000 in the last 10 years, most of which has gone towards scholarships for children in need. Additionally, in preparation for the possibility of being awarded the Youth Center contract, Island Kids met with a funding partner who was considering a very substantial match to the RIOC funds. Given the small scope of our program, Island Kids has had great success in fundraising and we were confident that obtaining the Youth Center contract would open up additional funding opportunities.
In regards to Sports and Arts and Schools and the attempt to point out a conflict of interest with NYJTL, Mr. Farance is grasping at straws. NYJTL is a parent organization of SASF and they operate completely separately. The fact that they share an office space is no indication of a conflict. The Island would have been incredibly lucky to have SASF involved on any level, as their programming is outstanding. We hope to have the opportunity to work with them when and if the RFP is released again.
Island Kids refuses to let this personal attack deter us from moving forward. The attempt to thwart the process with baseless allegations, distracts all of us from moving forward with the Youth Center RFP which, with the right contractor, would provide high quality, free programming to children who otherwise would not receive such services.
reports on the addition of 4 new members to RIYP's Board Of Directors as well as staff promotions and additions.
According to Mr. Defino:
The new members are Maureen Santella, a 25 year resident of the Island and respected educator; David Evans, Southtown's representative to the RIRA Common Council,; John Weaterhead, who has lived on the Island for 40 years and was Vice-President of the Rivercross Board of Directors; and Kwasi Long, a 40 year Island resident and former Vice President of the Garden Club. These new members join Chairperson Jimmie Won, Vice President and Treasurer Steven Kaufman and Secretary Meera Tandon.
Our expanded Board has a total of more then 200 years of residence on Roosevelt Island. Each member brings a record of community leadership and volunteer service.
Staff changes include the promotion Aikaterini Efthymiadou, a 20 year long resident, to Beacon Director and the promotions of Andrey Chicagov and Roy Magasisi to Assistant Beacon Directors. In addition, John Swauger, who directed a multi-service community agency for 30 years, has joined our agency as Assistant to the Executive Director. This team now has a combined 100 years of management experience in not-for-profits.
These changes strengthen the Roosevelt Island Youth Program's already impressive management capability and ensure that the agency is prepared to meet the Island's needs for a fourth decade.
The RIYP has been the operator of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center for almost 40 years.
... a not-for-profit organization or public/governmental entity1 with the appropriate experience, qualifications and capacity to submit proposals to operate and manage (“the Operator”) the Roosevelt Island Youth Center, located at 506 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York, 10044.
The Operator of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center will provide year-round leadership, educational, recreational and cultural programs of exceptional quality. These programs will target a diverse group of Island youth across the age spectrum and be provided free of charge. The Operator is expected to provide all personnel, materials and equipment to operate the facility. The successful Operator will also be expected to perform all tasks indicated in the Scope of Work to ensure the long-term stability and viability of the Roosevelt Island Youth Center.
The facility is a two-story, approximate 7,000 square foot building, comprised of several rooms of varying size. While the successful Operator will have the majority of that space to run its youth programs, other parts of the facility will be reserved for other community purposes. The successful Operator will enter into a Lease (for the facility), an Operating Agreement (to run the facility) and a $200,000 dollar Grant Agreement. Each agreement will be for an initial three (3) year period, with two, one-year extensions at RIOC’s option. The value of the Lease Agreement will be considered an in-kind grant from RIOC; and the Grant Agreement will be renewed annually, subject to the availability of RIOC funds.
The Lease, the Operating Agreement, and the Grant Agreement shall all run concurrently, and shall also be contingent upon the Operator’s compliance with ongoing reporting requirements established by RIOC as well as mutually agreed upon performance measures and contract deliverables. RIOC reserves the right to terminate the Lease, the Operating Agreement, and the Grant Agreement in the event these performance measures and other reporting requirements are not met by the Operator, to RIOC’s satisfaction, or for any other reason. Termination of one agreement may result in the termination of all three agreements....
The Operator will independently manage the Youth Center and will provide youth programs and services, including leadership development programs; sports, fitness and recreation programs; arts and cultural programs; and health/life skills programs. All programs must be offered free of charge. This programming will serve a diverse Roosevelt Island youth population and the entire spectrum of youth age groups.
The selected Youth Center Operator will be responsible for soliciting and managing youth activity by staff or independent organizations to provide high quality programs and services such as multi-media training, dance classes, computer training, art and music classes, science classes, leadership programs, high school/college/job preparation, homework assistance and other educational programs.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Executing a Lease Agreement with RIOC and securing supplemental grants
- Arranging for Youth educators, trainers and activity leaders
- Cooperating and collaborating with other entities (such as Cornell Technion) in
providing youth classes and other activities for all youth groups.
- Developing of a Business Plan that can be marketed for philanthropic purposes
- Developing annual budgets, operational costs, and fundraising strategies
RIOC interviewed the applicants to operate the Roosevelt Island Youth Center last week. According to the RFP, the applicants are to be judged by the following criteria (Page 15-16 of the RFP)
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC" or “Owner”) is seeking a panel of law firms with a practice in real estate construction and capital development. Specifically, RIOC seeks Development Counsel for development projects on Roosevelt Island. Development Counsel shall advise, assist and represent RIOC with respect to real estate transactions, litigation, land use, environmental review, housing and commercial matters, negotiations with developers, lessors, licensees and other governmental bodies, and such other special projects as RIOC may from time to time assign. After RIOC’s selection and engagement of a law firm or firms, the successful contractor (the “Contractor”) is expected to provide all personnel, materials and equipment, and perform all scope of work items, as indicated in the Scope of Work.
Neither the submission of a response to this RFP by any entity nor the acceptance of such response by RIOC will obligate RIOC in any manner whatsoever. RIOC reserves the right to accept or reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP. Legal obligations will only arise upon execution of a formal contract by RIOC and the entity/entities selected by RIOC...
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC" or “Owner”) is seeking a panel of law firms with a practice in Labor and Employment Law. Specifically, RIOC seeks Labor and Employment Law Counsel to advise, assist and represent RIOC (on an as needed basis), as management, on matters pertaining to, inter alia, collective bargaining and labor and employment law-related issues. RIOC employs approximately 120 employees, including approximately 75 union employees pursuant to three collective bargaining agreements (Local 210, Local 32B/J, and PSOBA). After RIOC’s selection and engagement of a law firm or firms, the successful contractor (the “Contractor”) is expected to provide all personnel, materials and equipment, and perform all scope of work items, as indicated in the Scope of Work....
Below is May 21 RIOC Board of Directors meeting discussion regarding appointment of Susan Rosenthal as the new RIOC General Counsel replacing Don Lewis who left the position last April for unknown reasons. Several RIOC Directors expressed reluctance to approve the appointment of Ms. Rosenthal as General Counsel because they were not involved in the selection process and did not know any reason for sudden departure by Mr. Lewis as General Counsel.
Ms Rosenthal was approved as RIOC General Counsel during the May 21 RIOC Board Meeting.
Here's the discussion at May 21 RIOC Board Meeting.
Ms Rosenthal's official title is RIOC Secretary and Vice President for Legal Affairs.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued a September 16 Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking a security and building manager for the Roosevelt Island Cultural Center. A pre-bid meeting date is scheduled for 10 AM tomorrow, September 23, at RIOC HQ (591 Main Street).
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC" or “Owner”) is seeking a qualified security and building manager with prior, similar experience, for its Pilot Program, who is responsible, customer service oriented, has the ability to interact well with the public, can resolve conflict with diplomacy, and exercises sound judgement, and who will have a working relationship with the Public Safety Department and the Permitting Unit to provide security/building facilitator services for the Cultural Center located at 548 Main Street, on Roosevelt Island....
The Cultural Center is located in the basement of a multi-story building, of which, the Public Safety Department is housed above. The Cultural Center provides community space for the various groups on the Island to assemble. The Cultural Center consists of a Theater, two offices, a kitchen, and seven other rooms available to permitted users. These permitted rooms include three dance studios, three classrooms, and two storage rooms.
RIOC is seeking a qualified security and building manager – with prior, similar experience – who is responsible, customer service oriented, has the ability to interact well with the public, can resolve conflict with diplomacy, and exercises sound judgement, and who will have a working relationship with the Public Safety Department to provide the following services:
Promptly and directly report to the Public Safety Department and the Permit Unit, any and all incidents requiring enforcement of Cultural Center Facility Use Guidelines;
Ensure that permitted rooms within the Cultural Center are used appropriately, and in accordance with their permitted use;
Monitor points of entry of the Cultural Center to ensure that doors are locked and secured;
Read and enforce daily schedule of permitted use for permitted rooms inside the Cultural Center;
Inspect permitted rooms after use by each permittee and receive filled out Cultural Center Checklist
form after termination of each permitted use;
Draft Unusual Occurrence Reports and notify PSD of any emergencies and or incidents that occur in the Cultural Center;
Draft Unusual Occurrence Reports regarding any incidents or emergencies that occur with the facility
and/or permitted users and also provide a copy to the Permitting Office each morning; and
Coordinate with, and promptly notify the building Superintendent (and the Permit Unit) regarding any plumbing issues, or malfunctions with building fixtures and/or other equipment.
These services must be provided for a minimum of two eight-hour shifts not to exceed three eight-hour shifts, which will be determined according to necessity solely by RIOC. These services will also be provided for six (6) months, with the possibility of extending the contract another six (6) months. The qualified security and building manager will be expected to look professional and wear a uniform and name tag, displaying the represented firm and the employee’s name. All uniforms and name tags will be the sole responsibility of the successful bidder to provide. Additionally, the security and building manager will have all necessary certifications required by New York State, federal, local law, and regulations.
All interested bidders will be expected to appear for a walkthrough of the target facility, which will occur on September 23, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. ...
Reported previously on Mitchell Lama privatization/affordability plan and ground lease extension issues for Roosevelt Island Rivercross, Island House and Westview buildings.
On May 8, RIOC issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) seeking a real estate consultant to assist in negotiating ground lease agreements for several building. According to the RFP:
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (“RIOC”), a NYS Public Benefit Corporation, was established to develop and maintain the 147 acre Roosevelt Island located between Manhattan and Queens along the East River. The Island was leased from the City of New York by RIOC under a 99 year lease terminating in 2068. RIOC seeks to engage a real estate consultant to assist in the negotiation of ground lease extensions for several island buildings....
... The contract will be for a one year with an option for RIOC to renew for an additional two years...
The due date for submissions to the RFP for interested real estate firms is May 29. Full RFP is here.
In December 2009, the RIOC Board had previously approved the hiring of Jones Lang LaSalle to advise RIOC on Rivercross, Island House and Westview negotiations. Who will be next, Jones Lang again or someone else?
As previously reported, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) issued Request For Proposals for a West Promenade Subway Pier food concession and a Rowing/Kayaking facility below the Queensboro Bridge on the East Channel. Submissions were due May 1. On May 2, I reported that there was one food concession proposal submitted and no rowing/kayaking submission.
Last Friday, I asked RIOC:
I am following up on earlier inquiry regarding the status of the Rowing/Kayaking facility for Roosevelt Island and the Waterfront Promenade Pier Food Concession. As you know, both were subjects of recent RIOC RFP's.
What is the status of the Rowing/Kayaking and Waterfront Promenade Pier Food Concession proposals?
Thank you.
RIOC Vice President of Operations Fernando Martinez replied this afternoon
No one responded to our Rowing/Kayaking RFP. We received 2 responses to the Waterfront Food Concession RFP. The owners of the Riverwalk Bar and Grill were selected to operate the concessions.
I followed up with:
Thank you for the update.
Who submitted the second proposal for the waterfront food concession and what is the reason for choosing one over the other?
Both of these subjects are among the Agenda Items for today's Executive Session RIOC Real Estate Committee meeting which is closed to the public.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Real Estate Development Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the RIOC administrative office, 591 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
AGENDA
1. Chair's Motion for Executive Session to Review and Discuss:
a. Responses to RFP's:
i. RFP#12-27395 Operation of a Kayaking/Rowing Concession in the Eastern Channel off
Roosevelt Island; and
ii. RFP#12-27396 Operation of a Waterfront Food Concession on the West Promenade of Roosevelt Island;
b. Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Southtown Buildings 7, 8 and 9; and
c. Proposed Modifications to the Ground Lease for Island House.
As with all RFP submissions, RIOC can choose to accept, reject or modify any proposal.
Last weekend, I visited Gantry State Park in Long Island City and came across their version of a waterfront food concession with seating for about 30, though it was closed at the time,
as well as these places to relax and take in the great East River Waterfront Views.
(note the Kahn/FDR Memorial in background)
If you have not been to Gantry State Park in Long Island City - go, they did a great job.
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) is looking for communications and marketing assistance services. According to a Request For Proposals released on July 4, 2011:
The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation ("RIOC" or “Owner”) is seeking to retain professional communications and marketing services for the purposes of informing and updating current residents on organization-sponsored projects and programs and other Island events and promoting the Island to visitors, businesses and prospective residents....
... Scope of Work
1. Manage the development and execution of an annual plan, including ongoing communications, crisis communications, media and public relations
2. Respond to media inquiries, identify opportunities and generate earned media profiling the Island to increase in interest residential, opportunities for businesses and tourism
2. Write and edit biweekly column for local community paper, create an editorial calendar for columns, work with staff to develop timely and relevant content
3. Assist in the development of a quarterly newsletter, including developing article ideas, writing, editing, and working with designer on layout
4. Assist in generating event ideas to attract tourism
5. Assist the development of RIOC’s social media presence
6. Create communications and stimulate media interest around new initiatives or programs
7. Assist in the development of an annual report, including developing a theme, generating content ideas, editing and working with designer on layout
8. Act as liaison to NYC and Co. to help build knowledge of and tourism for Roosevelt Island
The selected Consultant must be available to attend weekly on-site meetings and may be occasionally called upon to assist with outreach to government agencies and community based organizations, including attending meetings and editing correspondences.
Term of Service:
RIOC seeks to engage a communications and marketing Consultant for a one-year term with a 30-day cancellation provision by either party. The contract term is from August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012....
... There will not be a pre-bid conference for this RFP. Questions about the RFP should be directed to Erica Wilder, Community Relations Specialist,...
The question period ends July 18, proposals are due 3 PM July 25 and the award notification will be on July 29, 2011.
... For the year ended March 31, 2011, the audit financial statement showed total capital assets as follows:
Seawall $ 2,897,836
Buildings 13,221,428
Land Improvements 6,324,364
Machinery and Equipment 3,621,793
Infrastructure 40,330,278
Total Capital Assets 66,395,699
RIOC employs 103 full time employees and 15 part time employees.
Section of Operations:
Bus Operations: Consisting of seven Orion Hybrid-Electrical Low Floor Buses which provides transportation Island wide.
Parks and Recreations: To promote the usage of Sports Park Facilities for evens such as Basketball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Indoor Soccer and other events. Provide permits for events such as filming, athletic field usage, and other functions.
Grounds and Maintenance: Is responsible to maintain all outdoor spaces, to include athletic field preparation, landscaping, and parks area. To provide daily maintenance to the island infrastructure, (roads, building, seawall)
Public Safety Department: Consisting of 41 Peace Officers, unarmed, who provides a safe and secure environment for the residents, employees, business owners, community and visitors of Roosevelt Island. Protect the property and interest of the Corporation and the Housing Companies and Corporations.
Tramway: Aerial Tramway provides transportation from Roosevelt Island to East 60th street In Manhattan. Operates on two independently powered cars shuttling back and forth across the East River, carrying 109 passengers at a time and 2 million people annually generating approximately $4,200.000. in revenue annually. Administration Department: Consisting of 42 full time and 7 part time employees....
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
