How to Become a Concessionaire

If you are interested in working with DCAS, our project managers will help you every step of the way – from learning about an opportunity, to developing your proposal, to, once selected, launching your concession. Here is what you need to know:

Step 1: Getting Started

Vendors that are interested in working with the City should sign up for our mailing list in order to receive information on upcoming and available concession opportunities. It is here that you will also find pertinent information about the concession process including the terms and the guidelines for each bid or proposal and any addenda. This document is known as a solicitation.

The best way to hear about an upcoming concession is to sign up for DCAS’ Concessions Mailing List. By signing up for the mailing list, you will be among the first to hear about new and exciting opportunities once a solicitation is made public.

Step 2: Respond to a Solicitation

DCAS offers two types of solicitations that you can respond to. Find out below what you need to prepare for each type of solicitation.

Request for Bids (RFBs)

When responding to a Request for Bids (RFB), DCAS awards a concession to the highest responsible bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the RFB.

Request for Bids (RFBs)

DCAS evaluates each proposal based on the selection criteria set forth in the Requests for Proposals (RFPs). DCAS awards a concession to the responsible proposer whose proposal is determined to be in the strongest proposal, taking into consideration the revenue to the City and other factors or criteria set forth in the RFP.

Step 3: Submit Your Bid or Proposal

DCAS asks that you follow the instructions included in the solicitation and make sure that you send in your bid or proposal before the due date. Some proposals also include a proposer meeting and site tour, where you can meet the project manager at the site and learn more about the contemplated concession and the location. DCAS strongly recommends that you attend!

If necessary, DCAS may schedule interviews with each potential concessionaire in furtherance of the evaluation process.

Step 4: After the Selection

Once your bid or proposal has been selected, DCAS will request that you submit all required documentation. Required documentation may include, but is not limited to, insurance documents, W9 form, and a security deposit.

Step 5: Finalizing the Concession Agreement

If your proposal has been selected, DCAS will work with your team to negotiate an agreement consistent with the solicitation and your proposal or bid. Once finalized, the concession agreement will be executed by the parties and DCAS will then send the agreement to the Office of the New York City Comptroller to be registered.

Upon registration, you are ready to start your business as a DCAS Concessionaire! Our project managers are here to answer your questions along the way. We at DCAS look forward to working with you!