The board of directors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA) has awarded a consulting-services contract to Public Financial Management (PFM) to assist in the process of reviewing responses to a request for qualifications from five private companies specializing in facility operations, maintenance and management.
The board has stated that the RFQ was issued to enable it to examine all available options as part of its continuing efforts to ensure the center’s operating efficiency and market competitiveness. PFM will assist the board in reviewing the submissions, determining whether the bidders are qualified, and consult with the board on whether to proceed with a request for proposals.
“The board felt that it was important to bring in an independent consultant to assist us in the process of reviewing and evaluating the responses we have received as well as analyzing our options going forward,” said Gregory J. Fox, board chairman, PCCA. “We wanted an outside organization that could provide us with a fresh look and a different perspective.
“The purpose of the RFQ was to gather information from the marketplace regarding best practices. Now that we have that information, we look forward to working with PFM to conduct a thorough review of the responses.”
No decision has been made by the board as to whether it will move forward with an RFP. PFM was selected by the PCCA to assist with the review process because of its substantial expertise in the areas of business management and business consulting. Eight firms responded to the RFP for a consulting firm, and board members agreed to contract with PFM for fees not expected to exceed $75,000.
The Pennsylvania Convention Center is located in Philadelphia’s Center City. A $787 million dollar renovation and expansion was completed in 2011, increasing its size by 62 percent. The newly renovated center has won numerous awards and recognition, including a designation as the Best Government/Public Building of 2011 by the Engineering News Record of New York.
