Request for Proposals
Hangar Area and Taxilane Development at Watertown Regional Airport
Section 1: Introduction and Overview
1.1 Purpose
The City of Watertown, operator of Watertown Regional Airport (ATY), is seeking proposals from qualified parties ('Proposers') for the design and construction of new aircraft hangars and associated taxilane, pavements, and utilities. The successful Proposer will be selected to enter into a lease and development agreement with the Airport.
1.2 Background
Watertown Regional Airport has experienced consistent growth in aviation activity, including general aviation and corporate traffic. To meet growing demand for additional aircraft storage and support facilities, the Airport has designated a specific area for new hangar and taxilane development, as shown on the approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP).
This project will enhance capacity, improve operational safety, and support the region’s economic development by attracting new aviation-related business and private investment. Please note that ALL options, configurations, financial strategies, construction phases, or development strategies will be considered.
1.3 Schedule
The Airport has established the following tentative schedule for the project:
• RFP Release Date: [11/25/2025]
• Deadline for Questions: [12/19/2025]
• Proposal Submission Deadline: [12/26/2025, 1:00 PM]
• Selection of Proposer: [1/5/2026]
Section 2: Project Scope and Requirements
2.1 Project Description
The project entails the design and construction of aviation facilities in the designated development zone at Watertown Regional Airport. This includes:
• Hangar Construction: Specify number, type, and approximate size of hangars, e.g., T-hangars, box hangars, corporate hangars with business frontage. Include proper drainage for each site.
• Taxilane Development: Construction of a new taxilane and connecting pavements to provide safe aircraft access to the hangars.
• Utility Infrastructure: Extension and installation of utilities, including electrical, gas, water, and sanitary sewer services, as required.
• Access Roads and Parking: Construction of new vehicle access roads and parking areas to support the hangar facility.
2.2 Design and Construction Standards
All work must comply with the following standards:
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): Current advisory circulars, including AC 150/5300-13 (Airport Design) and AC 150/5340-1 (Standards for Airport Markings).
• Local Regulations: Applicable City of Watertown, Codington County, and State of South Dakota codes, ordinances, and zoning requirements.
• Building Materials: Preferred use of durable materials such as fully enclosed steel structures.
• Pavement Design: Pavement sections should be designed to meet FAA specifications and account for the critical design aircraft identified in the ALP.
Section 3: Proposal Format and Submission
3.1 Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Ian Meriwether-Chalfant, Airport Manager
Email: Imeriwether@watertownsd.us
The subject line must read: “Response to Watertown Regional Airport Hangar and Taxilane Development RFP.”
A hard copy must also be delivered to:
Watertown Regional Airport
Attn: Airport Manager
550 Airport Dr.
Watertown, SD 57201
3.2 Proposal Structure
At a minimum, proposals must include the following:
• Cover Letter: Introduction of Proposer and partners, with contact information for the project lead.
• Executive Summary: Overview of the project concept, qualifications, and benefits to the Airport.
• Proposer Qualifications: Company experience in aviation development projects, with emphasis on hangar and taxilane construction.
• Project Approach: Methodology for design, construction, and coordination with the Airport and FAA.
• Project Team: List of key personnel and subcontractors, including resumes and relevant experience.
• Development Plan: Detailed narrative and drawings covering proposed hangar types, taxilane layout, utility routing, access, and parking.
• Financial Plan: Comprehensive financial model outlining proposed investment, funding strategy, and lease terms. All strategies will be considered.
• Project Timeline: Schedule from notice-to-proceed through to completion.
• Please limit the proposal to 25 pages or fewer.
Section 4: Evaluation and Award
4.1 Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Financial Strength: Ability to finance and complete the project.
• Experience and Qualifications: Track record with comparable airport development projects.
• Design and Layout: Efficiency, functionality, and compliance of proposed design.
• Project Schedule: Realism and feasibility of timeline.
• Overall Benefit to the Airport: Alignment with Watertown Regional Airport’s long-term development and strategic goals.
4.2 Reservation of Rights
The City of Watertown and Watertown Regional Airport reserve the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor irregularities, and proceed in the best interest of the Airport.
Section 5: Questions and Contact
All questions must be submitted in writing via email to:
Ian Meriwether-Chalfant
Airport Manager, Watertown Regional Airport
Email: Imeriwether@watertownsd.us
Questions must be submitted by the deadline specified in Section 1.3. No verbal questions will be accepted.
Section 6: Federal Funding and Compliance
The City of Watertown intends to seek reimbursement for eligible portions of this project through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) or other federal funding sources. As such, the selected Proposer will be required to comply with all applicable federal requirements, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Airport Layout Plan (ALP) Consistency: All proposed improvements must be consistent with the FAA-approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP). No reimbursement will be available for improvements not shown on the approved ALP at the time of construction.
• Environmental Compliance: The project is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable environmental, historic, and cultural resource review requirements, in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F and related guidance. No construction may begin until all required environmental determinations are issued.
• Buy American and Build America, Buy America (BABA): Materials and manufactured products used in federally funded portions of the project must comply with Buy American Preferences under 49 U.S.C. § 50101 and the Build America, Buy America Act (Pub. L. 117-58, §§ 70901–70953).
• Civil Rights and Accessibility: The project must comply with FAA Grant Assurances, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and applicable requirements for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation under 49 CFR Part 26 that have not been affected by Executive Orders 14151 and 14173.
• Labor Standards: Construction activities funded in whole or in part with federal funds are subject to the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. §§ 3141–3148), requiring payment of prevailing wages as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor.
• FAA Design Standards: All design and construction must comply with the most current FAA Advisory Circulars and standards in effect at the time of design and construction, including but not limited to AC 150/5300-13 (Airport Design) and AC 150/5340-1 (Standards for Airport Markings).
• Funding Eligibility Disclaimer: Any work performed, or costs incurred, prior to the execution of a grant agreement with the FAA may not be eligible for federal reimbursement. The City of Watertown makes no guarantee of federal funding and reserves the right to modify the project scope to conform with FAA eligibility requirements.
Published 12/6 and 12/13/25 at the total approx. cost of $203.72 and may be viewed free of charge at www.sdpublicnotices.com. 11895567