By means of this Request for Proposals (RFP), the Hendricks County Convention and Visitors Bureau (HCCVB) invites proposals from qualified developers or development teams to plan, design, finance, construct and operate a quality hotel and conference center, to be located in Hendricks County, Indiana, near the Indianapolis International Airport.

A comprehensive market and financial feasibility study concerning a potential new hotel/conference center in Hendricks County was completed by CSL International in September 12, 2008 and is available upon request. As outlined in the feasibility study, desired or optimal project components would consist of a full-service, branded hotel with between 200 and 250 keyed rooms and an attached conference center offering between 20,000 and 30,000 square feet of rentable event space. Given the significant issues that have affected the overall hospitality industry and credit markets since the completion of the feasibility study, in July 2009, CSL International updated key market and financial assumptions and projections pertaining to the project. A summary of this updated information is also provided upon request.

The HCCVB presently owns an approximate 10-acre site in Plainfield at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Highway 267 with adjacency and visibility from I-70 (see map and site parcel diagram on pages 2 and 3). The HCCVB is also presently considering the purchase of an additional eight-acre parcel that is adjacent to the 10-acre owned site. It is contemplated that one or both of these site parcels, or alternatively, the proceeds from their sale, could consist of a portion of the public sector�s funding contribution to the hotel/conference center project.

Additional public sector funding and/or financing assistance may also be available for the selected private partner for a project that is deemed beneficial to key stakeholders, the community and its constituents. Potential public sector funding and assistance could include the following:

1. Donation of (or net proceeds from the sale of) an approximate 10-acre site. Based on the recommendations of a 2003 Convention Center Feasibility Study, the site was purchased in April 2005 by the HCCVB for $1.59 million. Current appraised value is $1.98 million.
2. Donation of (or net proceeds from the sale of) any additional site parcels that may be purchased in the future by the HCCVB.
3. Portion of the existing Hendricks County Innkeepers Tax.
4. Potential increased Hendricks County Innkeepers Tax.
5. Town of Plainfield incentives of tax abatement, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), fee assumptions, participation in infrastructure costs, deferral of impact fees, if any.
6. State of Indiana support in such areas as STIF, grants, training credits.
7. Hendricks County Tourism Commission support staff to market and sell hotel and conference center facilities.
8. Other public funding vehicles and revenues sources that may include bond financing.

Upon receipt and evaluation of proposals and conduct of selected interviews, the HCCVB will select the proposal that it deems to be in its best interest. The HCCVB will consider the following criteria, among others: (1) design, development, construction management, and operating capability and experience; (2) functional & conceptual program; (3) proposed business terms; and (4) ability to finance the project.