Gwinnett Airport RFP Opens Door for Scheduled Passenger Service

Updated 4:54 p.m., Dec. 8, 2011

Gwinnett County on Thursday formally began the process of potentially privatizing county-owned Briscoe Field by issuing a Request For Proposals (RFP). And the invitation opens a window for commercial passenger service.

In a posting on the county website, county officials said bids from parties interesting in operating the Lawrenceville airport must submit proposals by Feb. 8, 2012, at 2:50 p.m.

Also, a related news conference has been scheduled for Jan. 5, 2012, at county headquarters in Lawrenceville.

According to the RFP, companies responding to the RFP "may specifically propose the introduction of scheduled passenger service, and/or how the Respondent would position the airport to proceed if and when the County were to approve the seeking of schedule passenger service."

The privatization movement gained steam earlier this year when commissioners hired consultants and later voted unanimously to allow proposals. Improved financial performance of the airport, which currently is operated by the county Transportation Department, and potential job creation are cited by commissioners.

Also, a citizens review panel has been appointed for oversight purposes.

"Gwinnett County is dedicated to promoting the local economy and contributing to the success of our businesses and citizens," the RFP read. "We are interested in doing business with vendors that have a positive local impact and support this mission."

Commercial passenger service was separated from mere privatization -- turning over the aiport to a private company or consortia -- in early discussions. But the RFP does not avoid the possibility.

"All existing and future agreements" are cited in the RFP: "The County desires to have the Airport operated in perpetuity as an aviation facility available for public use in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and in compliance with all existing and future agreements between the County, State and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), specifically including, but not limited to, FAA grant agreements and the Airport sponsor grant assurances."

The full RFP can be viewed on the website.