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Airport panel aligns FBO and fuel‑farm leases, sets RFQ/RFP timeline for east‑site
Summary
The Santa Barbara Airport Commission adopted a lease amendment aligning FBO leases with the fuel‑farm lease through Aug. 27, 2031 and directed staff to issue a two‑step procurement (RFQ then RFP) ahead of the March 2027 east‑site lease deadline.
The Santa Barbara Airport Commission on June 10 adopted a lease amendment that aligns fixed‑base operator (FBO) lease terms with the airport’s fuel‑farm lease, clearing the way for a planned RFQ and later RFP for the east‑site FBO lease.
Why it matters: The change is intended to avoid mismatched lease end dates that could leave a new or existing FBO without fuel access or leave a fuel farm tied to an operator that no longer holds the adjacent FBO lease. Staff said aligning the dates creates a clearer procurement timeline and better operational continuity for Signature, Atlantic and other interested operators.
Director Chris explained the mismatch that prompted the amendment and the procurement schedule staff proposes. John, the airport commission secretary filling in, summarized the amendment’s practical effect: “it brings it to to be uh co‑terminus in in 2031. I believe it's March as well, but we can verify that.” The commission clarified the signed lease expiration will be Aug. 27, 2031.
Staff described a two‑step process: an RFQ to screen qualified operators and an RFP issued later to select a long‑term FBO tenant. “We were hoping for that to go out the end of this month,” staff said, noting the RFQ is currently with the city attorney for review. The RFQ will be distributed via the airport website, the PlanetBids procurement service and trade outreach to known FBO networks.
Officials said the RFQ will be a brief document seeking evidence of operating experience, references and basic financial information. Staff plans to issue the RFP sometime between October and December so a new lease can be in place by March 2027, but warned timing depends on legal review and responses.
Commissioners asked how lease transitions would be handled if one operator is selected for the east site while another holds a west‑side fuel farm. Staff said lease negotiations would address fuel‑farm access and any necessary cancellations or concessions as new leases are executed.
The commission voted unanimously to adopt the amendment. The adopted action does not itself select a new operator; it only aligns lease terms to facilitate the upcoming procurement. Next steps: city attorney review of the RFQ, public RFQ release, shortlist evaluation and an RFP later this year with the stated goal of concluding a lease by March 2027.
Provenance: The discussion and vote are drawn from the commission’s staff presentation and the subsequent motion and vote recorded during item 8 of the June 10 meeting.
