Real Estate - Karachi

Karachi - Former U.S. Consulate General's Residence and Neighboring properties situated on Fatima Jinnah Road in the vicinity of Frere Hall Request for Information (RFI) While the United States has moved operations from the Fatima Jinnah Road Compound, we remain deeply committed to preserving its unique legacy and honoring its significant role in the U.S.-Pakistan relationship. One of the properties was home to the former U.S. Consulate General's Residence (CGR), built in 1940 and recognized by the local government as a cultural property. This is a unique opportunity to own and develop a piece of Karachi rich in historical and cultural value. We envision the property as a platform for continued diplomacy and a place to foster dialogue, understanding, and collaboration while respecting its cultural importance and its contributions to the narrative of both nations. We hope to transcend its physicality and ensure the storied property continues to symbolize and facilitate shared interests, cultural exchange, and peace, shaping our interconnected world. Located near the historic Frere Hall Monument, the property presents a unique opportunity for a developer interested in preserving its heritage while simultaneously creating a destination for future generations. The Department of State (DOS) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to help determine the availability of market participants capable of acquiring the former U.S. Consulate General's residence and neighboring properties situated on Fatima Jinnah Road in the vicinity of Frere Hall. This RFI announcement is not a request for proposals, and the U.S. Government (USG) is not committed to issue a solicitation or award a contract pursuant to this announcement or based on responses to this announcement. The information from this RFI is only for planning purposes and will assist the USG in its disposal strategy and a future potential Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFI will help determine the availability of market participants capable of acquiring (through lease or purchase) the U.S. Government-owned former U.S. Consulate General's Residence and neighboring properties situated on Fatima Jinnah Road in the vicinity of Frere Hall. Said market participants would be expected to utilize one or more of the properties in a manner consistent with its highest and best use (H&BU). The definition of H&BU varies, but generally the use must meet the following conditions: 1) legally permissible, 2) physically possible, 3) financially feasible, 4) maximally productive. In this situation, however, valuing the properties from a maximally productive and purely economic perspective may fail to capture important benefits to the public and the property's/seller's legacy, particularly with respect to the former CGR property. Accordingly, a H&BU alternate valuation, also known as Public Interest Value, should be given equal consideration for the former CGR property, at a minimum. Metrics should include, but not be limited to, advancement of U.S. diplomatic relations with Pakistan, intermittent/sporadic future use by seller/U.S. Consulate and associated guests, with an emphasis on cultural impact, pleasing scenery, etc. Two Anticipated Scenarios: Complete Sale: Concept: This would be a traditional sale of all the USG property interests in the property/ies to the Buyer Sale of the FHC with retention/renovation of CGR Concept: This would be a traditional sale of all the USG property interests in the property/ies except for the CGR portion of the property. The USG would provide a long-term out lease to the Buyer for the former CGR property, which would allow the USG to retain title and minimal use rights. Renovation of CGR: The Buyer would be required to fully renovate the former CGR property. Utilization of CGR by the USG: The USG would be allowed to use part of the former CGR property for diplomatic purposes a set number of times per year. The USG is flexible on the amount and frequent of use of the former CGR property by the USG. This will depend, in part, on the proposed use by the Buyer. Variations: The USG is open to discuss variations on the above structure if it meets the basic goals of the USG related to the former CGR property. Some variations that are possible are listed below: Rent vs. Pre-Paid Rent - The USG is flexible on the structure of the rent to be paid. The USG preference would be monthly or yearly payment. But the USG would be open to pre-paid or other structure. Out lease vs. Sale of CGR - The USG would be open to a sale of the former CGR property property, instead of an out lease, provided that appropriate deed restrictions are in place ensuring that the CGR will be retained, renovated and the USG has the minimal use rights outlined. Nonprofit (Trust example) vs For Profit (Boutique hotel example): The USG would be open to either a non-profit or for-profit use of any kind for the former CGR property. Both uses would allow for occasional USG use. Trust Example: For example, the Buyer could establish a nonprofit or trust, raise funds to be able to pay an annual market rent to the U.S. government and undertake a full renovation. The nonprofit could promote diplomatic and cultural relations and economic partnerships, provide meeting/event space, onsite catering, and security. The USG would then have a right to use the space for limited meetings/events. Boutique Hotel example: The Buyer could also undertake a for-profit business that will renovate the former CGR property and construct a modern boutique hotel and conference center and pay annual rent to the U.S. Government. The USG would then have a right to use the hotel for limited meetings/events. Property Detail Package - DOS will send a property detail package (to include deed/plot maps, site plans, photos lease terms, etc.) to Interested firms or organizations who submit a qualifying capability statement. Capability Statements - Interested firms or organizations with the capability of providing the requirement, shall submit capability statements that demonstrate their expertise in the above-described areas in sufficient detail, including financial capability, and any other specific and relevant information, so the DOS can determine the firm's experience and capability to fulfill the requirements. A sample capability statement is attached here. Please email your capability statement to Jeff Shaney at shaneyjw@state.gov no later than July 3, 2024. Questions - Any questions concerning this RFI can be submitted to Jeff Shaney at shaneyjw@state.gov no later than July 5, 2024. Your questions will be answered during the virtual information session. Virtual Information Session - DOS will host a live virtual information session approximately 30 days after this RFI is posted. DOS will send an invitation to qualified/capable vendors. Your questions will be answered during the virtual information session as time and priority permit. Representatives from the OBO team (i.e., Real Estate Specialist, Legal, Real Estate Evaluations, and U.S. Consulate General Karachi) will be online to answer questions and provide additional feedback, as needed. The purpose of exchanging information is to improve your understanding of this requirement, how you can satisfy this requirement, and increase efficiency in proposal preparation, proposal evaluation, negotiation, and contract award. Site Visit - DOS will host a FHC site visit approximately 14 days after the virtual information session. DOS will send an invitation for up to two qualified/capable vendors to attend. Representatives from the OBO team (i.e., Real Estate Specialist, Legal, Real Estate Evaluations, and U.S. Consulate General Karachi) will be on hand to address a final round of questions and provide additional feedback, as needed. Vendor's Deliverable - Vendors must send their final written response 60 Days after this RFI is posted. Submissions must be in English and a PDF or Power Point format. The body of the written response must contain your organization name, contact person, email address and what specific plots are part of your plan. You should identify your proposed specific use and how that use compares to the following conditions of HBU and public interest value. HBU section should consider 1) legally permissible, 2) physically possible, 3) financially feasible, 4) maximally productive. Please provide as much detail as possible on the financial feasibility. This should also include general project costs: construction costs, lease or purchase costs (compensation to the DOS), and your proposed funding sources. Public Interest Value, should be given similar consideration for the CGR portion in particular. Valuing the FHC from a maximally productive and purely economic perspective may fail to capture important benefits to the public and the property's/seller's legacy, particularly with respect to the CGR. Metrics should include, but not be limited to, advancement of US diplomatic relations with Pakistan, intermittent/sporadic future use by seller/U.S. Consulate and associated guests, with an emphasis on cultural impact, pleasing scenery, etc. The U.S. Government will not pay any costs incurred in the preparation of information for responding to this RFI or the U.S. Government's use of the information. Proprietary information must be clearly identified as proprietary information.