Gwinnett issues RFQ for Briscoe Field

Gwinnett County took another step through federal procedures toward possibly privatizing the Briscoe Field airport in Lawrenceville, Ga.
The metro Atlanta county on Thursday issued a request for qualifications for firms interested in entering into a public-private partnership to operate Briscoe Field. The move marks the next step in the Federal Aviation Administration-sponsored pilot program that will help county officials study airport privatization options and possible changes in operations.
Changes could include privatization as a general aviation airport or the addition of scheduled passenger air service, the county said.
A New York-based group of investors backed by aviation industry heavies — Propeller Investments LLC — has proposed taking Briscoe private and developing scheduled air service to points up and down the Eastern Seaboard. The idea is to turn Briscoe into a 10-gate airport with service to 10 to 15 cities with the risk falling upon the investors, not public tax dollars.
But first, Gwinnett needs to find out if privatizing Briscoe flies with federal regulators.
“Moving forward with the RFQ is important because it will allow us to learn more about the best use of Briscoe Field and an array of privatization opportunities,” said Commission Chairman Charles Bannister. “When we learn more about the airport operation options and interests, we can then involve the community in helping us weigh our options.”
Qualification submittals will be received until 2:50 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Gwinnett County Purchasing Office in Lawrenceville.
After reviewing proposals, if an agreement is reached with a firm, the county must then submit a final application to the FAA. There is no timeline for the FAA to complete its review.