(Washington, DC) - The Government of the District of Columbia will continue to manage the historic Eastern Market, the Office of Property Management (OPM) announced today. OPM inherited the management when the existing contract expired.  

The responses to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new Market Manager were fully examined by OPM and the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP).

 "We looked very closely at the proposals we received, but unfortunately we did not find them up to the standards we were looking for," said Robin-Eve Jasper, Director of OPM. "The uncertainties arising from the streetscape and renovation make it unclear that a new manager could meet the legal requirement to run the Market as a self-sustaining operation. Regrettably, therefore, we concluded that it is in the best interests of the Market and the District to cancel this solicitation until we have a full understanding of the Market's economics. I am proud of the excellent management of our in-house team lead by Barry Margeson, interim market manager."

Since January 1, 2009, OPM has managed Eastern Market as interim manager while bids were under evaluation. This includes actively working with both the indoor merchants in the temporary East Hall and the weekend outdoor farmers and exhibitors. OPM is closely coordinating with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to make sure that the streetscape in front of the Market is completed in time for the reopening of the renovated market building this summer.