11-AS27-12 Jordanelle QA Document.docx
DOCX document 35 KB Posted
- Solicitation number
- AS27-12
- Issued by
- Utah
About this file
This is a Site Visit Question and Answer document for the AS27-12 Jordanelle State Park Concession Operations RFP, issued by the State of Utah Division of State Parks. The document addresses inquiries from prospective bidders regarding concessionaire services at Jordanelle State Park, covering operational scope, facility specifications, service areas, and regulatory requirements. The RFP seeks a single award to the responsive and responsible vendor with the highest score for a 10-year initial contract term with two optional 10-year renewal periods, totaling a potential 30-year contract duration. The concession operations encompass mandatory services including non-motorized watercraft rentals, marina retail operations, fuel services, dry storage facility management, and boat maintenance facilities at designated core service locations, with optional services available for expanded amenities such as aqua parks, overnight lodging, event venues, and off-season recreational offerings.
The financial structure relies on a flat gross revenue percentage fee as the sole financial return to the Division, with no additional utility charges or annual rent payments required; the Division retains review and approval authority over all concessionaire pricing to ensure fair market value. Capital improvements and utility infrastructure upgrades are the sole financial responsibility of the concessionaire, with all approved capital investments reverting to state ownership upon construction. The incumbent concessionaire previously operated aqua park services at the Beach House location, marina retail, non-motorized rentals, and fuel operations; existing dry storage customers must have their agreements honored through their current expiration dates. The park receives approximately one million visitors during its primary May 1 through October 31 operating season, operates at full parking capacity 2 to 3 times annually, maintains a theoretical on-water vessel capacity of 300 to 330 boats depending on water levels, and is designated as a Dark Sky Park requiring strict lighting compliance. All concessionaire customers must pay standard daily park entrance fees regardless of booked services, must queue through the main entrance with general park visitors, and the concession operations are subject to strict compliance with state and federal regulations including those enforced by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, State Fire Marshal, U.S. Coast Guard requirements, and Bureau of Reclamation oversight.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Attachment E CONCESSION FEE PROPOSAL FORM.docx | DOCX document | |
| 6-AS27-12 JORDANELLE MARINA CONCESSIONS RFP ADDENDUM.docx | DOCX document | |
| 2-Vendor Prerequisites - RFP Agency.pdf | ||
| 8-Attachment D Technical Criteria - Amended 9.14.26.docx | DOCX document | |
| 3-Att.-A-Agency-Terms-and-Conditions-GS (10).docx | DOCX document | |
| 1-Claim of Business Confidentiality Updated.pdf.pdf | ||
| 10-AS27-12 Sign In Sheet 9.16.26.pdf | ||
| 12-Attachment C Scope of Services - Amended 9.21.26.docx | DOCX document | |
| 9-AS27-12 Score Sheet - Informational Only.xlsx | XLSX spreadsheet | |
| 7-AS27-12 RFP Overview - Amended 9.14.26.docx | DOCX document | |
| 4-Attachment B Concession Standard Terms and Conditions rev. 08-04-26.docx | DOCX document |
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AS27-12 JORDANELLE STATE PARK CONCESSION OPERATIONS
Site Visit Q&A – September 16, 2026
BEACH HOUSE LOCATION
Q: Did the incumbent concessionaire operate an aqua park at the Beach House location this past year?
A: Yes, the incumbent concessionaire did provide an aqua park at the beach house location. However, as outlined in Attachment C, Part 2, any future operation or expansion of an aqua park remains an optional service subject to proposal, Division approval, and meeting all required insurance and safety mandates.
Q: To what extent have food and beverage operations historically been provided at this location (Beach House)?
A: Historical food service has primarily consisted of quick snacks, packaged ice cream, and occasional food service support for larger events. There is no full commercial kitchen at the beach house location, though pre-packaged convenience items and snacks are offered through the marina store.
Q: What is the concessionaire’s operational footprint at the Beach House location? Is there a designated path to get to the water for non-motorized rentals or an Aqua Park?
A: Please refer to maps in Attachment C. The Beach House footprint is included under Map 1 as part of the Core Service Footprint for required operations (such as non-motorized rental staging and convenience/snack retail). Please note that the restrooms, changing rooms, and the office space attached to the back of the Beach House facility are Park-operated. There is no exclusive or designated concession path leading from the Beach House to the water; the shoreline and access routes are a mutually shared public area.
Q: Are the cabanas and pavilions located on or near the beach operated or managed by the Concessionaire?
A: No. All day-use cabanas and pavilions near the beach area are 100% Park-operated, maintained, and managed directly by the Division. Public reservations for these structures are handled exclusively through the State's reservation system (Aspira). The Concessionaire bears zero operational or maintenance responsibility for these facilities and receives no revenue from their reservation fees.
Q: What is the scale of large events held at the park, and how are they organized and reserved?
A: Special events are managed and approved strictly at the Park level through Special Use Permits (SUPs). The Park issued approximately 40 SUPs this past season, with about 10 to 12 classified as larger events. Examples include Park City Sailing events, watercraft demo days, triathlons, Wasatch Mountain Institute programs, and fishing tournaments. Attendance for these larger events typically caps out at a few hundred participants; the park does not host events with thousands of participants.
Q: Can prospective bidders review a complete list of past Special Use Permits (SUPs) and the revenue generated from these events?
A: No. Special Use Permits and their associated revenues are managed exclusively by Park administration, operate outside the scope of concession operations, and require a formal public records request (GRAMA) to access. This information is not pertinent to the commercial operations or scope of this RFP.
Q: Are these Special Use Permit events localized strictly to the Beach House area, or are they spread throughout the park?
A: Events are not limited strictly to the day-use Beach House area, though a majority do naturally occur there as it serves as the park's primary hub for day-use recreation. The Division manages and distributes events across multiple park locations based on capacity and activity type, including Rock Cliff, Ross Creek, the main marina, and the designated Personal Watercraft (PWC) area.
Q: How many boats typically participate in these fishing tournaments, and what kind of prize money is offered?
A: Tournament details vary by event, as each competition is individually organized and managed in coordination with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR). All events must comply with specific DWR rules and Special Use Permit (SUP) guidelines regarding vessel limits, fish management, and operational boundaries. These events are independently operated, fall outside the commercial concession scope, and are not pertinent to the requirements of this RFP.
Q: Are Special Use Permits (SUPs) issued on an annual basis?
A: Most SUPs are issued on a short-term, temporary basis for one-off events lasting a few days at a time. While select recurring events have operated under multi-year authorizations in the past, the Division is actively transitioning long-term or repeating commercial concepts toward formal RFPs, long-term MOUs, or alternatives.
Q: What amenities are currently offered at Ross Creek, and can prospective bidders propose concession operations at Ross Creek or Rock Cliff?
A: Amenities at Ross Creek are minimal, and utility infrastructure is severely limited (electric utility service only extends to the fee booth). Per the terms of this RFP and the service boundary maps, neither Ross Creek nor Rock Cliff are included within the Core or Optional Concession Service Areas. Commercial expansion into those park locations is strictly excluded from this contract, as doing so would constitute material scope creep and require a separate, formal competitive RFP solicitation.
Q: How is parking managed at the park, and how does park capacity or full-park closures affect concession customers?
A: Parking demand fluctuates throughout the season based on external factors such as weather, regional gas prices, and reservoir water levels. On high-volume summer weekends, parking reaches full capacity, and the Division enforces formal park closure protocols when capacity is reached (which occurred 2 to 3 times this past season). The Division is actively exploring new traffic and overflow management strategies to maintain safety and statutory compliance.
Concession customers with confirmed reservations—such as vessel rentals, slip holders, or booked activities—are always granted entry to the park, even during full-capacity closures. However, due to park infrastructure and the lack of a secondary access road, concession guests must queue through the main entrance booth lines alongside general park visitors. Additionally, all concession customers remain required to pay the standard State Park daily entrance fee or present a valid Utah State Parks Annual Pass prior to entry, requiring them to route through the main entrance booth.
Q: Are there official plans to expand parking capacity within the park?
A: There are no official engineered plans or capital construction projects currently scheduled for parking expansion. Implementing additional parking requires a comprehensive strategic planning process to evaluate overall land use, beach access points, and crowd management logistics. However, the Division is actively collaborating with Wasatch County Transportation to study the feasibility of integrating regional transit, such as introducing a public bus stop and shuttle access within the park to help alleviate vehicle congestion.
Q: Is the park open year-round, and what is the typical operating season?
A: Historically, the park’s primary operating season runs from May 1st to October 31st, though specific dates remain subject to seasonal weather conditions. Hosting roughly one million visitors within a compressed six-month window creates significant operational intensity, and the Division is actively looking to expand seasonality. Offerors are strongly encouraged to propose innovative off-season or extended-season operational concepts—such as late-fall, winter, or early-spring recreational offerings—under the Optional Concession Services framework to help distribute park visitation and expand visitor amenities throughout the year.
Q: How many boat trailer stalls, single-vehicle stalls, and designated concession spaces are available in the main marina area and docks?
A: The main marina area contains approximately 180 to 190 boat trailer stalls and roughly 200 single-vehicle stalls. On the water, 5 to 6 dedicated boat stalls located on the docks are allocated specifically for concession operations and rental staging. Reserved vehicle parking stalls designated for concession staff are available at the main marina store location. However, there is no designated concession parking at the Beach House, where parking is first-come, first-served shared with general park visitors. Unauthorized or illegal parking in reserved spaces, non-designated areas, or fire lanes is strictly enforced by Park staff, up to and including vehicle towing.
Q: What is the maximum vessel capacity on the water, how is it calculated, and has the reservoir reached this capacity limit in recent operations?
A: The reservoir has a maximum theoretical capacity of 300 to 330 boats on the water. This calculation is guided by Army Corps of Engineers standards, which estimate an optimal carrying capacity of 5 to 10 acre-feet per vessel. Actual on-water capacity fluctuates directly with water levels; for example, at a 62% water level, the estimated capacity drops to approximately 200 boats. Despite these environmental fluctuations and high summer visitation, park management has not had to cap or enforce a full capacity closure specifically for vessels on the water during current administrative tenure.
Q: Are concession customers required to pay the park entry fee?
A: Yes. All concession customers must pay the standard daily park entrance fee or possess a valid annual pass to enter the park, regardless of whether they have booked services or rentals with the Concessionaire. In addition to accepting the standard Utah State Parks Annual Pass, the Division offers a Jordanelle-specific annual pass for frequent local visitors.
Q: Do concession customers have a separate entrance lane, or must they wait in the same queue as general park visitors?
A: Concession customers must wait in the same entrance queue as general park visitors, as there is no separate access road or secondary gate. The main entrance station features three incoming lanes, including one dedicated self-serve lane equipped with an annual pass scanner. During peak summer months, all three lanes are fully operational to process traffic and minimize wait times as efficiently as possible.
Q: Who operates the Hailstone Event Center, and can an Offeror propose a secondary or concession-operated event venue?
A: The Hailstone Event Center is owned, maintained, and operated directly by Park management. Operating a concession-managed event venue is not part of the core scope of this contract, nor is the Hailstone Event Center included in the service boundary maps. Bidders may not propose to take over or operate the existing Hailstone Event Center facility, as that would constitute material scope creep beyond the intentional boundaries of this RFP.
However, the Division remains open to innovative proposals under the Optional Concession Services framework (Attachment C, Part 2). An Offeror may propose a secondary or complementary venue concept if it delivers distinct amenities, different scale, or unique operational capabilities that do not directly duplicate or conflict with the existing Hailstone Event Center. In such a scenario, both the Park-operated venue and a concession-operated venue could successfully coexist to capture different market segments and expand overall park offerings.
MARINA STORE & RENTAL LOCATION
Q: What utilities are offered in the Marina Pro Shop, what is the building layout, and what is the electrical capacity?
A: The Marina Pro Shop is a single-level building serviced by natural gas, water, and an electrical capacity of 800 AMPs.
Q: If utility infrastructure at the campgrounds and marina store is at capacity, who bears the cost for system upgrades—such as adding EV charging, electric boat charging, or building expansions—and what is the approval process?
A: Any capital developments, infrastructure enhancements, or utility capacity expansions—including working with local utility providers like Rocky Mountain Power to support electric vehicle charging stations, marine vessel charging, or upgraded facility structures—are strictly the financial and operational responsibility of the Concessionaire. The Division will not fund or subsidize utility upgrades or site modifications required for proposed concession enhancements.
Additionally, all proposed capital improvements and utility investments must undergo extensive planning, engineering review, environmental assessment, and formal written authorization from the Division of State Parks, the Park Manager, DFCM, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), and JSSD prior to construction. Any redeveloped facilities, commercial kitchens, or expanded storage structures must draw power independently from a dedicated external service line or upgraded substation to protect baseline park operations and ensure zero power drop disruptions to public campground grids. Approved capital investments will be governed under the terms of the final concession contract and will immediately revert to State ownership upon construction.
Q: What is the Division's stance on Leasehold Surrender Interest (LSI), and may an Offeror include an LSI model or alternative capital investment structure in their proposal?
A: The standard financial framework for this RFP relies on immediate title vesting and straight-line capital amortization to protect public resources and keep future competitive bidding open.
Regarding the broader use of Leasehold Surrender Interest (LSI):
· Jordanelle RFP Baseline: The Division is not seeking an LSI model for the Jordanelle State Park concession contract. Capital improvements developed under this RFP are structured to revert to State ownership, with the Concessionaire amortizing costs through operational revenues over the contract term.
· Proposal Submissions: Bidders are permitted to submit innovative business models or alternative capital recovery proposals under the technical and financial proposal criteria. However, submitting a proposal contingent on an LSI model does not guarantee award, and the Division reserves the absolute right to reject proposals that deviate from the advertised procurement structure.
· Future State Park Procurements: LSI is not formally barred from future Division projects, but it is evaluated on a site-by-site basis depending on the specific infrastructure requirements, land ownership constraints, and financial goals of each state park.
Q: Is Jordanelle State Park an officially designated Dark Sky Park, and must the Concessionaire comply with Dark Sky lighting standards for existing and new facilities?
A: Yes. Jordanelle State Park received its official Dark Sky Park certification in 2021. The Concessionaire is contractually required to ensure all existing, retrofitted, and newly constructed outdoor lighting strictly complies with the Division’s Dark Sky preservation standards. Please see Attachment C (Section A, Strategic Night Sky Preservation and Light Pollution Mandate) of the full RFP for complete, technical details regarding Dark Sky requirements.
Q: Are there any locations or structures within Jordanelle State Park listed on the National Register of Historic Places?
A: No, there are no physical locations, standing structures, or land footprints within Jordanelle State Park listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the surrounding area has a rich local history, including the former mining and agricultural community of Keetley (known for its silver mining boom and as the home of Keetley Farm, a refuge for Japanese Americans during World War II), the physical historic townsite was completely submerged beneath the reservoir during the construction of the Jordanelle Dam.
Q: Is the Division’s intention to demolish the existing public dry storage buildings?
A: The Division is open to either the continued operation of the existing dry storage facilities as-is or proposals for phased demolition and high-density capital redevelopment. Under Phase I, the Concessionaire must initially operate the existing dry storage complexes in their current configuration and honor active tenant agreements. Under Phase II, Bidders may propose a comprehensive redevelopment plan that includes phased demolition and modernized, high-density storage construction. Any proposed demolition or redevelopment remains strictly subject to prior written engineering and planning approvals from the Park Manager, the BOR, and JSSD. Please see Attachment C (Section B) of the full RFP for complete details regarding dry storage operational phases and redevelopment criteria.
Q: Is the Division interested in receiving proposals for overnight lodging (e.g., cabins, glamping, or modern accommodations) as part of this concession scope?
A: Bidders may formally submit proposals for optional lodging concepts under the Part 2 Optional Concession Services framework; however, additional overnight lodging is not a priority or core required service for this RFP. The park already offers existing cabin and cottage accommodations, and substantial commercial lodging development is underway in the immediate local area, including Black Rock Mountain Resort and the Deer Valley East Village developments, which are adding thousands of new rooms nearby. The Division makes zero guarantees of approval for optional lodging proposals.
Q: Why was courtesy dock management excluded from the concession contract scope?
A: Retaining direct Park management over the courtesy docks protects public access, rate stability, and significant State investments. Keeping these docks under Park operation directly addresses community concerns regarding slip pricing and availability, ensuring general boaters are not priced out. Additionally, the Division and State Risk Management recently invested substantial capital into replacing this dock infrastructure, and direct state oversight safeguards those assets for the public. Separating public courtesy docks from commercial concession operations also prevents congestion at main boat ramp staging lanes, ensuring a smoother launch and retrieval process for day-use visitors.
Q: Should bidders be concerned about the master agreement with the BOR expiring?
A: No, bidders should not be concerned about operational continuity. The BOR relies on state partners like Utah State Parks to manage recreation, and these federal management agreements are routinely renewed. Legally, the Division cannot enter into a concession contract that exceeds the remaining term of its master federal land-use agreement. Because our current agreement with the BOR has 12 years remaining, state procurement rules dictate setting our baseline initial term at 10 years. The two subsequent 10-year renewal options (for a 30-year total potential term) are structured to execute alongside the planned renewal of the master agreement between the State and the BOR.
Q: What are the operational risks regarding water level fluctuations, given that Jordanelle is primarily a water storage facility?
A: Jordanelle Reservoir was built primarily for water storage, so water levels naturally fluctuate based on snowpack and BOR operations. Bidders must account for variable water levels in their business plans. The RFP offers operational flexibility to help mitigate drought impacts, including adjusting dock positions, modifying fleet sizes, or expanding year-round, non-water-dependent revenue like retail and dry storage. While any commercial enterprise carries business risk, Jordanelle State Park sits in Wasatch County, which is one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation. Rapid local population growth, booming regional tourism, and adjacent multi-billion-dollar resort developments provide a strong, continuously expanding market base that helps offset environmental and seasonal business risks.
Q: Is there a BOR condition assessment, and must the Concessionaire accept the facilities in as-is condition?
A: Yes. The BOR, along with DFCM and Utah State Parks, periodically reviews physical infrastructure to ensure baseline structural and safety standards are met. However, bidders must conduct their own independent due diligence, as the concession premises, existing structures, and utility connections are awarded in "as-is, where-is" condition. The awarded Concessionaire is fully responsible for all routine operational maintenance, ongoing repairs, and desired site improvements at their sole expense.
While exact development plans may evolve, the Division requests that the awarded Concessionaire submit a comprehensive optional redevelopment plan up front rather than piecemeal requests. A holistic plan helps the Division, BOR, and partner agencies process environmental assessments, engineering clearances, and approvals far more efficiently. However, these redevelopment concepts are entirely optional—the Concessionaire is not required to invest in major capital redevelopments or revamp the park to fulfill the core contract obligations.
Q: Does the Concessionaire own the existing fuel system, and what are the requirements for operating fuel services at the park?
A: No, the Concessionaire does not own the existing fuel infrastructure. The Park owns the underlying fuel lines, tanks, and structural components. Per Attachment C (Section A, Mandatory Concession Operations) of the RFP, the Concessionaire is required to provide, manage, and fund all day-to-day fuel system operations in strict compliance with the State Fire Marshal, Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and appropriate partner standards.
Because the Division plans to decommission the existing fuel tank, any continued use of that tank will require system upgrades funded entirely by the Concessionaire prior to operation. Alternatively, if the Concessionaire chooses to bring in a new fuel system (such as an above-ground tank), it must be fully permitted and compliant before opening.
Q: Are commercial fuel dispensers subject to annual state testing and inspections?
A: Yes. Commercial fuel dispensers are inspected and tested annually by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (Weights and Measures Division) to ensure accurate metering, calibration, and consumer protection. State regulatory agencies also perform periodic environmental and safety inspections.
Q: Are floodplain maps available for the concession area?
A: Floodplain and elevation mapping for Jordanelle Reservoir is managed federally by the BOR. Bidders seeking detailed floodplain boundaries, high-water elevations, or site mapping must consult the BOR directly or access public mapping resources through the official BOR website.
BOAT MAINTENANCE SHOP LOCATION
Q: What regulatory and inspection requirements apply to operating a boat maintenance shop on the concession premises?
A: The Concessionaire must operate all maintenance facilities in strict compliance with federal, state, and local standards. Operations are subject to routine workplace safety inspections by UOSH (OSHA), building and safety audits by DFCM and State Risk Management, and hazardous waste disposal rules enforced by the Utah DEQ to protect the reservoir. Any commercial fuel or mechanical systems are also subject to state fire marshal oversight.
Q: Is marina parking strictly designated for concession use or general public parking?
A: Marina parking is a shared mix of public day-use and commercial concession parking. While spaces are open to general visitors on a shared basis, the Park maintains reserved parking markers and will work closely with the Concessionaire to accommodate reserved concession customer parking to the best of its operational ability during peak periods.
Q: Who is responsible for managing and operating the website and digital marketing channels for the park and concession?
A: The Utah Division of State Parks maintains the official park website (stateparks.utah.gov) for general park rules, entrance fees, facility information, and state-managed amenities. The awarded Concessionaire is responsible for creating, operating, and maintaining its own independent website and social media platforms to manage commercial operations, rentals, slip bookings, and customer marketing.
Q: What is included in the concession building, and who owns the structures and interior assets?
A: The State owns the main building and all structurally attached infrastructure, such as building heaters, permanent HVAC systems, foundational utility lines, and built-in mechanical fixtures. Everything else belongs exclusively to the Concessionaire.
DOCK/BOAT RAMP LOCATIONS
Q: What are the exact technical specifications, fuel capacity, tank construction material, and current fill frequencies for the existing fuel system?
A: Detailed operational metrics and fill schedules from the incumbent operator are proprietary and will not be disclosed to competing bidders. The Division maintains full engineering plans, DFCM inspection reports, and Fire Marshal documentation, though these internal records are not published in this RFP. Regardless of past operational history, the awarded Concessionaire is solely responsible for managing, funding, and providing a fully compliant fuel delivery system (whether land-based or floating) that satisfies all state standards, Fire Marshal codes, and DEQ requirements. If the Concessionaire elects to adapt or utilize the existing tank infrastructure, all required upgrades, leak-detection systems, and compliance measures must be executed entirely at their own expense prior to operation.
Q: Is there an existing Veeder-Root leak detection system installed, and will the Concessionaire be required to maintain it?
A: The existing fuel infrastructure includes an automated tank gauging and leak detection system (Veeder-Root). The Concessionaire is responsible for maintaining, testing, and keeping all monitoring equipment in continuous, compliant operation per DEQ and Fire Marshal standards if they elect to utilize the existing tank. Specific hardware model numbers and historical maintenance logs are internal operational records and will not be provided.
Q: Is the Concessionaire responsible for managing quagga mussel inspections or the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program at the park?
A: No. The AIS and quagga mussel inspection/decontamination program is fully funded, managed, and staffed by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) and Utah State Parks. The Concessionaire has no operational responsibilities, staffing duties, or liabilities regarding AIS enforcement.
To minimize launch ramp congestion, State Parks manages ramp access, which includes providing dedicated or express lane routing for dry storage slip-holders whose boats remain locally contained and compliant with state AIS regulations.
Q: Does the Division collect a gross revenue percentage on boat sales or demo day transactions conducted at the park?
A: Yes. Any commercial transactions, vessel sales, or demo day events conducted on state park property are subject to the contract gross revenue percentage fee. If the Concessionaire operates an off-site showroom or completes transactions off park lands, those external sales are not subject to the park revenue fee.
Q: Are there additional utility fees or annual rent payments required beyond the gross revenue percentage?
A: No. The flat gross revenue percentage payment is the sole financial return required by the Division under this concession contract. While previous agreements utilized varying fee structures and secondary utility assessments, the Division has simplified this RFP into a single gross revenue percentage to streamline contract administration for both parties.
DRY STORAGE BUILDINGS LOCATION
Q: Is electrical power available in the dry storage buildings, and what are the operational requirements for dry storage facilities?
A: No. The dry storage buildings do not have electrical power and function essentially as unheated storage garages. The Concessionaire is fully responsible for maintaining all indoor and outdoor dry storage areas, including routine site upkeep, security, and general maintenance.
Q: Does the Division regulate or approve the prices charged by the Concessionaire for dry storage and other services?
A: Yes. Bidders must submit proposed pricing structures, and the Division retains final review and approval authority over all concession rates and fee adjustments. While the Division maintains its own separate park fee schedule, concession pricing is reviewed to ensure visitors receive fair market value and are not priced out of enjoying state park resources.
Q: When were the dry storage facilities constructed?
A: The dry storage structures were added during capital facility expansions around 2006.
Q: How is insurance liability handled for the dry storage facilities and stored customer property, such as in the event of a fire?
A: Insurance coverage and liability are divided based on ownership. The State of Utah maintains property coverage through the Utah Division of Risk Management for all state-owned buildings and permanent structures. The Concessionaire is required to maintain Commercial General Liability insurance to protect against operational negligence and third-party liabilities. Stored boats, trailers, and personal items remain the sole financial responsibility of the customer, and boat owners must carry their own personal insurance policies to cover private assets stored on-site.
Q: Is the Concessionaire required to pay park storage fees for storing commercial or rental boats within the dry storage facilities?
A: No. If the Concessionaire is awarded the operation and management of the dry storage facilities, they do not pay state storage fees for placing their own vessels or equipment inside those units. The Concessionaire retains full operational discretion to allocate, manage, and structure space usage across those facilities as they see fit.
Q: How will existing dry storage customer agreements be handled during the transition to the new Concessionaire?
A: Per Attachment C of the RFP, the awarded Concessionaire assumes full operational management of the dry storage facilities. Current dry storage customers are permitted to maintain their existing spaces through their active agreement period. The Concessionaire is expected to honor these existing customer commitments through their current expiration dates, after which the Concessionaire will execute its own rental agreements, manage waiting lists, and set pricing subject to Division review.
Q: Why does the RFP require a US Coast Guard (USCG) Captain's License for charter and captain services instead of a Utah state license?
A: The State of Utah no longer certifies or issues state-specific boat captain or guide licenses. Per Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation (DOR) commercial boating regulations, any commercial operator offering passenger-for-hire services, boat charters, or guided motorized trips on state waters must hold a valid USCG Captain’s License (such as an OUPV / 6-Pack or higher). The Division enforces this standard to ensure passenger safety, professional compliance, and alignment with overarching state commercial boating requirements. Please visit recreation.utah.gov for more information.
Q: Does the five-year technical experience requirement in Attachment D apply strictly to the company owner, or can it be satisfied by key personnel within the firm?
A: The five-year experience requirement applies to the overall qualifications of the proposing team or key operational personnel within the company, rather than exclusively to the primary owner. Bidders must submit detailed resumes for key leadership and management staff to demonstrate a proven track record of longevity, operational success, and relevant experience in managing commercial marina or similar recreation operations.
Q: How does the Division address unauthorized or non-permitted commercial operators entering the park to offer competing services?
A: Unpermitted commercial operations on state park property are strictly prohibited, and the Division is actively enforcing regulations to curb unauthorized commercial activity. To protect park operations and the awarded Concessionaire, the Division offers right of first refusal to the primary Concessionaire before issuing any commercial permits to third-party providers. Alternatively, third-party operators seeking to offer commercial services may coordinate directly with the Concessionaire to operate under a authorized subcontracting agreement, subject to Division review and approval.
Q: What is the current structure for law enforcement and emergency response within the park?
A: On-site law enforcement and public safety within Jordanelle are managed through a dual-agency model. Primary natural resource law enforcement, waterway patrols, and regulatory enforcement are provided by sworn officers with the DNR Division of Law Enforcement (DLE). Local public safety, emergency dispatch, and secondary law enforcement support are provided regularly by the Wasatch County Sheriff's Office. They are all boat-trained and can assist with emergency response if needed.
Q: How does potential turnover or changes in park leadership impact the long-term administration of the concession contract?
A: The concession contract is a legally binding agreement directly between the Concessionaire and the State of Utah (Division of State Parks). Contract terms, operational standards, fee structures, and mutual obligations are established at the Division level and remain fully enforceable throughout the entire term of the agreement, regardless of any future personnel changes or management transitions at the park level.
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