Addendum RFQ_Solicitation Event 003000000087995.pdf

This is an addendum to a solicitation issued by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for a concession agreement to operate cave tours at Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area within O'Bannon Woods State Park in Crawford County. The solicitation (RFQ# 003000000087995) seeks a concessionaire to conduct tours on two authorized routes—Little Wyandotte (hourly 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and Big Wyandotte (11 a.m. and 1 p.m. slots)—during the seasonal period from the Saturday of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Minimum operations are required Friday through Sunday, with additional days negotiable subject to DNR approval. Proposals are due November 2, 2026, and a property visit must occur prior to September 7, 2026 (contact Property Manager Stanley Baelz at 812-738-8232). All questions must be submitted at least seven days prior to the response due date. The contract term commences April 1, 2027 (or upon final State signature, whichever is later) and extends through December 31, 2030 (or four years after final signature, whichever is later), with potential renewal not to exceed four additional years. Proposals must include a pro forma financial statement for fiscal years 2027-2030, detailed operations plan, management structure with resumes and background authorizations, financing documentation, and pricing strategy.

Compensation is structured as a 12% concession fee on cave tour and retail gross income and 25% on vending machine gross income, remitted by the eighth day of each month. The concessionaire must provide all operational supplies, equipment, buildings, facilities, safety gear, and retail inventory; the State provides restroom facilities and parking only. The operator is responsible for all utilities including electric, internet, telephone, sewage, water, and trash removal. Commercial liability insurance with minimum limits of $700,000 per person and $5,000,000 per occurrence is required. Historical cave tour revenues ranged from zero during 2020-2022 due to COVID-19 and bat mitigation to $35,268 in 2023; partial year 2026 revenue through July 15 was $9,310. All quoted prices must be valid for thirty calendar days after the response due date. This addendum notifies bidders that the solicitation package has been updated and the revised version titled "RFQ_Solicitation Event 003000000087995" must be completed and returned, along with this addendum acknowledgement signed by the bidder, to be considered for award.