DEEP-2027-002-MM_Aug_10_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is a Request for Information (RFI) document issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Parks Division, soliciting public feedback on a draft Request for Proposal for farmers' market operations at multiple state park locations. The RFI addresses farmers' markets at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, and Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, with potential expansion to additional state parks. The RFI response period runs from August 3, 2026 through August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT. Following consideration of public input received through this RFI, DEEP anticipates releasing a formal RFP with an Information Webinar scheduled approximately one week after RFP release, site visits approximately two weeks thereafter, written questions due approximately three weeks after release, and proposals due in 2027 with vendor selection approximately four weeks thereafter. The draft RFP contemplates up to three separate contract awards for an initial three-year term (2027-2029) with an option to extend for an additional three years without further competition.

Financial requirements include submission of two years of audited financial statements or CPA-prepared statements, three letters of reference, and a proposed budget. Minimum annual rent payments are established at $5,000 for Sherwood Island State Park and $2,000 each for Fort Trumbull and Harkness Memorial State Parks, with proposers permitted to propose higher payments. Market managers must obtain food service licenses from respective health departments and carry $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance while naming the State of Connecticut as an additional insured. Prospective vendors must demonstrate three years of experience operating a farmers' market (preferred qualification) and possess current certification experience with Connecticut farmers' markets. Markets will operate weekly from the third Saturday in April through the fourth Tuesday in October. Evaluation criteria are weighted as Qualifications (40%), Service Expectations including operating schedule, staffing, and annual rent (30%), and Selection and Pricing demonstrating Connecticut-grown product offerings and competitive pricing (30%). Proposals must be submitted electronically through CTSource, limited to twenty pages of main content, double-spaced, plus required attachments. Contact information for inquiries is Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov.