DEEP-2027-002-MM_Aug_24_26_solicitation_doc.pdf

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Parks Division, seeking public feedback on a draft Request for Proposal for farmers' market operations at multiple state park locations. The RFI addresses farmers' markets at three primary locations: 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 through this RFI process. The RFI period runs from August 3, 2026 through August 28, 2026, with responses due by 4:00 PM EDT on the end date. DEEP anticipates releasing a formal RFP following consideration of public input, with the formal RFP Information Webinar scheduled approximately one week after RFP release, site visits approximately two weeks thereafter, questions due approximately three weeks after release, and proposals due in 2027 with selection occurring approximately four weeks after the proposal deadline. The anticipated contract will consist of up to three separate contract awards for a three-year term (2027-2029) with an option to extend for an additional three years without further competition. Markets will operate weekly from the third Saturday in April through the fourth Tuesday in October.

Prospective vendors must demonstrate three years of experience operating a farmers' market and possess current certification experience with Connecticut farmers' markets. 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 at Sherwood Island State Park and $2,000 at both 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, carry $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance, maintain workers' compensation and fire liability insurance, and name the State of Connecticut as an additional insured. 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. All vendors are eligible to respond to this RFI, and inquiries should be directed to Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov.