DEEP-2027-002-MM_Aug_31_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 seeks comment and input on proposed farmers' market services 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 identified through the RFI process. The RFI response period runs from August 3, 2026 through August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT. Following consideration of public input, DEEP anticipates releasing a formal RFP with an Information Webinar approximately one week after 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 submission. The draft RFP contemplates up to three separate contract awards for a three-year term from 2027-2029 with an option to extend for an additional three years without further competition.

Financial requirements include minimum annual rent payments of $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. Prospective vendors must submit two years of audited financial statements or CPA-prepared statements, three letters of reference, and a proposed budget. 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 will be 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%). 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 (preferred qualification) and possess current certification experience with Connecticut farmers' markets. Proposals must be submitted electronically through CTSource, limited to twenty pages of main content, double-spaced, plus required attachments.