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This image file is associated with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Request for Proposal 27-565-20 for concession services at Yellowstone Lake State Park in Winnebago County. The solicitation seeks proposals from both for-profit and non-profit organizations to operate food services, restaurant operations, a camp store with convenience items, ice cream sales, coffee service, and baked goods at the state-owned facility, which has remained vacant for over one year since the previous operator, Lafayette Dairy Sales, Inc., vacated. The concessionaire must maintain a minimum of 24 hours of operation Friday through Sunday during the season from Labor Day through Memorial Day, serving a park that receives approximately 212,000 annual visitors. An on-site vendor conference is scheduled for May 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM, written questions are due by May 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM CT, and proposals must be submitted by May 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM CT via the Wisconsin eSupplier Portal or by email to Konrad.plachetta@wisconsin.gov. The initial contract term is anticipated to be three to five years ending December 31 of the specified year, though proposers may suggest alternative periods ranging from one to 15 years.

Proposals are evaluated on a 1,000-point scale consisting of organizational capabilities and staffing qualifications (300 points), proposal details for concession operations including merchandise and food service offerings (300 points), transition plan (150 points), and cost proposal (250 points). The concessionaire shall propose a percentage of gross annual revenues to be paid to the Department, which represents the 250-point cost evaluation component. The Department will provide utilities including water, bathroom access, electric, heat and air conditioning, and a holding tank, while the concessionaire is responsible for all other utility costs. The concessionaire must maintain public liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and submit annual financial reports within 90 days after January 1st. Historical performance data indicates successful operations have generated $105,000 to $120,000 in gross annual revenues pre-COVID. Certified Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses are eligible to receive up to five percent preference weighting in the evaluation. The solicitation explicitly excludes boat rental services, bait sales, and firewood provision, which are currently provided by Friends of Yellowstone Lake.