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This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) image file from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources seeking concession services at Yellowstone Lake State Park in Winnebago County. The Department is soliciting 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. The concessionaire must maintain a minimum of 24 hours of operation Friday through Sunday during the season from Labor Day to Memorial Day, serving approximately 212,000 annual park 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 email to Konrad.plachetta@wisconsin.gov. The initial contract term is anticipated to be three to five years ending December 31, though proposers may suggest alternative periods ranging from one to 15 years.

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