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This image file supports a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to operate concession services at Yellowstone Lake State Park in Winnebago County. The Department seeks proposals from both for-profit and non-profit organizations to provide food services and 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 will operate the existing building equipped with commercial kitchen equipment including an ice cream freezer, coolers, deep fryer, commercial grill, and chest freezers, all of which remain Department property. Minimum operating requirements mandate 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. 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 comprising 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 shall propose a percentage of gross annual revenues to be paid to the Department as compensation. Historical performance data indicates successful operations have generated $105,000 to $120,000 in gross annual revenues pre-COVID. 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 including septic service, waste management, and LP gas. The concessionaire must maintain public liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and submit annual financial reports within 90 days after January 1st. Certified Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses are eligible to receive up to five percent preference weighting. The solicitation explicitly excludes boat rental services, bait sales, and firewood provision, which are currently provided by Friends of Yellowstone Lake. The previous operator, Lafayette Dairy Sales, Inc., vacated the facility over one year ago after primarily providing ice cream service with limited operating hours.