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This is a photograph related to a Request for Proposal issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for concession services at Yellowstone Lake State Park in Winnebago County. The image appears to show the exterior of the concession facility building located within the state park grounds. The building is the structure that the Department owns and seeks to have operated by a qualified concessionaire to provide food services, restaurant operations, a camp store with convenience items, ice cream sales, coffee service, and baked goods. 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 concessionaire must maintain a minimum of 24 hours of operation Friday through Sunday during the season from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The 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 (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, valued at 250 evaluation points. Both for-profit and non-profit organizations are eligible, with Certified Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses eligible for up to five percent preference weighting. The previous operator, Lafayette Dairy Sales, Inc., vacated the facility over one year ago. 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, electric, heat and air conditioning, while the concessionaire is responsible for septic service, waste management, and LP gas 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. Proposals must exclude boat rental services, bait sales, and firewood provision, which are provided by Friends of Yellowstone Lake.