300 SP Concession Opportunity Ft Harrison SaddleBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is soliciting proposals for a four-year concession contract to operate the Saddle Barn at Fort Harrison State Park in Marion County, with proposals due November 2, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and contract commencement expected April 1, 2027.

The concessionaire will provide guided horse trail rides, pony rides, hay wagon rides, instructional classes, lessons, programs, camps, and equine exhibitions as approved by DNR. The operator secures and maintains all animals, equipment, supplies, and inventory; the State provides the barn with 14 stalls, pony ring/corral, two bridle trails, four fenced turn-out lots, two hay wagons, office building, hitching rails, and wash/grooming area. The operating season runs May through October with minimum operations Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with additional days and extended hours negotiable. The concessionaire pays 12% of saddle barn gross income and 25% of vending machine income, due by the eighth day of each month. Historical gross saddle barn revenue was $171,644 (2025), $118,000 (2024), $98,345 (2022), $127,840 (2021), and $102,300 (2020); the facility did not operate in 2023.

The contract runs through December 31, 2030 (or four years from the State's final signature, whichever is later) and may be renewed by mutual consent under identical terms, provided total term including renewals does not exceed four years. The operator is responsible for all utilities and routine maintenance of State-provided facilities and equipment.

Proposals must include a pro forma statement with projected gross receipts, expenses, and net profit; detailed operational information; management and financial capability descriptions; and professional references. Evaluation criteria include level of service to the public, adequacy of resources, consideration paid to the State, and commitment to facility development. The DNR Director exercises sole discretion in selecting the winning proposal. Questions are due at least seven days before the deadline. Interested parties may arrange property visits by contacting Property Manager Brady Givens at 317-591-0904 or bgivens@dnr.in.gov. All quoted prices must remain valid for 30 calendar days after the response deadline and must include all applicable charges, fees, and shipping.