300 SP Concession Opportunity McCormick's CreekBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for a four-year concession contract to operate the Saddle Barn at McCormick's Creek State Park in Montgomery County. The contract, identified as RFQ# 003000000086565, seeks a vendor to provide horse-related services including guided trail rides, pony rides, hay wagon rides, instructional classes, lessons, programs, camps, and equine exhibitions. The successful bidder will be responsible for securing and maintaining all animals, equipment, supplies, and tack, with the state providing the facility and designated buildings. The saddle barn will operate seasonally from May through October, with a minimum requirement of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday operations from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Proposals must be submitted by February 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to Angela Settles via email or fax, with bidders strongly encouraged to contact the Property Manager Dwight Brooks to arrange site visits prior to submission. Evaluation criteria will include level of service to the public, adequacy of resources, consideration paid to the state, and commitment to facility development.

The solicitation includes specific set-aside requirements for minority and women's business enterprises (MWBE), with goals of 8% minority participation and 11% women participation, as well as a 3% Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business Enterprises (IVOSB) goal. Bidders may claim various purchasing preferences, including U.S. Manufactured Product, Steel Products, Indiana Business, and Indiana Manufactured preferences. The concession fee structure requires payment of 12% of saddle barn gross income and 20% of vending machine income, due by the eighth day of each month. Historical revenue data shows the previous contract terms generated $459,890 (2020-2023) and $381,760 (2016-2019), with no operations in 2024-2025. The operator will be responsible for all utilities, routine maintenance, animal care, and compliance with Indiana State Board of Animal Health regulations. The contract term runs from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2030, with potential renewal for an additional four-year period, subject to mutual consent and DNR Director's approval.