300 SP Concession Opportunity Turkey RunBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is soliciting proposals for a four-year concession contract to operate Turkey Run Saddle Barn at Turkey Run State Park in Parke County, with proposals due November 2, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time and contract execution expected April 1, 2027. Indiana business preference and Indiana small business enterprise preference apply; bidders must document claimed preferences and meet drug-free workplace, E-Verify employment eligibility, and Secretary of State registration requirements.

The concessionaire will provide guided horse trail rides, pony rides, hayrides, and equestrian-related activities during the operating season (April through October) with minimum hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for saddle barn operations and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for hayrides beginning in May. The State provides the saddle barn building with office, animal stalls, storage, employee restroom, two bridle trails, hitching rail, water trough, and fenced turn-out lot. The contractor furnishes all equine strings, supplies, tack, medical and veterinary health and safety equipment, vehicles, and saddle barn equipment; maintains all State-provided buildings and equipment; and covers utilities, snow removal, janitorial services, and recycling. The contractor must comply with regulations from the State Veterinarian, Board of Animal Health, Department of Environmental Management, and DNR.

The fee structure requires payment of twelve percent of saddle barn gross income and twenty percent of vending machine income, due by the eighth of each month for the preceding calendar month. Historical gross income data ranges from $75,830 in 2016 to $134,518 in 2025. The contract term runs through December 31, 2030, with possible renewal at the same terms and conditions. Evaluation criteria include level of service to the public, adequacy of resources, consideration paid to the State, and commitment to developing the operation, with the DNR Director exercising sole discretion. Questions must be submitted at least seven days prior to the due date to Angela Settles at ASettles1@dnr.in.gov. All quoted prices must remain valid for thirty calendar days after the response due date. Site visits can be arranged by contacting Property Manager Chris Newcomb at (765) 597-2635 or cnewcomb@dnr.in.gov.