300 SP Concession Opportunity Wyandotte Caves SRABid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is soliciting proposals for a concession agreement to operate cave tours at Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area within O'Bannon Woods State Park in Crawford County, with proposals due November 2, 2026. The operator will conduct tours on two authorized routes — Little Wyandotte (hourly 10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and Big Wyandotte (11 a.m. and 1 p.m. slots) — during the seasonal period from the Saturday of Memorial Day through Labor Day, with minimum operations required Fridays through Sundays and additional days negotiable subject to DNR approval.

The concessionaire must provide all operational supplies, equipment, buildings, facilities, safety gear, and retail inventory; the State provides restroom facilities and parking only. The operator is responsible for all utilities (electric, internet, telephone, sewage, water, trash removal). Compensation is structured as a 12% concession fee on cave tour and retail gross income and 25% on vending machine gross income, remitted by the eighth day of each month. Historical cave tour revenues ranged from zero (2020–2022 due to COVID-19 and bat mitigation) to $35,268 in 2023; partial year 2026 revenue through July 15 was $9,310. The operator must maintain commercial liability insurance with minimum limits of $700,000 per person and $5,000,000 per occurrence.

The contract term commences April 1, 2027 (or upon final State signature, whichever is later) and extends through December 31, 2030 (or four years after final signature, whichever is later), with potential renewal not to exceed four additional years. Proposals must include a pro forma financial statement for fiscal years 2027–2030, detailed operations plan, management structure with resumes and background authorizations, financing documentation, and pricing strategy. Evaluation criteria include level of public service, adequacy of resources, payment consideration to the State, and commitment to facility development. A property visit must occur prior to September 7, 2026; contact Property Manager Stanley Baelz at 812-738-8232 to arrange. Questions are due at least seven days prior to November 2.