Beach Chair & Umbrella Services

Okaloosa County, Florida has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP FM 06-26) seeking a vendor to provide beach chair and umbrella services at three specific public parks: John Beasley Park, Newman C. Brackin Park (The Boardwalk), and James Lee Park in Destin. The solicitation requires the selected contractor to operate beach chair and umbrella rental services between March 15th and October 15th, with preference given to expanded operating periods. Proposals will be evaluated across multiple criteria, including contract payment (50 points), business references (10 points), operator experience (10 points), business/operations plan (20 points), overall proposal quality (5 points), and days of operation/rate schedule (5 points). The RFP was issued on October 20, 2025, with proposals due on November 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Key operational requirements include providing a $10,000 performance bond, paying the county $50,000 on specific dates (January 1st, May 1st, and September 1st), maintaining specific insurance coverages, and adhering to operational guidelines such as limiting initial daily setups to 10 and maintaining a 25-foot emergency access corridor.

The contract has a two-year base term with options for three additional one-year renewals, and the current contract payment amount is $225,000.00 annually, with the county requiring a minimum contract payment proposal of the same amount. No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned in the provided documentation. The solicitation strictly prohibits any beach chair and umbrella service or vending at the seven beach access ways off Santa Rosa Blvd. Vendors must be prepared to provide services that are convenient for park visitors and beach goers while maintaining strict operational protocols. The total potential contract value could reach approximately $1,125,000 over the potential five-year period (base two-year term plus three potential renewal years), making this a significant opportunity for vendors specializing in beach service operations. Prospective bidders will need to demonstrate substantial experience in beach service management, robust operational capabilities, and financial stability to be competitive in this procurement process.