Concessionaire Operations

The State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is seeking a concessionaire to operate Honey Creek Resort located at Rathbun Lake through a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered CP-RFP-0265-2023. The procurement opportunity involves managing either resort/marina operations, golf course operations, or both concession opportunities within a 105-room lodge facility that includes a conference center, full-service restaurant, indoor water park, 28 cottages, RV park, boat ramp, beach, marina, pavilion, playground, trails, and an 18-hole golf course. Key objectives include providing a unique destination for Iowa, protecting the state's investment, expanding amenities and services, and increasing profitability. The successful vendor will operate the property as a private business, retaining all revenue and managing operating expenses. Critical procurement dates include a pre-proposal conference and site visit on December 21, 2022, at 10:00 AM, with proposal submissions due on January 25, 2023, at 3:00 PM CST. Proposals must remain valid for 120 days after submission, and the contract term is three years with potential for three additional annual extensions.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The property, originally constructed for approximately $60 million with $28 million financed through tax-exempt bonds in 2006, is partially owned by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. While no incumbent vendor is directly mentioned, the solicitation provides extensive supporting documentation including a facilities condition assessment, current contract details, aerial maps, room occupancy summaries from 2016-2021, financial reports, visitor and occupancy reports, and a sponsorship list to assist potential bidders. The primary contact for this procurement is Karl Wendt, who can be reached at Karl.Wendt@iowa.gov or +1 515-281-7073. Respondents are required to submit separate technical and cost proposal files and may request confidential treatment of specific information by following guidelines outlined in the document. The solicitation is categorized under commodity code 96100 for miscellaneous services, suggesting a broad scope of potential operational approaches.