CRTO Concessionaire for Ted Sperling Park Lot ID A2

Sarasota County is seeking a Commercial Recreation and Tour Operator (CRTO) concessionaire for Ted Sperling Nature Park, specifically Lot ID A2, through an Invitation for Bids (IFB). The procurement involves providing non-motorized water vessel activities, including tours, rentals, and lessons within the park. Bidders must demonstrate experience in similar services through references from the past five years and will be evaluated based on their ability to comply with the CRTO Concessionaires Permit Medallion Program guidelines. The contract will commence upon execution and continue until February 28, 2025, with an option for one additional one-year renewal. The solicitation requires 20 permit medallions, with bidders required to submit a minimum bid of $500 per medallion plus a percentage of monthly gross sales. Bidders must adhere to strict guidelines regarding vessel management, environmental stewardship, safety protocols, and park access regulations. The due date for submissions is January 9, 2024, with the contract awarded to the highest responsive and responsible bidder.

The procurement does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including workers' compensation, commercial general liability, automobile liability, and marine liability, with Sarasota County named as an additional insured. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the contract includes specific requirements for commercial operators, such as maintaining up-to-date employee lists, providing safety briefings, and following detailed protocols for vessel staging and interaction with the natural environment. The compensation structure suggests potential monthly revenue opportunities, with bidders required to pay a minimum of $500 per permit medallion plus a percentage of gross sales. The program limits simultaneous vessel launches to 20, with launches scheduled approximately every 15-20 minutes, indicating a structured approach to managing commercial activities within the park. Local and American business preferences are currently suspended due to grant funding requirements, which may impact the competitive landscape for potential bidders.