Dixon Springs Swimming Pool Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking a vendor to operate the Dixon Springs State Park Swimming Pool Concession located in Golconda, Pope County. The contract encompasses managing daily pool operations, including admission services, group pool rentals, and concession sales of pre-packed food, frozen confections, and non-alcoholic beverages. The initial contract term runs from execution through December 31, 2029, with potential renewals up to ten years. Key deliverables include maintaining the pool and shower building, providing certified lifeguards, adhering to food service sanitation codes, and hosting potential park events with IDNR approval. The vendor must submit monthly gross receipt documentation, maintain required licenses, and provide liability insurance naming IDNR as an additional insured. A pre-submission conference is scheduled for April 3, 2025, at 1 PM at the park location, with electronic bids due through the BidBuy system by April 14, 2025. Evaluation criteria focus on the highest responsive and responsible bid, with IDNR anticipating a minimum 4% gross receipt contribution in the first two years, increasing to 5% in subsequent years.

The procurement is not designated as a small business set-aside and allows for limited subcontracting. Vendors must complete comprehensive disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure and Vendor Disclosures forms, which require detailed information about business ownership, potential conflicts of interest, and compliance with state regulations. Bidders must certify various legal and ethical standards, including non-discrimination policies and tax obligations. While no specific set-aside for disadvantaged enterprises is mentioned, vendors who hire qualified veterans may be eligible for tax credits. The contract may involve partial federal funding, and bidders must submit all required documentation electronically through the BidBuy system. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the vendor will be responsible for generating revenue through pool admissions and concession sales, with a percentage of gross receipts paid to the state. The bid must remain firm for 90 days from the opening date, and the state will award the contract to the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder.