DNR Dixon Springs SP Swimming Pool Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #26-422DNR-REALT-B-49897) seeking a vendor to operate the swimming pool concession at Dixon Springs State Park in Pope County, Illinois. The vendor shall provide daily admission services, group rental facilities, pool cleaning and maintenance, and food and beverage services including pre-packed food, frozen confections, and non-alcoholic beverages. The concession must operate from May 23 through August 16, 2026, with required hours of 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily and optional extended hours from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM with superintendent approval. The vendor is responsible for all janitorial services, pest control, pool chemical maintenance, utilities (electricity, propane, and internet), employee wages, and annual Profit and Loss statement reporting. Required qualifications include current Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification for all food service employees, acceptance of major credit cards and debit payments through a Point-of-Sale system, general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, auto liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, and worker's compensation insurance as required by law. Evaluation criteria emphasized responsibility and responsiveness, with award made to the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder; the bid submission deadline was January 30, 2026, with a mandatory pre-bid conference held virtually on January 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time via WebEx.

This procurement contained no small business set-aside, Business Enterprise Program goals, or Veteran Business Program requirements. No incumbent vendor was specified in the solicitation materials. Arrowleaf was subsequently awarded the contract as the sole bidder on February 6, 2026, with an annual contract value of $66,150.00 and estimated gross revenue to the vendor of $66,000.00, resulting in a financial return to the State of $150.00 annually. The contract includes renewal options for years 2, 3, and 4, each valued at $66,150.00, with a maximum total contract term not to exceed ten years. The IDNR provides water, electricity, and propane during non-operating months, specified equipment including lockers, tables, refrigerator, pool vacuum, ladders, and lifeguard stand, and maintains responsibility for structural repairs including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Vendors must estimate utility costs based on 2025 historical data showing approximately $3,210.90 in electricity costs for a two-month operating period and $8,349.09 in pool chemical costs, with no subcontracting permitted under this agreement.