DNR Johnson Sauk Bait Shop/ Boat Rental Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for a concession contract to operate the Johnson Sauk Bait Shop and Boat Rental at the Johnson Sauk Trail State Recreation Area in Kewanee, Henry County. The successful vendor will be responsible for providing bait shop services and boat rentals, with specific requirements including offering at least 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boats, and 1 Jon boat by 2026, expanding to 5 kayaks, 3 paddle boats, and 2 Jon boats in subsequent years. Vendors must sell night crawlers, fishing bobbers, and hooks, and operate the concession from Tuesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the summer season (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend). A mandatory pre-submission conference is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at 10:30 AM to discuss the bidding process, with final bids due by January 29, 2025. The contract will be awarded to the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder, with bids required to remain firm for 90 days from the opening date.

No specific small business set-aside was definitively indicated in the documents, though the solicitation notes potential set-aside requirements might apply if marked as "Yes" in the Bulletin posting. The contract has an initial term of 5 years with four 5-year renewal options, potentially extending to a total of 25 years. The vendor must pay a percentage of gross receipts into a Reserve Account, starting at 1% in the first year and increasing to 5% in subsequent years, with a minimum Reserve Account balance of $5,000. The vendor will be responsible for all maintenance, janitorial services, and utilities, except for water provided by IDNR. Insurance requirements include $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate general commercial liability insurance. The estimated financial return to the State over the contract's life is $23,600, with the vendor's estimated gross revenue projected at $500,000. The contract will be awarded based on the highest total amount submitted for all contract years.