DNR WSRC Gift Shop Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids to operate the Gift Shop Concession at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, Illinois under solicitation B-53327, with bids due September 29, 2026. The State will award the contract to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest price that meets all specified requirements — a reversal of typical competitive procurement logic that materially affects pricing strategy.

The concessionaire will sell souvenirs, books, apparel, home decor, collectibles, gifts, sporting goods, novelties, newspapers, and postcards aligned with the facility's professional appearance. Mandatory operating hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during six major annual sporting events totaling 29 days (SCTP Regionals in May, ATA US Open in late May, SCTP State in late June, AIM Championships in late July, Grand American in late July/early August, and ACUI College Championships in mid-October); the vendor has the option to operate seven days per week year-round. The facility receives approximately 10,000 annual visitors. The vendor must obtain all necessary federal firearms licenses and comply with federal and state firearms regulations for ammunition and firearm sales, including background check requirements. The concessionaire bears all operational costs including staffing, utilities, inventory, equipment, maintenance, internet, telephone, janitorial services, and pest control. IDNR provides the facility space, electricity, water, sewer, building maintenance, and parking and sidewalk maintenance.

The contract term runs January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2031, with renewal options for five additional years exercisable at the State's option. Rental payments must not be less than $3,000 annually, due by September 1 each year. The highest bid is determined by summing initial five-year payments plus renewal five-year payments. General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence with $2 million annual aggregate, Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence, and Workers' Compensation insurance as required by law are mandatory. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of three years' business management experience. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. A pre-bid conference via WebEx is scheduled for September 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time. Questions are due no later than seven days after the pre-bid meeting. The estimated contract value exceeds $50,000, triggering State Board of Elections registration and disclosure requirements. A $15 administrative fee for the Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative will be deducted from the first check issued to the awardee.