Farmers’ market at multiple state parks

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Parks Division, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public feedback on a draft Request for Proposal for farmers' market operations at multiple state park locations, with RFI responses due August 28, 2026.

The RFI addresses farmers' markets at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, and Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, with potential expansion to additional state parks identified through this RFI process. DEEP anticipates releasing a formal RFP following consideration of public input. The draft RFP contemplates up to three separate contract awards for a three-year term (2027–2029) with an option to extend for an additional three years without further competition.

Prospective vendors must demonstrate three years of experience operating a farmers' market (preferred qualification) and possess current certification experience with Connecticut farmers' markets. Financial requirements include submission of two years of audited financial statements or CPA-prepared statements, three letters of reference, and a proposed budget. Market managers must obtain food service licenses from respective health departments, carry $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance, maintain workers' compensation and fire liability insurance, and name the State of Connecticut as an additional insured.

The draft RFP establishes minimum annual rent payments of $5,000 at Sherwood Island State Park and $2,000 at both Fort Trumbull and Harkness Memorial State Parks, with proposers permitted to propose higher payments. Markets will operate weekly from the third Saturday in April through the fourth Tuesday in October.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as Qualifications (40%), Service Expectations including operating schedule, staffing, and annual rent (30%), and Selection and Pricing demonstrating Connecticut-grown product offerings and competitive pricing (30%). The formal RFP Information Webinar is scheduled approximately one week after RFP release; site visits approximately two weeks thereafter; questions due approximately three weeks after release; and proposals due in 2027 with selection approximately four weeks thereafter. Proposals must be submitted electronically through CTSource, limited to twenty pages of main content, double-spaced, plus required attachments.