Guided White Water Rafting Concession

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is soliciting proposals to operate the Guided White Water Rafting Concession at Letchworth State Park in Castile, New York, with proposals due November 3, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The concessionaire will operate guided white water rafting tours on the Genesee River, provide shuttle services, conduct retail sales of rafting-specific merchandise, and coordinate optional food and beverage services. The Licensee must supply 100% of equipment and bear full responsibility for all repairs, maintenance, utilities beyond electricity, trash removal, insurance, bonds, and operational costs. Seasonal operation is required at minimum from April 1 through October 31, weather and rapids conditions permitting, with operating schedule coordinated annually with the Park Manager. Beginning April 2028, the Licensee must provide up to $2,000 in gravel annually for road maintenance.

The concession license term runs January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028, subject to Office of the State Comptroller approval. Upon mutual written agreement and Comptroller approval, the term may be extended for up to three additional years. The Licensee must offer a minimum license fee of 8% of Gross Receipts, with the option to propose escalating or enhanced fees above this minimum. State Parks provides electricity reimbursement of $1,250 annually, due August 15 each year. Historical concession gross receipts from 2021–2026 averaged $231,726 annually, with rafting revenue averaging $228,959 and average ridership of 4,429 customers.

Proposals are evaluated on a 120-point scale: 90 points for technical merit (40 points for background and experience, 50 points for response to RFP requirements) and 30 points for financial return to State based on comparative license fee offers. Award is contingent upon vendor responsibility determination and Office of the State Comptroller approval. The incumbent concessionaire is Adventure Calls Outfitters, Inc. Site tours are recommended and can be arranged by contacting the Park Manager. Oral presentations are scheduled for November 2026.