Horseback Riding Concession - Carter Caves SRP

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Finance and Administration Cabinet on behalf of the Kentucky Department of Parks, is issuing a Request for Bids (RFB 758 2600000474) for a horseback riding concession at Carter Caves State Resort Park. The procurement seeks a qualified concessionaire to operate guided horseback trail rides lasting approximately 45-50 minutes during the 2026 summer season from May 1 through October 31, with an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 rides annually and potential for special event rides at the Park Manager's discretion. The successful bidder must maintain a minimum of twelve horses from April through October, provide all necessary equipment and supplies including saddles, helmets, and veterinary care, maintain facilities in clean and sanitary condition, and operate during park hours from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The ride price is fixed at $25.00 per ride, with the concessionaire paying the Department a percentage of gross receipts (excluding Kentucky sales tax and federal excise taxes) as determined through competitive bidding. The contract includes an initial one-year period with four optional one-year renewal periods. The concessionaire must demonstrate a minimum of five years of documented experience operating a horseback concession within the United States. Award will be determined using a best-value approach allocating 90 points to the percentage commission bid (lowest bidder receives maximum points) with a pass/fail requirement for experience qualifications, totaling 100 points. Vendors' written questions are due by April 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET, with bid closing on April 22, 2026, at 1:30 PM ET. All bids must be submitted electronically through the Commonwealth's eProcurement system, and proposed pricing must remain valid for a minimum of 60 calendar days after the bid due date.

The solicitation documents do not identify specific set-asides or restrictions limiting participation to particular organization types, disadvantaged enterprises, or minority-owned businesses, suggesting the opportunity is open to all qualified vendors meeting the experience requirement. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced in the available documentation. The concessionaire is responsible for all operational costs including feed, veterinary services, farrier services, equipment maintenance, employee wages, and facility repairs beyond normal wear and tear, with required insurance including Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Automobile Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit if delivery or onsite services are provided. Prior to award, the successful bidder must submit a Kentucky Tax Registration Application, a Certificate of Authority if a foreign entity, required affidavits, and proof of insurance coverage. No specific award value or budget range is published; rather, compensation is structured as a percentage of gross receipts determined through the competitive bidding process. Additional information and clarifications regarding the solicitation may be obtained by contacting Stephanie Durr at 502-564-6521.