Horseback Riding Concession for Carter Caves SRP

The Kentucky Department of Parks is seeking a concessionaire to provide horseback riding services at Carter Caves State Resort Park through a Request for Bid (RFB 758 2500000499). The contract will cover the 2025 summer season from May 1 to October 31, with four potential one-year renewal options. The selected vendor must provide a minimum of 12 horses and offer 45-50 minute guided trail rides, operating at least 5 days per week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Vendors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience and will be evaluated on two primary criteria: commission percentage (100 points) and experience (pass/fail). The bid requires vendors to propose a commission percentage of gross receipts to be paid to the Department of Parks, with the highest percentage likely to be awarded. Key deliverables include maintaining horse health, ensuring trail safety, managing staffing ratios of 1 staff per 8 riders, and providing regular revenue reports. Written questions are due by March 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, and electronic bids must be submitted by March 13, 2025, at 1:30 PM ET.

The solicitation includes specific requirements for bidder qualifications, including affidavits addressing campaign finance laws, resident bidder status, and potential qualified bidder status for nonprofit organizations serving individuals with severe disabilities. Bidders must maintain commercial general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million in aggregate coverage. Historical data indicates annual ridership between 2,000-3,000 rides, with annual revenues ranging from $57,000-$90,000 over the past five years. The ride price is set at $25.00 per ride, suggesting a potential annual revenue opportunity of approximately $50,000-$75,000 for the selected concessionaire. The contract is specifically for Carter Caves State Resort Park, located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill, Kentucky, and is open to businesses that can meet the comprehensive operational and insurance requirements outlined in the solicitation documents.