IDNR Lowden Camp Store Concession

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking a vendor to operate the Lowden Camp Store Concession at Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illinois, located within Morgan County. The concession contract allows the selected vendor to provide retail services from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with optional extended hours from May 1st to October 31st. The vendor must offer a specific range of products including snacks, cold non-alcoholic beverages, Illinois native firewood, bagged ice, and is authorized to sell additional items such as souvenirs, boating equipment, bait, fishing licenses, and recreational equipment rentals like bicycles, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and inner tubes. A mandatory pre-submission conference is scheduled for October 29, 2025, at 11:00 AM to discuss the bidding process, with electronic bids due by November 13, 2025, through the BidBuy procurement system. The initial contract term will run from gubernatorial signature through December 31, 2028, with potential for up to five additional years of renewals. Evaluation will focus on the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder who meets all specified requirements.

The procurement does not include specific set-aside designations or small business preferences, and all bidders must be registered and authorized to conduct business in Illinois. Vendors are required to complete comprehensive vendor disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure and a detailed Vendor Disclosure form that covers business operations, ownership structure, and compliance with state regulations. Financial terms for the contract include minimum annual rent starting at $50 for the first two years and increasing to $100 in subsequent years, with the vendor required to submit annual Profit and Loss Statements and pricing lists by March 15th each year. Insurance requirements mandate $1,000,000 per occurrence for general commercial liability and auto liability, with the State named as an additional insured. The vendor must also comply with environmental standards, including using compostable or recyclable food service items and selling a section of US-manufactured products. While no specific budget range is provided, the contract emphasizes operational efficiency and revenue generation for the IDNR.