Lake Hartwell Public Resort

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is requesting proposals for design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of commercial public recreational facilities on a 325-acre Lake Hartwell peninsula property under RFP 5400030061, with proposals due January 29, 2027 at 11:00 AM ET and a mandatory pre-proposal conference and site visit on November 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET.

The scope requires a qualified developer to create commercial facilities for short-term public use on property featuring over seven miles of shoreline near the South Carolina Welcome Center between Atlanta and Charlotte. Residential developments, timeshare arrangements, and camping are explicitly prohibited. The selected offeror bears all costs for infrastructure development, environmental documentation, NEPA compliance, land surveys, and USACE approvals; no state funding is provided. The sublease term extends up to 50 years, subject to negotiation and USACE and State Fiscal Accountability Authority approval.

Offerors must demonstrate mandatory minimum qualifications: completion of similar projects within the last ten years generating revenues of $25 million or more, supported by audited financial statements for the previous five years and three client references. Proposals must include a comprehensive resort plan, development and master plans, a market study within a 30-mile radius, a feasibility study demonstrating financial sustainability, and team qualifications.

Pricing follows a revenue-based model (Attachment B) with tiered percentage rent based on gross receipt brackets from under $1 million to over $5 million. Annual financial statements prepared by an independent CPA per AICPA standards are required, with sublease payments due within 60 days of fiscal year end. The offeror must maintain a 150-foot setback from the 670-foot lake contour, obtain USACE vegetation-clearing approval, and remit timber-sale revenue to USACE.

Evaluation includes technical proposal review, financial capability and price evaluation in Phase I, and solution demonstrations by competitive-range offerors in Phase II. The State intends a single award. Questions are due November 12, 2026 by 12:00 PM ET. Contract award is anticipated May 21, 2027, with a 50-year initial term and no renewal options. Proposals are submitted online at http://www.procurement.sc.gov.