Non-Motorized Human-Powered Boat Rentals

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), State Parks and Public Outreach Division, is issuing a Request for Proposal to contract with private vendors to operate on-site rental services for non-motorized, human-powered paddlecraft at seven state park locations: Burr Pond State Park, Hopeville Pond State Park, Indian Well State Park, Lake Waramaug State Park, Mount Tom State Park, Pattaconk Lake/Reservoir Recreation Area, and Squantz Pond State Park. The services include rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to the visiting public, with vendors responsible for on-site operations at these designated locations. The solicitation opened on January 29, 2026, at 2:45 PM EST and will close on February 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. A vendor question and answer period runs from January 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST through February 17, 2026, at 11:44 PM EST, with inquiries directed to Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov. Supporting documentation includes Attachment B (Non-Motorized Boat Rentals specifications), Attachment C (Paddlecraft Rental Location Specification Sheet), and Attachment D (Cover Sheet Form). The RFP contains no predefined questions and does not identify specific evaluation criteria, payment terms, delivery terms, or line item specifications in the available documentation.

The solicitation is open to all vendors with no identified set-asides or restrictions on the types of organizations eligible to respond. No incumbent operators or current contractors are identified in the available documentation, indicating this may be a new service offering or the contract is open for new competition. The RFP does not provide an estimated total contract value, specific contract term options, renewal conditions, or funding source information. Vendors are advised to review the complete solicitation documents and specifications sheets for detailed requirements and any additional evaluation criteria not outlined in the summary documentation. Interested parties should submit proposals by the February 17, 2026, deadline and direct any technical or administrative questions to the designated DEEP contact during the established Q&A period.