Request for information regarding bicycle rentals concession

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, State Parks Division, is requesting written comments through a Request for Information on a proposed bicycle rental concession across four state park trails, with comments due November 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Responses are informational only and will determine whether DEEP issues a formal RFP, and participation neither enhances nor hinders future competitive opportunities.

The concession covers Air Line State Park Trail (Pomfret and Hebron locations), Hop River State Park Trail (Bolton), Moosup Valley State Park Trail (Sterling), and Farmington River State Park Trail (Stratton Brook, Simsbury). DEEP anticipates up to seven awards, one per location or multiple locations per contractor. The concessionaire will handle equipment acquisition, maintenance, staffing, emergency action planning, customer safety orientation, facility maintenance, portable toilets where applicable, and seasonal storage. The RFI seeks feedback on shuttle service options. Proposed minimum qualifications include at least three years of relevant bicycle rental or related experience, current CPR and First Aid certifications, a bicycle maintenance certification, general liability insurance of at least $1.0 million, three reference letters, and two years of audited financial statements or equivalent documentation.

The minimum annual rent proposed to DEEP is $2,000 per location, and concessionaires may propose additional payments such as a percentage of gross revenue. The anticipated term is three years with a one-time option to extend three additional years. DEEP plans to release the formal RFP in early 2027, followed by a public informational webinar about one week after release, optional site visits at about two weeks, a question deadline at about three weeks, answers at about four weeks, and a proposal due date in 2027. Questions on the RFI go to Tenia Seay at DEEP.ParksDivisionRFP@ct.gov.