Self-Service Watersport Rental Kiosks

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Division of Parks and Recreation, is seeking a vendor to implement and operate self-service watersport rental kiosks at multiple state parks in Sussex County, specifically Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park. The contract (No. NAT25007) requires the selected vendor to provide non-motorized watersport rental equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, paddles, and personal flotation devices, along with a self-service kiosk system featuring remote payment processing. The initial locations include Fenwick Island State Park's previous kayak rental location, Assawoman Recreation Area, Delaware Seashore State Park's Tower Bay Road, and Town Road (near ADA launch). The bid is due on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. local time, with a contract period spanning two years from March 1, 2026, through February 29, 2028, and potential for one additional two-year extension. The contract will be awarded based on the highest percentage of gross receipts, with the vendor responsible for equipment maintenance, customer service, safety instructions, and monthly reporting. Performance requirements include maintaining less than 5% down-time per month and limiting customer complaints.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The vendor must provide comprehensive insurance coverage, including commercial general liability and automotive liability insurance. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the state has waived performance and bid bonds, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for potential bidders. The kiosks must operate during park hours (typically 8 a.m. until sunset) and be unattended, with the vendor submitting monthly and annual financial reports to DNREC. Though a specific budget range was not provided, the contract's evaluation will be based on the percentage of gross receipts the vendor is willing to share with the state, suggesting a revenue-sharing model rather than a fixed contract value. The successful vendor will need to demonstrate capability in managing self-service rental operations, technology integration, and maintaining high-quality customer experience in a state park recreational setting.