Tenting Rental Services for the Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee County is seeking proposals for Tenting Rental Services at the Milwaukee County Zoo through Request for Qualifications (RFQ-2025-004), with responses due by August 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM CT. The contract will cover tenting services for various zoo locations, including Group Sales Department Picnic Areas, Gathering Place, Flamingo Restaurant, Lakeview Restaurant, Animal Buildings, and Zoo Grounds, running from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with potential for three additional 12-month extensions. The selected vendor must provide exclusive tenting services, supplying tents in specific sizes (minimum 60x90, 40x40, and 40x60 feet) and maintaining one 20x20 foot tent in each of the zoo's six designated picnic areas from May to October 2026. Vendor requirements include 24/7 on-call service with a one-hour emergency response time, daily on-site inspections, and compliance with Wisconsin Building Code regulations. The evaluation criteria will assess references (25%), experience and qualifications (50%), and capacity (25%), with potential bonus points (5%) for Targeted Business Enterprise (TBE) commitment.

The procurement includes specific provisions for Targeted Business Enterprise (TBE) participation, requiring contractors to maintain approved participation levels and submit written contracts within seven days of the Notice-to-Proceed. Vendors must be prepared to meet comprehensive insurance requirements, including $1,000,000 Commercial General Liability Insurance, $1,000,000 Automobile Liability Insurance, and Workers' Compensation Insurance. The contract includes a minimum fee of $10,000 to be paid directly to the zoo, with the vendor receiving 250 promotional zoo admission passes in return. Contractors must complete several mandatory forms, including an Equal Employment Opportunity Certificate, Conflict of Interest Stipulation, and Certification Regarding Debarment and Suspension. The procurement emphasizes non-discrimination requirements, with specific attention to increasing opportunities for women, minorities, disabled persons, and other previously under-represented groups at all employment levels.