Transportation Service Concession at Taughannock Falls State Park

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is soliciting proposals to operate a seasonal transportation service concession at Taughannock Falls State Park, with proposals due March 12, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., submitted in hand at the Concessions Management Bureau office in Albany. Addendum 1 was issued February 12 and clarifies submission requirements and financial documentation standards; questions are due March 6.

The licensee will operate a shuttle service connecting five designated parking areas (387 to 40 spaces each) to park facilities, using 14–40 passenger vehicles with bicycle racks for ten or more bicycles and at least one ADA-compliant vehicle at all times. Seasonal operation runs weekends from mid-May through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The licensee bears all operational costs: vehicle procurement and maintenance, fuel, insurance, repairs, and waste removal. The initial license term runs April 15 through December 31, 2026, with potential one-year extensions up to four additional years, subject to Office of the State Comptroller approval.

The minimum annual license fee is $400.00; respondents may propose enhanced or escalating fees. Evaluation divides into technical scoring (maximum 90 points, 75% weight) on background, experience, RFP response, and business development capability, and financial scoring (maximum 30 points, 25% weight) on projected license fee return to the State. Proposals must include verified financial statements, balance sheets, or other commercially reliable evidence of financial capacity; comprehensive business plans with pro forma projections; insurance and bonding documentation; references; and compliance with New York State vendor responsibility questionnaires and certifications. No incumbent exists; the park recorded 914,515 visitors in 2025. Site tours are strongly recommended and can be scheduled with the Park Manager. Oral presentations are scheduled for March 2026.