Section 1, Standard Bid Requirements: Act 451, P.A. of 1994 authorizes the Director of the Department of Natural Resources to contract public service privileges in state parks. Through this authority, the Department desires to invoke the widest possible interest to obtain the most qualified and capable concession operator available. The Department is seeking a partner to operate a ferry concession to and from Lime Island Recreation Area, both multiple day stays on the island and one-day trips to and from the island are desired. The selected partner will offer ferry services across the St. Mary's River between the Lime Island dock and the Raber property (see Attachment A). Ferry services will shuttle customers and their luggage to and from the island on a schedule that must be preapproved by the Department. At a minimum, the Department desires that ferry services be provided on an as-needed basis within a 48-hour minimum reservation requirement. Ferry service prices must meet local fair market pricing. The ferry service operator must have and maintain a valid U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License which allows the Captain to carry passengers for hire. The selected bidder and customers may use the Raber property grassy area for parking.
Bid package enclosures include the following: Section 1. Standard Bid Requirements Section 2. Specific Bid Information Section 3. Required for All Bid Responses: 1) Bid Proposal Form 2) Concession Bidder Qualification Statement 3) Financial Statement in the amount of $50,000 4) Two personal reference letters 5) Two professional reference letters Section 4. Sample Contract
Specific Bid Information and Contract Requirements (summary): Liability insurance minimums (General Aggregate $2,000,000; Each Occurrence $1,000,000); Workers Compensation insurance as required; Minimum contract fee of 5% of Gross Sales; Minimum season and operation schedule identified in the sample contract (June 15 through Labor Day for cottages/campsites; ferry services offered as-needed by reservation with minimum 48-hour notice); Contractor must supply and maintain required equipment and utilities per the sample contract; Contractor must accept concession facilities in their present condition; Department retains right to approve products, services and prices; POS and reporting/accounting requirements; required environmental and safety practices, including implementation of invasive species decontamination guidelines where applicable.
General Information: Lime Island State Recreation Area encompasses a 932-acre island and 6.5 acres in the community of Raber on the mainland and is located in the eastern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The island includes a boat dock, cabins and tent camping on wooden platforms. Visitors use the island for hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, hunting, and other activities. Cottages and campsites are available June 15th through Labor Day weekend. Currently, visitors must charter or navigate a boat more than 2 miles across the St. Mary's River; nonmotorized boats are not recommended. Vehicle parking is available on the mainland in Raber. The Department is seeking an operator to open a new ferry service from the mainland to Lime Island. No data is available for this new concession opportunity.
Products and Services: The concession is for ferry services to Lime Island from the Raber property. Contractor shall provide approved goods and services, accept Visa and MasterCard for transactions, meet Department sustainable practice expectations, and comply with all Department, State, and federal regulations applicable to ferry operations and concession contracts. Ferry vessel must be operated by a certified U.S. Coast Guard Captain; vessel inspections and compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and Michigan law are required. Contractor must provide life preservers and safety equipment as required and accommodate persons with accessibility needs to the best of their ability. Detailed operational, insurance, reporting, maintenance, staff training, and conduct requirements are provided in the sample contract included with the Invitation to Bid.
Required Bid Response Contents: Submit Bid Proposal Form; Concession Bidder Qualification Statement; Financial Statement evidencing $50,000; a minimum of two personal reference letters and two professional reference letters; any other required attachments. Failure to include required items or to follow submission instructions will result in disqualification.