Press Releases
03/26/2026
DEEP Issues RFP for Food and Beverage Concession Services at Gillette Castle State Park
DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative Continues to Enhance Experiences & Services in State Parks
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified food and beverage concessionaire to operate the concession building at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam.
Issued through DEEP’s Division of State Parks & Public Outreach, the RFP invites experienced food service vendors to submit proposals to provide concession services to park visitors under a three-year contract, with the option for extensions in one-year increments. The selected concessionaire will receive the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concession at the park.
Gillette Castle State Park welcomes approximately 100,000 day-use visitors annually and offers hiking, picnicking, historic castle tours, and scenic views overlooking the Connecticut River. The concession facility has been without food service operations during the 2024 and 2025 recreation seasons, and DEEP is seeking to restore this amenity to enhance the visitor experience.
This request for proposals is part of a broader Partnerships in Parks Initiative that is considering concessions, rentals, performances, stewardship programs, and other partnerships that can elevate outdoor recreation experiences for all visitors, increase equitable access to the outdoors, and expand tourism destinations in Connecticut State Parks. Businesses and organizations interested in partnership opportunities with Connecticut State Parks are encouraged to submit ideas through an open Request for Information (RFI).
“Connecticut State Parks are powerful drivers of tourism and local economic activity,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “By partnering with experienced private-sector operators through our Partnerships in Parks initiative, we’re enhancing the visitor experience while creating meaningful opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Investments like this strengthen our tourism economy, support jobs, and help ensure our parks remain vibrant destinations that attract visitors from across the region and beyond.”
Proposers must demonstrate relevant food and beverage concession experience, the ability to meet required operating schedules, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. DEEP encourages proposals that reflect quality service, competitive pricing, and a menu appropriate for a high-visitation state park setting.
The RFP is available on the CTsource Bid Board as solicitation number DEEP-2026-014-MM and proposals are due May 01, 2026. At 11:59 p.m. EST. To apply to the RFP, visit CTsource Bid Board and enter DEEP-2026-014-MM in the search field.
A voluntary site visit is scheduled for April 01, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST, and written questions must be submitted by April 10, 2026. Responses to questions will be posted on April 24, 2026.
For official communications regarding this procurement, interested vendors must contact the designated DEEP official:
Tenia Seay
Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106
Email: DEEP.ParksDivisionRFP@ct.gov
DEEP is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to cancel this procurement in the best interest of the State of Connecticut.
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Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110