DEEP Seeks Qualified Caterers for Connecticut State Parks

Partnership Opportunity Expands Event and Visitor Service Offerings Across State Properties

(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified full-service catering vendors to provide catering concession services at multiple Connecticut State Park event facilities beginning in 2027.

Through this initiative, DEEP aims to enhance visitor experiences and support special events hosted at state-owned facilities by establishing partnerships with professional catering providers capable of delivering high-quality food and beverage services in accordance with state regulations and operational standards.

Under the agreement, approved caterers will be authorized to provide full-service catering operations at designated state park recreation facilities. Services may include food preparation, event staffing, setup and breakdown, beverage service, rental coordination, bartending services, and post-event cleanup responsibilities.

The RFQ seeks experienced catering professionals capable of supporting a wide range of events hosted within Connecticut State Parks, including weddings, receptions, corporate gatherings, conferences, fundraisers, family celebrations, and community events. Qualified caterers may submit proposals for one or more participating park facilities, including:

Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford
Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme
Fort Trumbull State Park in New London
Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam

Two of Connecticut’s most sought-after wedding destinations — Harkness Memorial State Park and Rocky Neck State Park — continue to attract couples seeking unique waterfront and historic settings for ceremonies and receptions.

At Harkness Memorial State Park, weddings and other events are hosted on the scenic grounds surrounding the historic Eolia Mansion, which overlooks Long Island Sound and features formal gardens, expansive lawns, and coastal views. The property has become one of Connecticut’s premier outdoor wedding destinations and regularly hosts dozens of ceremonies and special events annually. In 2025 alone, the park received approximately 80 rental requests, with weddings serving as the primary event type.

Rocky Neck State Park offers a coastal event setting featuring the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion with beachfront access, pavilion facilities, and scenic shoreline views that accommodate both casual and formal gatherings. The park remains a popular location for weddings, family events, and seasonal celebrations along Connecticut’s shoreline.

Additional locations included within the RFQ are the Fort, South Lawn, Conference Center, and Visitor Center facilities at Fort Trumbull State Park and the Visitor Center facility at Gillette Castle State Park, which provide unique settings for conferences, meetings, ceremonies, and special events throughout the year.

“Connecticut’s State Parks already offer some of the state’s most iconic and historic event and wedding venues,” said DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino. “This concession opportunity is part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen public-private partnerships that improve recreational experiences, expand visitor amenities, and support our State Parks' long-term sustainability. We’re looking forward to working with experienced catering partners to help deliver exceptional guest experiences.”

DEEP will maintain a list of qualified caterers for a three-year period beginning in spring 2027. The department anticipates reviewing proposals on a rolling basis until each participating facility has an adequate number of catering providers.

Interested vendors are encouraged to review all RFQ requirements, including insurance, permitting, operational standards, and proposal submission instructions through the State Contracting Portal.

The RFQ is available through the Connecticut State Contracting Portal at:
Connecticut State Contracting Portal

The RFP is available on the CTsource Bid Board as solicitation number 2027-DEP-001-MM, and proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, visit the CTsource Bid Board and enter 2027-DEP-001-MM in the search field.

For additional information regarding catering concession opportunities with DEEP, please contact:

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Division of State Parks and Public Outreach
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106

DEEP.ParksDivisionRFP@ct.gov

Twitter: @CTDEEPNews

Facebook: DEEP on Facebook

Contact

DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110

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