Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Partnerships in Parks Request for Proposals (RFPs)

Current RFPs

None

Current Draft RFPs

  • Three New Draft RFPs expected in 2026. Stay tuned!

Past RFPs

January, 29, 2026 - RFP for Paddlecraft Rentals in Seven State Parks

DEEP has issued a Request for Proposals for canoe, kayak and/or stand-up paddleboard rental services to the public at seven state parks including:

  • Burr Pond State Park, Torrington
  • Hopeville Pond State Park, Griswold
  • Indian Well State Park, Shelton
  • Lake Waramaug State Park, Kent
  • Mount Tom State Park, Litchfield
  • Pattaconk Reservoir/Lake Recreation Area, Cockaponset State Forest, Chester/Haddam
  • Squantz Pond State Park, New Fairfield

DEEP invites all canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or paddleboat operators and outfitters to review this RFP, attend the informational meeting on February 5 and site visits from February 9-11 and apply before the deadline of February 27, 2026. If you missed the February 5th event, watch the meeting recording below.

Additional Details:

DEEP hosted a Public Informational Webinar about the RFP and welcomed all interested parties who are considering submitting proposals to join. The informational meeting was held on February 5, 2026, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST via Zoom. Click here  to view the meeting recording: passcode: 3zpVzNX=

DEEP will host site visits at each state park location listed in the RFP to answer questions from prospective proposers. Attendance at the site visits is optional however registration is required. To register, email Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov no less than twenty-four hours before the site visit. The site visit will only occur if DEEP receives registration requests.

Site visits will take place from February 9-11, 2026, following the schedule below:

February 9, 2026

  • 10:00am: Indian Well State Park in Shelton
  • 1:00pm: Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield

February 10, 2026

  • 10:00am: Hopeville Pond State Park in Griswold
  • 1:00pm: Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area in Chester/Haddam

February 11, 2026

  • 10:00am: Lake Waramaug State Park in Kent
  • 11:30am: Mount Tom State Park in Litchfield
  • 1:30pm: Burr Pond State Park in Torrington

To learn more about each location, view the Paddlecraft Rental RFP Location Specification Sheet

Past Draft RFPs

DEEP Seeking Public Comment on Draft RFP for Paddlecraft Rentals in Five CT State Parks (see press release for details)