Connecticut Partnerships in Parks Initiative Notice of Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Operation of Farmers’ Markets in State Parks

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites public comment on a draft Request for Proposals (RFP), developed under the Partnerships in Parks Initiative. This draft RFP seeks partners to operate farmers’ markets at any or all of the following locations:

• For Trumbull State Park in New London
• Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford
• Sherwood Island State Park in Westport

Draft RFP Title & Link: Operation of Farmers’ Markets in Multiple State Parks

PUBLIC COMMENT & FEEDBACK REQUESTED

DEEP will accept written comments on the draft RFP until August 28, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. DEEP welcomes any general comments related to the draft RFP and invites responses via email.

Submit comments by email to Tenia Seay at DEEP.parksdivisionRFP@ct.gov with the subject line “Farmers’ Market Draft RFP Comments.” The Farmers’ Market Draft RFP is posted on the CTsource Bid Board, search for Solicitation # DEEP-2027-002-MM.

Feedback Prompts

1. How should a farmers’ market enhance the visitor experience at the proposed state park locations? 
2. Should DEEP offer opportunities for a farmers' market to operate in other State Parks beyond those that are currently included in the RFP, such as a park with a campground? If so, what park(s)? Would a farmers’ market operating in a state park campground enhance the camping experience?
3. Are there any scheduling or timing conflicts (times of day, weekdays/weekends, reoccurring events, etc.) when DEEP should avoid offering a farmers' market? Likewise, are there times when DEEP should try to offer a farmers' market? (Please provide location specific feedback.)
4. Is it reasonable to require farmers' market managers to have three years of experience operating a farmers’ market? Please explain. 
5. Are there any concerns or feasibility issues with requesting prospective bidders to submit two years of financial statements? Please explain.
6. Is the minimum $5,000 annual rent at Sherwood Island State Park and $2,000 annual rent at Fort Trumbull and Harkness Memorial State Parks, paid to DEEP a reasonable baseline? If you have concerns, please provide your rationale and what you consider feasible. 
7. What factors should be added or removed from the evaluation criteria? 
8. How could DEEP make it easier for small and local businesses to apply, qualify and compete for the final RFP? 
9. Do you have other comments on the draft (e.g., scope of services, or selection process) that you want to add? 

PURPOSE OF THE DRAFT RFP

Posting the draft RFP for comments provides both the public and potential bidders an opportunity to comment on the objectives, scope of services, evaluation criteria, selection process, and other elements before a formal RFP is released. Additionally, DEEP will not respond to any comments, questions, or feedback provided, but may use any responses in preparation for a future formal RFP for farmers' markets. Public comments will be posted on the CT Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences RFP webpage.

This draft RFP attempts to achieve the goals of the Partnerships in Parks Initiative which are:

• Enhance outdoor recreation and visitor experiences;
• Increase equitable access to the outdoors; and
• Expand tourism destinations in Connecticut State Parks.

ACCOMMODATIONS NOTICE

DEEP is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at 860-418-5910 or DEEP.accommodations@ct.gov if you seek a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language, require some other accommodation, or wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number at 711. Requests for accommodation must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program, or event.