How to bid on cave tour concession at Wyandotte Caves SRA for Indiana DNR

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a private operator to provide cave tours at Wyandotte Caves State Recreation Area, located within O’Bannon Woods State Park in Crawford County, Indiana. This is an opportunity for individuals or companies to operate a visitor service under an agreement with the State of Indiana.

The DNR partners with private sector entities to offer various services at its properties, such as camp stores, beach snacks, saddle barns, and boat rentals. This specific solicitation is for a cave tour operation.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline to submit your completed bid package is November 02, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All questions regarding this opportunity must be submitted at least seven days before this response deadline. Your quoted prices must remain valid for thirty calendar days after the response due date.

At the deadline, the Indiana DNR will stop accepting bid packages. Ensure your submission is complete and sent before this time. Pricing must include all applicable charges, fees, and shipping.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for individuals or companies with experience in operating visitor services, particularly those involving tours or recreational activities. Firms with a background in tourism, outdoor recreation, or concession management would be a good fit.

The relevant category for this opportunity is food and agriculture, though the core service is recreational cave tours. The state is seeking an operator capable of managing and delivering a visitor experience under a license and concession agreement.

How to respond

To access the bid documents, you can view the original source. For most Indiana bids, this will directly download a ZIP file containing the notice, specifications, and forms. If no package downloads, the link will take you to Indiana’s “Current Business Opportunities” list, where you can find the relevant row using the Event ID 003000000087995.

Completed bid packages must be submitted by email to Angela Settles at [email protected] or faxed to 317-972-3275, Attn: Angela Settles. This bid is not eligible for electronic submission through the Supplier Portal. To submit a response, you will need to register in Indiana’s free Supplier Portal.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all bid documents to understand the full scope of services required for operating the cave tours. Pay close attention to any specific operational requirements, visitor safety protocols, and environmental considerations mentioned.

When preparing your bid, clearly outline your experience in managing similar operations or providing visitor services. Detail your proposed operational plan, including staffing, scheduling, and any proposed enhancements to the visitor experience. Ensure your pricing is comprehensive, covering all charges, fees, and any other associated costs.

Submit any questions you have well in advance of the seven-day deadline to allow the agency sufficient time to respond. This ensures you have all necessary information before finalizing your bid.