How to bid on the Giant City SP Horse Stable Concession for DNR

What the agency is buying

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a vendor to operate the horse stable concession at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois. This is an opportunity for businesses experienced in stable operations and concessions.

The contract covers an initial five-year term, with the possibility of up to 20 additional one-year renewal terms. This long-term potential makes it an attractive opportunity for a stable and reliable operator.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on August 18, 2026. All responses must be submitted by September 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your bid before this deadline to be considered.

Late submissions will not be accepted. Plan to complete your submission well in advance of the closing time to account for any technical issues.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for businesses with experience in managing horse stables, providing horse-related services, and operating concessions. Vendors in the food and agriculture category, specifically those with recreational or park service experience, would find this relevant.

The ideal vendor will be able to manage daily operations, maintain facilities, and handle customer service for a public park concession.

How to respond

To access the full contract details and instructions, you need to view the original source of the bid. This will open the bid's detail page, where all documents are listed and publicly available without needing to sign in.

To submit your quote electronically, you must register a free vendor account on the BidBuy portal. If you prefer not to quote electronically, follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents. Pricing must be submitted on BidBuy Line Items, indicating the percentage of gross receipts you will pay into a reserve account for each contract year and renewal year.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all contract documents and attachments to understand the full scope of requirements and expectations for operating the concession. Pay close attention to the specific details regarding the reserve account contributions.

When preparing your bid, clearly state the percentage of gross receipts you propose to pay into the reserve account for each of the five initial years and all 20 potential renewal years. Ensure your proposed percentages are competitive and reflect a sustainable business model for both your firm and the agency.

Highlight any relevant experience your firm has in managing similar stable or concession operations, especially within a park or public setting. Demonstrate your understanding of visitor services and facility maintenance.