M--Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge Concession

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to issue a prospectus in January 2021 for proposals to operate at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Boynton Beach, FL. The prospectus and contract are written in a phased approach with economic triggers allowing concessionaire to proceed to next Phase as income allows. The subsequent phases are general guideline. There is flexibility to move specific items and uses into an earlier phase. When feasible additional amenities could include operation of entrance fee collection, rental of binoculars and camping equipment, and guiding services for fishing and canoeing. Phase One: Rentals - Watercraft: canoes/kayaks; fishing boats (electric or maximum 25 hp outboard Jon boats or canoes/kayaks) - Associated boating and safety equipment: PFDs, 10-foot pole with flag, helmets, etc. - Bicycles, including approved e-Bikes - Structure: Provide a concession presence such as a shed or trailer at Hillsboro Area entrance Phase Two: Guided Tours and Sales - Guided tram tours of the impoundments - Guided interpretive tours utilizing an airboat (max. length of 16 feet) - Sales of fishing tackle - Merchandise sales - Non-alcoholic drinks sales - Fishing and Hunting licenses in accordance with Florida state law Phase Three: Guided Tours using Pontoon Boats, including boat shuttling service. - Guided pontoon boat tours of the Refuge - Boat shuttle service from Loxahatchee Road to Lee Road - Boat shuttle service from Lee Road to Strazzulla and 20-Mile Bend The term of the new Concession Contract will be for five (5) years. This contract may be renewed by written, mutual agreement for an additional five-year period. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, JAO, Acquisition & Property Operations, 1875 Century Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30345, must receive any offer within a 45-day response period in order to be evaluated and considered for award of a Concession Contract. The prospectus is tentatively scheduled to be issued in January 2021 under the terms described in the prospectus, with proposals due no later than 12:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on the due date in order to be evaluated and considered for award of a Concession Contract. All Loxahatchee NWR Concession documents (Prospectus, Contract, Exhibits and Attachments) will be available through the Beta SAM website. A one-day site visit is tentatively scheduled for January 2021. After the prospectus is posted, if you would like to participate in the site visit, you must RSVP to Mark Tapp at mark_tapp@fws.gov or Serena Rinker at serena_rinker@fws.gov for additional information regarding time and location and to reserve a spot. Potential Offerors are encouraged to visit the Refuge Hillsboro Area entrance where the concession will operate, however the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will perform only one site visit within the approximate timeframe identified above. Questions in response to the prospectus are due in writing to mark_tapp@fws.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) 35 days after the prospectus is issued. Any questions submitted within 10 days of prospectus due date may not receive a response.