Assateague Island Concession Opportunity Offered

ASSATEAGUE — Assateague Island National Seashore officials last week released a prospectus for a private sector business opportunity to provide equipment rentals, food and beverage service and other merchandise on the barrier island next season.
Earlier this year, officials announced they were seeking interested parties to bid on the rights to provide concessions, equipment rentals and other merchandise in the National Seashore. The official prospectus was released last week, setting in motion the timetable for the bidding process and the eventual award of the bid. Bidders now have 70 days from the posting date to respond and the award is expected to take place in mid-spring 2014.
“This is a great business opportunity,” said Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Debbie Darden. “Our visitors will appreciate the small conveniences and recreational equipment rentals that will help turn their visits to the island into special memories.”
Currently, the Assateague Island Alliance (AIA) has a store in the north parking lot area that offers concessions, but the facility could be replaced after the prospectus is bid out. AIA is the current contractor and the contract was issued on a short-term temporary basis.
The release of the prospectus and the eventual bidding process was planned for earlier this fall, but was put on the back burner when the Assateague Island National Seashore was closed during the government shutdown.
Site visits for potential bidders were held in November, allowing all interested parties to tour the existing concession facilities. However, those visits were scheduled before the prospectus was officially released last week and AINS officials are now offering additional site visit opportunities. Interested parties unable to attend previously scheduled site visits can contact Concession Specialist Debbie Morlock via email to schedule an appointment at [email protected].
Those interested in scheduling a site visit should include a list of those who will attend in the email. Anyone interested or who would like to receive pertinent information about the business opportunity, but are unable to schedule a site visit is urged to contact Morlock.
Any questions regarding the prospectus must be received in writing no later than 4 p.m. on Jan. 17 and should be sent to Martin Tjiattas as [email protected]. Proposals are due on or before 4 p.m. on Feb. 25.