Active SLED Opportunity · CONNECTICUT · CITY OF NEW LONDON

    Operation of Boardwalk Galley and Creamery at Ocean Beach Park

    Issued by City of New London
    cityRFPCity of New LondonSol. 248812
    Open · 5d remaining
    DAYS TO CLOSE
    5
    due Apr 29, 2026
    PUBLISHED
    Mar 27, 2026
    Posting date
    JURISDICTION
    City of
    city
    NAICS CODE
    722310
    AI-classified industry

    AI Summary

    The City of New London seeks qualified vendors to provide food and beverage services at the Boardwalk Creamery and Galley at Ocean Beach Park. This seasonal concession opportunity serves 250,000 annual visitors. Proposals will be evaluated on experience, operational and marketing plans, staffing, menu quality, and references.

    Opportunity details

    Solicitation No.
    248812
    Type / RFx
    RFP
    Status
    open
    Level
    city
    Published Date
    March 27, 2026
    Due Date
    April 29, 2026
    NAICS Code
    722310AI guide
    Jurisdiction
    City of New London
    Agency
    City of New London

    Description

    The City of New London is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to deliver comprehensive food and beverage services for the Boardwalk Creamery and Boardwalk Galley located at Ocean Beach Park.

    These waterfront venues operate during the summer season and are managed by the current park operator, serving a high volume of beachgoers. The park attracts an estimated 250,000 visitors annually, offering a strong opportunity for experienced concessionaires.

    The City encourages submissions from qualified caterers and vendors with demonstrated expertise in high-volume concession operations and seasonal food service environments.

    Project Details

    • Reference ID: 2026-12 CONL
    • Department: Procurement
    • Department Head: - (-)

    Important Dates

    • Questions Due: 2026-04-21T20:00:00.000Z
    • Pre-Proposal Meeting: 2026-04-08T14:00:00.000Z — Meet at Ocean Beach Park in front of the entrance to the event spaces.

    Addenda

    • Addendum #1 (released 2026-04-09T13:33:59.241Z) —

      Non-mandatory pre-proposal sign-in sheet

    • Addendum #2 (released 2026-04-16T18:22:09.438Z) —

      An additional site-visit will be available Tuesday, April 21 from 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

    • Addendum #3 (released 2026-04-21T17:42:07.042Z) —

      Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.

    • Addendum #4 (released 2026-04-21T17:44:10.643Z) —

      Please use the See What Changed link to view all the changes made by this addendum.

    Evaluation Criteria

    • Experience Operating Similar Venues (20 pts)
    • Operational Plan (30 pts)
    • Staffing Plan (10 pts)
    • Marketing Plan (10 pts)
    • Menu Quality & Pricing (15 pts)
    • References (15 pts)

    Submission Requirements

    • Respondent Submittals (required)

      Please Upload your COMPLETE response, including any and all required forms listed in the solicitation and the corresponding attachments.

       

    • Please complete and upload the forms in the attachment labeled "Exhibit D" here. (required)
    • I am submitting a response for: (required)
    • I have reviewed the City's sample contract and the standard terms and conditions. I understand that portions of this language may be incorporated into the final contract negotiated in connection with this RFP. (required)
    • I certify that I have read, understood and agree to the terms in this solicitation, and that I am authorized to submit this response on behalf of my company. (required)
    • Pricing (required)
      • Choose Option 1 when you have set line items, for example:
        • This is a quote for goods or commodities.
        • This is a public works bid, with a pricing table that can be uploaded into OpenGov Procurement from an Excel spreadsheet.
        • Seeking services for hourly rate schedules.
      • Choose Option 2 when you need vendors to provide you with the line items. 
    • Evaluation Committee? (required)

      Will there be an evaluation committee to review the proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?

    • Procurement and/or Project Contact

      Select the information you would like display.

    Questions & Answers

    Q (WiFi Connection): Who would be responsible for servicing the WiFi connection should there be any interruptions that could impact the POS System?

    A: The operator is responsible for securing and maintaining their WiFi.


    Q (Utilities ): Who is responsible for the utilities should the concessionaire run into problems? For example, should the beach experience inclement weather and the power (electric) is not working, who's responsible for getting the connection back up and running?

    A: Further information will be provided in due course.


    Q (Ice Cream Machine): If there's a malfunction with the Ice Cream Machine or if it stops working completely, who is responsible for the repair or replacement of the machine?

    A: The operator will be responsible for the repair and replacement of the machine.


    Q (Current Contract): Can we see the current Contract?

    A: Addendum #2 is a copy of the current contract. Keep in mind, the current contract is to operate the complete park and not just the rental venues.


    Q (Gift Shop): Who gets the gift shop? Is that a part of the bid?

    A: The gift shop is not included in this RFP.


    Q (Pricing and Hours of Operation): Does the operator create the prices of the food and the hours of operation?

    A: The operator sets the menu prices and hours of operations.


    Q (Website): Is the operator responsible for creating a website for the Creamery and Galley?

    A: Yes.


    Q (Events): Is the operator responsible for curating the events at the park?

    A: The operator(s) of the Boardwalk Creamery and Galley are not responsible for curating the events.


    Q (Amusement Park): Who gets the Amusement Park? Who's responsible for that?

    A: The Amusement Park is not part of this RFP.


    Q (Furniture): Who is responsible for increasing, replacing, updating and installing furniture at the Galley such as tables and chairs?

    A: The operator(s).


    Q (Creative Control): Does the Operator of the Creamery/Galley have creative control over the menu and is there a price cap for foods or products?

    A: The operator(s) are responsible for creating the menu and setting prices, ensuring both are tailored to the needs, preferences, and affordability of the park’s patrons.


    Key dates

    1. March 27, 2026Published
    2. April 29, 2026Responses Due

    AI classification tags

    Frequently asked questions

    SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.

    SamSearch Platform

    Stop searching. Start winning.

    AI-powered intelligence for the right opportunities, the right leads, and the right time.