Description
Public Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to award a concession contract at Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge located in Lanier County, along Georgia Highway 122 near Lakeland, Georgia. The concession operator will provide for the sale of the following approved items: sport fishing tackle and supplies, licenses, live and artificial baits, souvenirs, interpretive books, t-shirts, etc. The concession will also provide basic food service that includes pre-approved beverages (no alcohol), bottled water, and pre-packaged, microwaveable snack foods, canned meats, crackers, etc. No "kitchen cooked" food preparation or consumption will be provided. Provision of rental boats with approved motors, rental canoes and kayaks, and battery powered trolling motors is optional. Provision of professional interpretive boat tours that describe and interpret the plants, animals, habitat, history, and resource related issues is optional. The provision of an approved and licensed fishing guide service is optional. The concession operator will provide for water, sewerage, solid waste, phone and electrical service. The term of the proposed concession contract will be for five years with an option to extend for another five years. The concessioner will be required to pay the Service a minimum percentage payment of 3% up to 8% of the annual gross receipts. Commencement of the concession operation shall be no later than September 1, 2005. A more detailed description of the required concession operation and the procedures for submitting a proposal are contained in a Prospectus which may be obtained by requesting in writing Prospectus No. 401815R009. The request for the Prospectus shall include your complete company name, point of contract, mailing address, physical address, area code, telephone and fax number, and e-mail address. Evaluation criteria and competitive selection procedures are contained in the Prospectus. The Prospectus will be available for mailing on or about April 25, 2005. All proposals must be received not later than June 30, 2005. The Service will consider and evaluate all proposals received by that deadline. Telephone requests for the Prospectus will not be accepted. However, requests for the Prospectus may be faxed to Ms. Jo Muratti at 404/679-4057. An opportunity for all interested parties to visit and inspect the concession can be arranged in advance through Refuge Ranger, Jim Burkhart at (912) 496-7366 x233. The Service reserves the right to reject any or all proposals when it is in its best interest. *****