Division of State Parks

QUESTIONS BY BIDDERS:

1. Is the bid for one spot only or will there be other food trucks?

Vendors may submit bids for one park or for multiple parks, up to all five parks included in the solicitation. However, only one food truck concessionaire will be awarded per park location.

2. Do you have a start date or estimate of when operation will begin once the bid is awarded?

At this time, there is no confirmed start date. Operations would begin following the completion of the bid evaluation, award process, and execution of the concession agreement. Additional details and timelines will be provided to the awarded vendor(s).

3. I hear rumors of renovations of the Akaka Falls State Park. Is this already scheduled and would the park be closing during this time?

There have been discussions regarding future improvements at ʻAkaka Falls State Park; however, no confirmed closure schedule has been announced at this time. Any future renovation work and potential impacts to park operations would be communicated publicly as information becomes available.

4. Can a vendor be awarded more than one park location?

Yes. Vendors may bid on and be awarded multiple park locations, provided their bid submissions meet all solicitation requirements and are determined to be responsive and responsible.

5. Are vendors required to visit the park locations before submitting a bid?

Vendors are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the park locations and operating conditions prior to submitting a bid. Please refer to the IFB packet for any scheduled site visits or additional instructions.

6. Will electricity, water, or other utilities be provided at the concession locations?

Available utilities and site conditions vary by park location. Vendors should carefully review the IFB specifications for details regarding utility availability and operational requirements.

7. Are there restrictions on the type of food or beverages that may be sold?

Food and beverage offerings must comply with all applicable federal, state, and county laws, health regulations, and any requirements outlined in the IFB packet. Items allowable for sale primarily include plate lunches, sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, smoothies, and non-alcoholic beverages in plastic-free bottles or aluminum, as well as sundry items as approved in writing by the Division of State Parks.

8. Are vendors responsible for obtaining permits and licenses?

Yes. Awarded concessionaires will be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required permits, licenses, certifications, and approvals necessary for operation.

9. Will seating or dining areas be provided?

Existing public seating and dining areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis unless otherwise specified. If no public facilities are available, vendors may set up their own, provided they obtain written permission in advance from the Division of State Parks. Vendors should review the IFB packet for site-specific conditions and restrictions.

10. What are the operating hours for the food truck concessions?

Operating hours and service requirements are outlined in the IFB packet and may vary by park location. Please review each packet carefully.

11. Is there a minimum number of operating days required?

Yes. Minimum operational requirements, including days and hours of service, are specified in the solicitation documents.

12. Can vendors use generators at the park locations?

Generator use may be permitted depending on the location and applicable park restrictions. Vendors should review the IFB specifications and applicable operational requirements to verify if generators are an option.

13. Will exclusivity be granted within a park location?

Yes. To ensure optimal service, only one food truck concessionaire will be awarded per designated park location under this solicitation.

14. Are there insurance requirements for awarded vendors?

Yes. Insurance requirements are outlined in the IFB packet and must be maintained throughout the term of the concession agreement.

15. How long is the concession agreement term?

The proposed concession agreement term is described in the IFB packet, including any renewal or extension provisions if applicable.

16. What criteria will be used to evaluate bids?

Bid evaluation criteria and award procedures are detailed in the solicitation documents. Vendors should carefully review all submission requirements to ensure a complete and responsive bid.

17. Can vendors subcontract or assign the concession agreement to another party?

No, the awarded vendor may not subcontract or assign the concession agreement without prior written approval from the State, as outlined in the concession agreement terms.

18. Where should bids be submitted and by what deadline?

Bid submission instructions, including deadlines and delivery requirements, are included in the IFB packet. Late submissions may not be accepted.

19. Will there be opportunities to ask additional questions during the solicitation period?

Yes. Vendors may submit questions in accordance with the procedures and deadlines identified in the IFB packet. Any official clarifications or addenda will be posted publicly.

20. Where will addenda or updates to the solicitation be posted?

All official updates, addenda, and announcements related to the solicitation will be posted on the Division of State Parks website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/