MOT-RFP- Operation of Retail Services for Two Historical Sites

Country:

Canada

City/Locality:

Ontario

Notice/Contract Number:

can:162487

Publication Date:

Nov 7, 2008

Deadline:

Dec 9, 2008

Buyer:

Government of Ontario Ministry of Government Services, Supply Chain Management Ontario Shared Services, Goods & Services Procurement Branch

Original Language:

English

Address:

Cathy Cormier, Procurement Advisor
700 University Avenue, 6th Floor
Toronto , ON M5G 1X6
Canada

Telephone:

(000)000-0000x000000

Fax:

(416)212-6909

Email:

Click here

MOT-RFP- Operation of Retail Services for Two Historical Sites

This Request for Proposal ("RFP") is an invitation to prospective Proponents to submit Proposals for the provision of Retail Services for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and/or Discovery Harbour (collectively known as Huronia Historical Parks) (HHP), as further described in Part 2 - The Deliverables ("the Deliverables"). This RFP is issued by Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Tourism ("the Ministry"). Proponents may choose to submit a Proposal for the operation of one (1) or both retail stores.

Type of Contract for Deliverables:

The selected Proponent will be required to enter into an Agreement with the Ministry for the provision of the Deliverables, detailed in Part 2 of this RFP, substantially in the form attached as Appendix A of this RFP. The Agreement has been drafted for the operation of both retail outlets. Should the successful Proponent(s) choose to bid on the operation of only one location, the Agreement would be modified accordingly. The term of the Agreement is to be for a period of five (5) years commencing April , 2009 with an option in favour of the Ministry to extend the Agreement on the same terms and conditions for two (2) additional terms of up to one 1 year each. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded on or around December, 2008 and the occupancy date will be April 2009.

Huronia Historical Parks operates two historical attractions as part of the Ministry of Tourism for the Provincial Government. Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, located on Highway #12 in Midland, Ontario is a reconstructed 17th century French Mission. Discovery Harbour located in Penetanguishene, Ontario is a reconstruction of a combined Naval and Military outpost that supported the British after the War of 1812. Over the last few years, HHP has estimated attendance at an average close to 75,000 visitors for both sites combined. An additional 30,000 patrons go to the King’s Wharf Theatre at Discovery Harbour between June and September.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons:

2.2.1 Park Location and Facilities
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is an internationally significant and nationally designated historic site. It is a reconstruction of the 17th century French Jesuit mission to the Huron nation and was the first European settlement in Ontario. The site offers both public and education programs in English and French languages. Some program material is also available in German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and Portuguese languages. Program services include costumed interpreters, dramas, tours, and special programming and events. The objective of all programming is to communicate the story of 17th century Sainte-Marie, the French inhabitants and the Huron culture.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons includes twenty-two (22) historic buildings and a modern complex on the property. The latter provides education services, food and retail services, public orientation, two (2) theatres, a museum, and an administration area.

Program Summary
Sainte-Marie among the Hurons is located 6.5 kms from downtown Midland on Highway 12. Traditionally Sainte-Marie among the Hurons operates daily public programs from mid-May to late October and educational programs throughout the school year. It also provides a number of special events including National Aboriginal Day, Paddlefest, a two-day Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts show and a three-day special Christmas event in December.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons offers a varied menu of curriculum related education programs. With direct links to the grades 3, 6 and 7 Ontario curricula the choices range from broad scope tours to hands-on participating programs. All education programs are delivered on the historic property by costumed staff. Spring, fall and winter education programs draw approximately 20,000 students between the ages 8 to 12. The average student spends between $5.00 and $20.00 on merchandise ranging from candy to jewellery.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons holds great appeal to the general public; international visitors; tour groups and motor coach market. Travel Trade bus tours draw approximately 8,000 people. The availability to provide tours in two (2) official languages and our group experience are operational advantages for this sector. Easy access to the historic sites for the buses is a key factor. The adult and international traveller spends an average of $30.00 primarily on hand-made and unique items.

Both travel trade and education tours visit the site on a time limited schedule and require prompt service in the retail shop.

Retail Services Background
The current retail shop, “Images of Sainte-Marie”, has been in operation since 1979 as the retail outlet for Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. It is located in the front visitor lobby adjacent to the admissions desk at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons and consists of a store of 972 square feet with 7 display windows facing the lobby; a storage room of 176 square feet and an office of 121 square feet. The attractive décor provides a 17th century atmosphere of the historic site, (see Schedule A-1 for floor plans and a list of fixtures). The retail shop can be accessed by the general public without paying admission to the historic site.

The operators of “Images of Sainte-Marie” have traditionally sold products that are connected to the Sainte-Marie among the Hurons story along with a mixture of unique artisan and souvenir items. Certain items are available in French and German languages and videos/DVDs are available in numerous languages.

Optional Site Meeting and Tour – (2) Locations

There will be an optional Site Meeting and Tour for interested Proponents or their authorized representatives at both locations, below are the details.

The Site Meetings and Tour will be held at the following location:

Sainte Marie among the Hurons,
#16164 Highway 12, Midland, Ontario
Time: 10:00:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 20th, 2008.

Immediately upon completion of the above Site Meeting location, the second Site Meeting and Tour will be held at the following location:

Discovery Harbour
93 Jury Drive,
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Time: Approximately 11:30 a.m., immediately upon completion of the above Site Meeting.

Questions may be asked at the Site Tour. However, the Ministry reserves the right not to provide answers to all questions at the Site Meeting tour, but will provide answers by way of addendum to this RFP.

Note: The site meeting is optional; however, attendance is highly recommended to view the premises of the Retail Locations. Please RSVP your attendance to Cathy Cormier on or before November 18, 2008 at cathy.cormier@ontario.ca.

Original notice

Request For Proposals

General Information

Contact Information

Goods, Works and Services

Original Text

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