Request for Proposal: Sauna

Port of Friday Harbor Sauna – Request For Proposals (RFP)

The Port of Friday Harbor is requesting proposals for a single commercial sauna installation at one or more Port of Friday Harbor property locations.

General: The proposal may be for:

• A self-propelled excursion type floating sauna that operates as a registered vessel and provides its primary service outside of the marina. Service could also be provided while at dock, but the primary service would be while the vessel is underway.
  • No plunge element would be allowed within the marina.
  • Requires a commercial vessel slip (there may be a waiting list)
• A portable trailer mounted sauna that could be sited long term at Jackson Beach, or that moves between Jackson Beach and the Friday Harbor main marina. (Excludes the parking lot and boat trailer parking next to the boat launch/net shed.)
  • Plunge activities could be allowed at the Jackson Beach location.
  • No plunge activities would be allowed in the marina

Location:

Port of Friday Harbor Properties – see Exhibit A. Please identify the desired area(s) within the available locations shown in Exhibit A.

Size: Recommended size not to exceed 13’ wide by 40’ long for a vessel type sauna larger size may be possible, but slips may be more limited.  For a trailer mounted sauna, a size of no more than 8.5’ by 30’ is recommended.

Power Source: Electric (not gas or wood). The Port may invoice the successful applicant for any required electrical upgrades needed to support the installation.

• Wood, electric, or propane is allowable at Jackson beach or while underway. No electrical hook-up is currently available at Jackson Beach.
• Only electric power or propane is acceptable within the marina or on the main pier.

Proposals should include:

• Individual or company information for the proponent.
• Sketch of desired location(s) within the Port properties.
• Detailed description, construction details, and artwork or pictures sufficient for the Commission to visualize the installed sauna unit.
• Description of the planned power source(s) and any minimum acceptable power requirement (volts and amps).
• Description of the business model – times and locations of operation, charges for use, open to the general public or subscription based, etc. Any information to help the Commission understand how our moorage tenants, visitors, and local residents would interact with the installation.
• Proposed actions and insurance to protect the proponent and the Port from potential liability associated with the sauna installation and use.

Evaluation – The Commission will independently evaluate any proposals received based on the following criteria:

• Aesthetic preferences of the Commission.
• Jobs or economic impacts created via the project.
• Benefits to the community.
• Benefits and/or adverse effects to moorage tenants.
• Hours and seasons of operations.
• Any aspect, included or excluded, from the proposal deemed relevant to the Commission.

Proposals are due in sealed envelopes delivered to the Port office at 204 Front Street, Friday Harbor, WA no later than 3:00 pm on June 1, 2026.

Port staff will redact personally identifying information and present the anonymized proposals to the Commission for evaluation on the proposal merits. Following a selection, the Commission reserves the right to further evaluate the proponent on their ability to deliver the project and run the business.

The selection a proposal, or the rejection of all proposals, is the unilateral and final decision of the Commission.

IMPORTANT: The Port does not guarantee the suitability or regulatory allowability of any identified possible locations within Port properties. It is the unilateral responsibility of the project proponent to investigate and determine what regulatory approvals are needed and whether they can be acquired. Under no circumstances will the Port be responsible for the proponent’s costs of investigation or acquisition of goods related to their proposed project.

Possible year round or seasonal locations for trailer mounted sauna.