AVALON – The borough is preparing to launch a competitive contract process for the management of the commercial activities and the performance of dock master duties at the borough-owned Avalon Sport Fishing Center.

Municipal procurement agent Joseph Clark outlined the process for the Borough Council at its meeting Nov. 18.

Clark said the direction he has received from Mayor John McCorristin, council members and other borough officials is that the municipality is “not looking to change what we have.” This is a process for the rebid of the concession contract for the center without any plan for an expansion of present services.

The center serves as a marina and a location for a set of services including equipment and charters that meet the needs of a sport fisherman seeking a fishing experience in the waters off Avalon.

Clark said the process has been structured so that it is not a simple low-bid experience. Price is a factor, along with other factors, all of which are weighted in the bid document. “This will allow the borough to get what it wants,” he said, and not have to be responsive only to the low bid.

Clark said interested parties will have until Jan. 3 to submit bids. The hope is that an award will be possible by the second council meeting in the new year on Jan. 22.

Contact the reporter, Vince Conti, at vconti@cmcherald.com.