SOLICITATION FOR A CONCESSION BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR CANOE AND KAYAK RENTAL AND ASSOCIATED TRANSPORTATION (SHUTTLE) SERVICES WITHIN BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER.

The National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a concessions Prospectus on November 6, 2023, for twelve concession contracts to provide canoe and kayak rental and associated transportation (shuttle) services within Buffalo National River.

The Prospectus explains the business opportunity and the terms and conditions under which the NPS will award the Concession Contract. The Director has determined that Preferred Offeror status exists for 11 of the 12 contracts being awarded with this Prospectus and Draft Contract, pursuant to the terms of 36 C.F.R. Part 51.

The NPS will not hold a formal site visit. Offerors are encouraged to visit Buffalo National River on their own to become familiar with concessioner-operated canoe and kayak rental services and transportation (shuttle) services, the surrounding area and communities, and Park environment.

Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to Kelly Kager, Commercial Services Management Specialist, via email (kelly_kager@nps.gov) no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time on December 4, 2023. The NPS will provide responses to all questions received by December 18, 2023.  Responses will be posted to this solicitation.

If you plan to submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, you must notify Kelly Kager, Commercial Services Management Specialist, via email (kelly_kager@nps.gov) no later than 4:00 p.m. Central Time on January 5, 2024.

THE SERVICE WILL NOT ACCEPT PROPOSALS FROM ENTITIES THAT DO NOT PROVIDE NOTICE OF THEIR INTENT TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL ON OR BEFORE THAT DATE AND TIME. The Prospectus will be available at https://concessions.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/prospectuses.htm.

To receive amendments to this Prospectus, please provide Concessions Management Specialist Kelly Kager, Interior Regions 3, 4, 5, with your contact information (name, email address, and phone number) at kelly_kager@nps.gov. The NPS will send any additional information specific to the Prospectus in writing, via email, to those interested parties who have been placed on the contact list. Information relative to the solicitation will also be posted to the above-mentioned website.

The website below includes a number of helpful links and information including tips for submitting a competitive proposal that addresses due diligence, proposal content, and the presentation of your proposal. This presentation can be found at: www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/prospectuses.htm.

In order to be evaluated and considered for award of the concession contract, any proposal must be received by the National Park Service, Interior Regions 3, 4, 5, 601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, Attention: Concessions Management Specialist Kelly Kager by 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) on January 25, 2024, as outlined in the Proposal Instructions of the Prospectus.