The National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a solicitation for one to two service providers to operate two separate snack bars/retail sales in the Portage Lakefront Riverwalk building and the West Beach building under a 2-year Commercial Use Authorization. Separate applications must be submitted for each location. The entire application information package may be downloaded at News Releases - Indiana Dunes National Park (U.S. National Park Service).
The NPS will not hold a formal site visit. Offerors are encouraged to visit Indiana Dunes National Park on their own to become familiar with the CUA-operated snack bar and retail sales locations, 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 27, 2024.
To receive answers to any questions posed regarding this business opportunity, 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 this Business Opportunity 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.
Applications will be accepted in a two-part process during a designated ‘open season’ – beginning December 3, 2024, and ending January 9, 2025. The first part is completed through the online CUA application program (https://cua.nps.gov) and the second part of the application process is a narrative response to questions which must be either emailed or mailed to:
National Park Service
Interior Regions 3,4, 5 Office
Atten: Kelly Kager, Commercial Services Management Specialist
601 Riverfront Drive
Omaha, NE 68102
Kelly_kager@nps.gov
AMENDMENT 1: NPS responses to Questions submitted regarding Indiana Dunes National Park competitive CUA
Question: Does the Beer and Wine license come with the RiverWalk location?
NPS response: No, beer and wine licenses are issued to the vendor by the state of Indiana, and do not convey in the event of a new vendor.
Question: Is the West Beach location a gross lease or a triple net lease?
NPS Response: Neither. It is not a lease. It is a 2-year Commercial Use Authorization which assigns space in the West Beach building for the selected operator to provide food & beverage service and some retail service. The Operator is not required to pay any property tax or property insurance, but they are required to carry Commercial General Liability Insurance. The selected Operator must provide their own phone and internet. Other utilities are outlined in #23 of the Operating Conditions. Fees to the Park Service are outlined in #24 of the Operating Conditions.
