Request for Proposals to Operate Horseshoe Bend Marina within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting proposals to operate the Horseshoe Bend Marina within the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Lovell, WY. This opportunity is for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) for a two-year period covering the 2026-2027 seasons. The CUA holder will provide various marina services. Proposals are due February 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The selected vendor will be responsible for providing a range of services at the Horseshoe Bend Marina, including:
- Food and Beverage: Limited service, including hot food, beer, and wine (no hard liquor), requiring public health/food handler certifications.
- Retail Sales: Boating, fishing, camping supplies, souvenirs, and visitor convenience items, adhering to NPS policy.
- Watercraft and Slip Rental: Rental of small motorized and non-motorized watercraft, and boat deck slips (six to eight available, one reserved for NPS). No fuel sales.
- Pavilion Operations: Management of reservations for special events and potential food/beverage service for these events.
- Firewood Sales: Authorized sales of locally sourced, pest-free firewood, subject to burn bans.
- Utilities: Vendor pays for trash, electricity, and water, with reimbursement to NPS for water and trash pick-up.
- Operating Season: Minimum operation from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, with potential extension from April 1 to September 30. Operations may be suspended if lake water levels drop below 3620' above sea level.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)
- Agreement Period: Two years (2026-2027 seasons)
- Market Price Management Fee: Assessed annually, 3-5% of gross receipts.
- Set-Aside: None specified (this is a CUA, not a set-aside contract)
- Proposal Submission Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Published Date: January 27, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must include a completed CUA Application (NPS Form 10-500), a $350 non-refundable application fee, corporate information, financial history, proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a comprehensive business plan. The business plan should cover staffing, operating schedule, rate structure, projected demand, revenue, maintenance approach, and watercraft/equipment details.
Proposals (PDF) should be emailed to Todd Johnson at todd_johnson@nps.gov, and the fee submitted via check or money order to Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
Evaluation criteria include the ability to offer the best visitor experience, fair rates, the concessioner's previous experience, the viability of the business plan, and the ability to meet minimum service dates.
Additional Notes
Applicants should be aware of limited cell service and wireless internet at the marina. The vendor must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and NPS policies, including those related to employee conduct, liability, insurance, and nondiscrimination. For information or clarification, contact Todd Johnson at Todd_Johnson@nps.gov or 307-763-6614.