Request for Proposals to Operate Pinon Flats Campground Store within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
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), specifically the IMR Intermountain Region, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) to operate the Pinon Flats Campground Store within Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Mosca, CO. This opportunity covers the 2026-2027 seasons and involves providing vended non-alcoholic beverages, firewood, and ice. Proposals are due February 28, 2026.
Scope of Work
The CUA holder will be responsible for:
- Non-alcoholic Beverage Vending: Operating vending machines at the visitor center, main dunes lot, and campground store. Machines must be International Dark Sky compliant. Beverages must be non-alcoholic, 12oz minimum, in recyclable containers, including bottled/boxed water, and offer at least one diet and one non-caffeinated variety.
- Campground Store & Firewood Sales: Providing retail sales of sundries, limited camping supplies, firewood, non-aerosol insect repellent, non-aerosol sunscreen, and bagged ice seasonally (May 1 - September 30). Firewood must be fully-cured, locally-sourced, soft wood, split and bundled (minimum 0.75 cubic foot), with kindling. Biodegradable twine is preferred.
- Operations: Adhering to outlined operating days and hours, with flexibility for the CUA holder to propose a schedule, and maintaining consistent quality service.
- Rates: Ensuring rates are comparable to the private sector, using MSRP for retail sales if available, and prominently posting all rates.
- Staffing: Ensuring employees wear nametags, maintain a neat appearance, and project a friendly attitude.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)
- Duration: Two years (2026-2027 seasons)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Proposal Due: February 28, 2026, by 23:00:00Z
- Published: January 27, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Applicants must submit a complete application online via https://cua.nps.gov, including a $350 non-refundable fee. A narrative proposal must also be submitted via email to grsa_permits@nps.gov. The process involves a two-step qualification. If multiple qualified operators apply, a selection panel will choose the most highly qualified applicant based on the narrative proposal. Award will be based on the ability to offer the best visitor experience, fair rates, concessioner's previous experience, viability of the business plan, and ability to meet minimum service dates (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Additional Notes
The CUA holder is responsible for their own electrical service for the campground store. The agreement includes numerous terms and conditions covering legal compliance, employee conduct, liabilities, insurance requirements, and reporting. No construction or groundbreaking activities are permitted without express written approval. Interested parties should advise Zachary Parkes (zachary_parkes@nps.gov) of their contact information if downloading the RFP from the website to receive updates.