Rio Grande National Forest Prospectus for Campground Concession Operations

The Rio Grande National Forest is re-issuing a Prospectus for campground concession operations that will begin January 1, 2013. The Prospectus solicits for proposals to operate and maintain campgrounds under a special use permit. The operator is responsible for all operations and specified maintenance of the permitted recreation facilities. Fees collected from users accrue to the concessionaire, with a percentage returned to the government as the permit fee. A single permit to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of Government- owned recreation facilities will be issued to replace the current special use permit which terminates on December 31, 2012. The term of the permit is five (5) years with an additional five (5) years that may be awarded non-competitively upon satisfactory completion of the original term. At the end of the second 5-year period the permit will automatically terminate and a new permit may be issued through a competitive process. Additional revenue generating opportunities through the sale of specific items may be proposed. The Prospectus includes 26 family campgrounds, including one group campground, and one group tenting area within a family campground located on the Divide and Conejos Ranger Districts in south-central Colorado. The Forest Headquarters are located in Monte Vista with District offices in Del Norte, La Jara and Saguache with an extension office in Creede. Facilities in the Saguache District are not part of this Prospectus. An informational meeting and tour of sites was offered on June 11 and 12, 2012. Questions asked during and after the site visit are addressed separately and are posted on the website listed below. The Final Prospectus, Sample Operating Plan, and other appendices will soon be available on the National Forest website www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande. Applicants will have until November 5,2012 at 4:30pm MST to submit a complete proposal. Detailed information on this business opportunity, Forest Service concessionaire program and policies, special use permit, application, and post selection requirements are available in the Prospectus. The Prospectus may be downloaded from the website listed above or requests for alternative formats (CD-ROM or hardcopy) and any questions should be directed to Crystal Powell at the address listed on the letterhead or at 719-852-6221. Please include full contact information with your Prospectus request. Proposals submitted in response to the Final Prospectus are subject to cost recovery pursuant to 36 CFR 251.58 (c)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(iii). Applicants must submit an initial processing fee of $100.00 to cover the cost of the prospectus and review of the application. Payments due the United Stated for this proposal must be paid in the form of a bank draft, money order, or cashier's check payable to the USDA-Forest Service. Payments will be credited on the date received by the designated Forest Service collection officer or deposit location