The National Park Service generally solicits concession services through a competitive selection process. The opportunity to apply is only open when announced by a prospectus (a request for proposals) which defines the services needed, the terms and conditions under which they will be operated, and sets criteria for evaluating and selecting from among proposals submitted by private sector companies. As prospectuses are issued, they will be listed below and posted on our web page associated with that category of visitor service (click on the links for specific services below). You may request a hardcopy of the prospectus via mail, by contacting either of the individuals at the bottom of this page by e-mail (click on the name to send an e-mail), by telephone (907 697-2624) or by fax (907 697-2654).
Changes to a prospectus, clarifications and answers to questions about the prospectus will be posted to this website, on the same page as the individual prospectus. You may request to be notified of any changes, clarifications and answers to questions by being put on the mailing list for the subject prospectus. Contact the park as described above and give us your name, address, phone number and an e-mail address. We will generally use e-mail when issuing changes, clarifications or answers to questions during the response period.
Current, upcoming and recently closed concession opportunities are listed below. Click on each link for more information regarding that opportunity.
Open Opportunities
Tour Vessel Services
Prospectus issued September 9, 2004 Prospectus remains open through the contract period ending December 31, 2015. See additional information below.
Upcoming Opportunities
Ferry Services
Motor Vessel Ferry Service between Juneau and Bartlett Cove is currently being authorized under a Commercial Use Authorization year-to-year. Contact the park concessions office (links at the bottom of this page) if you are interested in providing this service.
Concession Prospectuses Issued, Contract Award Pending
Recently Awarded Contracts
Guided Sea Kayaking Contracts:
Sea Kayak Day Tours:
January 10, 2007: Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, Inc. was awarded the concession contract to provide guided sea kayaking day trips based out of Bartlett Cove. Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, Inc. has a long tenure as a concessioner at Glacier Bay providing kayak rental services. The contract term will be from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2016. This is a reissuance of the day tour portion of the guided sea kayak prospectus that was originally issued in 2004. That prospectus was rescinded on January 21, 2005.
Sea Kayaking Day Tour Guide Service Prospectus was re-issued June 24, 2005 and closed August 24, 2005.
Sea Kayaking Overnight Tours:
January 10, 2007: Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School, Inc. was awarded a concession contract to provide guided sea kayaking overnight trips in Glacier Bay National Park. The contract authorizes up to twelve trips in Glacier Bay during the summer season.
A second concession contract for overnight guided sea kayaking has not yet been awarded, but will likely be awarded prior to the 2007 season.
Sea Kayaking Overnight Tour Services Prospectus was re-issued June 24, 2005, Closed August 24, 2005. The contract term will be from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2016. This also was a reissuance of the prospectus issued in 2004.
Charter Vessel Services
Issued April 27, 2004 - Closed June 30, 2004
The National Park Service received 24 proposals for charter vessel services. Sixteen concession contracts were awarded for the operation of charter vessel services within Glacier Bay National Park under this prospectus.
Lodging Services in Glacier Bay National Preserve (Dry Bay area) Issued March 8, 2005 Closed May 6, 2005
The National Park Service issued a prospectus under which one concession contract was awarded to Gary Gray, d.b.a. Alsek River Lodge, for the operation of lodging, food & beverage and incidental associated services within Glacier Bay National Preserve. One proposal was received. In addition to the contract awarded competitively, two additional contracts for lodging services were awarded to Johnny's East River Lodge & Northern Lights Haven pursuant to 36 CFR 13.82 (historic operators). To view and download solicitation #GLBA-DryBay-05, the prospectus for Dry Bay Lodging Services, click here.
Hunting Guide Services in Glacier Bay National Preserve (Dry Bay area) Issued February 4, 2005 Closed April 5, 2005
The National Park Service issued a prospectus under which two concession contracts have been awarded to incumbent operators Gary Gray and John Latham for the operation of guided hunting services within Glacier Bay National Preserve. Two proposals were received.
Tour Vessel Services
Issued September 9, 2004. Initial Submission Due Date November 12, 2004.
The National Park Service issued a prospectus under which multiple concession contracts have been awarded for the operation of tour vessel services within Glacier Bay National Park to American Safari Cruises, American West Steamboat, BB Acquisition, Lindblad Expeditions, New World Ship Management, and West Travel. The prospectus will remain open throughout the term of the 10 year contract period and additional proposals may be submitted at any time. All "prime season dates" have been allocated during the initial solicitation period.
Guided Alsek River Rafting Services
Issued February 5, 2003 Closed April 11, 2003
Concession contracts have been awarded to Alaska Discovery, Chilkat Guides, Colorado River & Trail Expeditions, James Henry River Journeys, Mountain Travel and Wilderness River Outfitters with a contract term of 2005 - 2014.
Kayak Rental Services
A new concession contract was awarded Non-competitively to Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks pursuant to 36 CFR 13.82 (historic operators) with a contract term of 2005 - 2014.
Glacier Bay Lodge and Tour Boat Services
Issued August 29, 2003 Closed December 1, 2003
A concession contract has been awarded to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve Concession LLC , a Huna Totem/Aramark Corporation joint venture, dba Glacier Bay Lodge and Tours.
Prospectus information is available in the link above. Additional Information about the concession contract is available on the Glacier Bay Lodge and Tour Boat Services web page.
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Contact Chief of Concessions Management David Nemeth or Concessions Specialist Marilyn Trump for more information.
