How To Apply For A CUA

Commercial activities in Big Bend

 

Thank you for your interest in commercial use in Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. We are here to help.
Please review the Big Bend National Park CUA HANDBOOK and see the information below for CUA forms, checklist, and application instructions.

 

Applications for FY 2024

We will begin accepting applications for fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024) on June 1st, 2023.

Applications for the remainder of FY 2023, please contact [e-mail].

 

Changes for 2024 Permits

FY24 CUA Application Checklist

(must be included in app packet)

Your completed CUA Application Checklist should be included in your application packet. Please note that the Covid-19 line must be checked attesting to an understanding of Covid-19 requirements. We no longer require a Covid-19 Mitigation Plan, but you are welcome to send one if you distribute to clients.

Consolidated Activities List

In anticipation of the FY2025 rollout of the national parkwide application system, we have consolidated the Activities List to align with the standard national program list.  For example, Jeep Tours will now be listed under Guided Vehicle Tours; Birdwatching, Botanizing, Astronomy Tours will now be listed under Environmental Education; Boat Livery/Tours/Charters will now be listed as Boat Tours – non-motorized.

Big Bend Park Specific Conditions

Park specific conditions have been added to the application packet for each approved activity. Please see list in CUA Handbook

Covid Plan

A Covid-19 Mitigation Plan submission is no longer required. However, companies are encouraged to have a plan in place while in Big Bend National Park and may submit if they provide a copy to clients. CUA holders will now attest to knowledge and understanding of the Covid-19 – Summary of Key Covid-19 Mitigations for the National Park Service Commercial Services Providers by checking the line on the FY24 CUA Checklist.

Application Period Open and Close Dates

The FY24 application period will open on June 1, 2023 and close on July 1, 2024.

CUA Application Processing Time

The CUA application period for fiscal year 2024 will open June 1, 2023. These CUA’s will be valid from September 1, 2023 to October 1, 2024.

If you plan to operate the first week of October 2023, please submit your CUA application by August 1, 2023. We require up to 60 days to process and issue a CUA. Complete applications must be submitted a minimum 60 days in advance of first trip for processing. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received; incomplete applications are moved to the bottom of the list and may take longer than 60 days until fully executed. 

If you plan to begin operations on October 1, 2023 YOU MUST apply* by August 1, 2023 

If you plan to begin operations on November 1, 2023 YOU MUST apply* by September 1, 2023 

If you plan to begin operations on December 1, 2023 YOU MUST apply* by October 1, 2023 

If you plan to begin operations in January 2024 YOU MUST apply* by November 1, 2023 

If you plan to begin operations in February 2024 YOU MUST apply* by December 1, 2023 

If you plan to begin operations in March 2024 YOU MUST apply* by January 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in April 2024 YOU MUST apply* by February 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in May 2024 YOU MUST apply* by March 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in June 2024 YOU MUST apply* by April 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in July 2024 YOU MUST apply* by May 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in August 2024 YOU MUST apply* by June 1, 2024 

If you plan to begin operations in September 2024 YOU MUST apply* by July 1, 2024 

* apply means that you have submitted a completed application electronically and made the application fee payment of $350 by this date as well on Pay.Gov.

Park Entrance Fees

A CUA does NOT exempt the holder or clients from NPS entrance fee requirements, nor does it grant automatic access to areas controlled by reservation systems.

All visitors will be expected to pay an entrance fee or show possession of appropriate National Park Service (NPS) America the Beautiful Pass or original park entrance receipt for prior entrance.

Entrance fees for commercial tours at Big Bend are as follows:

• $15.00 per person
• Interagency “America the Beautiful” Pass
  https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
• Original VALID park entrance receipt from prior entry to Big Bend National Park
• CUA Entrance Fees Worksheet 

Commercial operators may NOT use personal passes to cover commercial entrance fees. Using a personal pass may result in suspension or revocation of permit.

Safety Documentation

Copy of safety information delivered to guests on trip with information specific to Big Bend National Park, including but not limited to Leave No Trace, proper clothing and footwear, altitude, and importance of hydration. More information can be found here: Hike Smart

How to Apply for a Fiscal Year 2024 Permit

Year-round permits coincide with our fiscal year, starting October 1 and ending September 30 of the following year. Permits may also be issued for one-time use.

Application Instructions – Please read the Application Instructions, CUA HANDBOOK, and Attachments A and B before applying for a CUA. Applications should be emailed to the CUA Coordinator. Please use the CHECKLIST to ensure a complete application packet.

To apply, email the following documents to CUA Coordinator [e-mail]

• Complete application
• $350 non-refundable application fee, MUST use Pay.gov 
• Proof of Insurance, meeting requirements, list NPS-Big Bend as Additional Insured. Certificate must list insurance rating or be listed in a separate document (see application – Attachment A).
• Itinerary (not required from river outfitters)
• Safety documentation, including but not limited to Leave No Trace, proper clothing and footwear, altitude, and importance of hydration
• Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk 

Complete applications must be submitted a minimum 60 days in advance of first trip for processing. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received; incomplete applications are moved to the bottom of the list and may take longer than 60 days until fully executed.

The application period opens June 1st each year.

The park is only accepting electronic application packets in Fiscal Year 2024.
The application fee must be paid on Pay.gov 

Step 1

Download and complete the 2024 CUA Application.  A single application may be submitted for multiple activities. Download the Application Checklist for use offline to ensure a complete application package (must be included in your application packet).

Step 2

Pay a non-refundable application fee of $350 on Pay.gov. You will need your CUA number in order to complete the transaction. If you are a current CUA holder, your CUA number is listed on your current permit in format 7130-5300-xxx. If you are a new applicant or don’t have your number available, please email the CUA Coordinator at [e-mail] to obtain a CUA number.

Payment Instructions:

1. Submit payment online at: Pay.gov - Big Bend NP Commercial Use Authorization Fees
2. Please send us an email before submitting payment if you have any questions.
3. Ensure you enter the correct amount, as our office cannot issue refunds.
4. Include a copy of the receipt with your application packet.

Step 3

The following must be submitted electronically to our CUA Office via email to [e-mail].·

• Your completed, signed CUA application (Form 10-550).
• A current General Liability Certificate of Insurance (required) documenting adequate general liability coverage for the type of activity you will be conducting. The minimum coverage for commercial use is $1,000,000 (see Attachment A of Application Form 10-550). The insurance certificate must name the “United States of America, Big Bend National Park” as additionally insured.
• A current Automobile Liability Insurance Certificate (required if transporting clients) that meets minimum requirements based on vehicle capacity; this includes rental vehicles. (See Attachment A of Application Form 10-550) for minimums and coverage designation symbols. The insurance certificate must name the “United States of America” as additionally insured, for example:

The United States of America
Big Bend National Park
PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834

• A list of all company vehicles, including: year, make/model, license number, state issued, passenger capacity, and whether owned, leased, or rented.
• Copy of Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form (if applicable). CUA holders may not require clients to sign a waiver of liability statement or form, insurance disclaimer and/or indemnification agreement for travel inside park boundaries. They may request or require clients to sign an acknowledgement of risk statement or form prior to participation. Download a sample Acknowledgement of Risk (VAR).
• Operating Plan: Detailed itinerary including dates in the park and locations (viewpoints and/or trails) in the park that will be visited. Note: River Outfitters DO NOT need to submit detailed itineraries as they will be reflected in the monthly reports at Annual Report submission.
• Copy of safety information delivered to guests on trip with information specific to Big Bend National Park.

Helpful Forms

• CUA Application Checklist 
• Application
• Monthly Report
• Annual Report
• Visitor Acknowledgement of Risks (VAR)

Step 4
 

• Add [e-mail] to your contacts list so emails won’t go to Junk or bounce back.
• Check your email approximately two weeks after submission for correspondence from our CUA Office.
• For more information on market based fees, please see 
  https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-use-authorizations.htm.

Contact Us

If you have any questions concerning the Commercial Use Authorization program at Big Bend, please contact:

Kelly VandenBerg, CUA Coordinator
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
[e-mail]