FS-2700-34 Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Conce

USDA Forest Service

FS-2700-34 (XX/20XX)
OMB No. 0596-0082

Use Code 141

Prospectus for Campground and
Related Granger-Thye Concessions
[name] National Forest
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service

[month and year solicitation is issued]

Under REA, the Forest Service may charge a standard amenity recreation fee for an area
(1) that provides significant opportunities for outdoor recreation; (2) that has substantial
federal investments; (3) where fees can be efficiently collected; and (4) that contains all of
the following amenities:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Designated developed parking
A permanent toilet facility.
A permanent trash receptacle.
Interpretive sign, exhibit, or kiosk.
Picnic tables.
Security services.

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Table of Contents
I.

Business Opportunity
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

II.

Introduction
Area Description
Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities
Government-Furnished Property
Government-Furnished Supplies
Utilities and Waste Management

Forest Service Concession Program and Policies
A. Recreation.gov
B. Pass Discounts
C. Camp Stamps
D. Site Closure
E. Reserved Administrative Use
F. Applicable Forest Orders
G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data
H. Customer Service Comment Mechanism
I. Performance Evaluations
J. Accessibility
K. Camping Unit Capacity
L. Stay Limit
M. Fees Charged to the Public
N. Law Enforcement
O. Other Pertinent Information

III. Special Use Permit
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Permit Term
Permit Holder Responsibilities
Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement
Insurance
Bonding

IV. Application
A.
B.
C.
D.

Instructions for Submitting Applications
General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations
Application Package Requirements
Evaluation of Applications

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

V.

Post-Selection Requirements

Appendices
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix

1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
7:
8:

Appendix 9:
Appendix 10:
Appendix 11:
Appendix 12:
Appendix 13:
Appendix 14:
Appendix 15:
Appendix 16:
Appendix 17:
Appendix 18:

Vicinity and Area Maps
Maps of Developed Recreation Sites
Inventory of Government-Furnished Property
Applicable Forest Orders
Sample Use Report
Sample Customer Service Comment Mechanism
Standard Performance Evaluation Form
FSM 2342.1, Exhibit 01, Law Enforcement at Concession
Campgrounds
Sample Annual Operating Plan
FS-2700-4h, Special-Use Permit for Campground and Related
Granger-Thye Concessions, and FS-2700-4h, Appendix-F,
Operation of Federally Owned Drinking Water Systems
FS-2700-4h, Appendix B, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement
Potential Government Maintenance, Reconditioning, Renovation,
and Improvement Projects
Indirect Cost Reimbursement Letter
FS-2700-4h, Appendix G, Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification
Sample Collection Agreement for Granger-Thye Fee Offset Work
Sample Business Plan
FS-6500-24, Financial Statement
FS-6500-25, Request for Verification

VI. Optional Appendices

Appendix 19: National Quality Standards for Recreation Site Management
(formerly Meaningful Measures)
Appendix 20: Water Testing Locations and Requirements

VII. Pertinent Materials (Available Upon Request)
“Cleaning Recreation Sites” (USDA-Forest Service)
“In Depth Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets” (USDA-Forest
Service)

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

I. Business Opportunity

A. Introduction
This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession campground special use
permit. A permit or permits to provide high-quality public service in the operation and
maintenance of Government-owned recreation facilities located on the [name] Ranger District,
[name] National Forest, will be issued. The permit or permits will include the following
developed sites:
[list of sites]
The authorized officer for this business opportunity is the Forest Supervisor for the [name]
National Forest, [address].

The current permit for this concession expires on [insert date or "not applicable"]. Over the past
three years, this concession has generated the following gross revenues:
Year

Gross Revenue

[20__]
[20__]
[20__]

$[amount]
$[amount]
$[amount]

B. Area Description

The Descanso Ranger District is located in the southeastern portion of San Diego County in
southern California. Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, located above 5,500 feet, is primarily

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covered by black oaks, pines, and montane meadows. The Sunrise Highway, a National Scenic
Byway, bisects Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, providing year-round access.
The Cleveland National Forest provides year-round recreational opportunities due to the area's
mild climate. The major season of use is from May 15 through October 30. Recreational
activities in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area include camping, hiking, mountain biking,
picnicking, and driving along the Sunrise Scenic Byway, hang gliding, and horseback riding. If
it snows during the winter, residents of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Mexico flock to
Laguna Mountain for the day. The Pacific Crest Trail and Noble Canyon National Recreation
Trail cross through Laguna Mountain Recreation Area.
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is easily accessible to the populations of San Diego,
Riverside, Orange, and Imperial Counties. Some people travel from as far away as Arizona and
Mexico to enjoy the mountain setting. Most visitors come from within a 2-to-3-hour driving
radius.
The two campgrounds listed in this offering are accessible via paved County Highway (Sunrise
Highway) and are less than 15 miles from Interstate 8 (see Appendix 1 of the prospectus).

C. Description of Developed Recreation Sites and Facilities
The following is a description of each developed recreation site included in this prospectus (see
Appendix 2 of the prospectus).

Burnt Rancheria Campground
This campground is located in San Diego County, approximately 60 miles east of San Diego,
California. To get there, take Interstate 8 east past Pine Valley, and exit at Laguna Mountain
Recreation Area, Sunrise Highway (S-1). Take Sunrise Highway north 9 miles to the Burnt
Rancheria Campground entrance.
Burnt Rancheria Campground was listed in the May 1997 issue of Sunset Magazine as one of the
top 100 campgrounds in the West.
Burnt Rancheria has 109 camping units with fire rings and picnic tables: 51 camping units are
designed for 2 vehicles and a tent (the parking spurs are less than 30 feet long); 28 camping units
have paved parking spurs between 30 and 39 feet long; 26 camping units have paved parking
spurs between 40 and 49feet long; and 4 camping units have parking spurs that are longer than
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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

50 feet. In addition, there are two host sites equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups
and telephone service. There is an amphitheater that seats approximately 75 people. There are
no audiovisual facilities at the amphitheater. A Saturday evening interpretive program presented
from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend has proven to be extremely popular
and has been well attended.
The interior campground roads and parking spurs are paved. There are 11 vault toilets and one
flush toilet in the campground. Water is pumped to a 45,000-gallon tank near the campground
from the Agua Dulce well. The water hydrants have not been designed for year-round use. The
water system has been shut off between November 30 and May 15.
There are 12 large bins located throughout the campground for garbage collection and disposal.
A local disposal company has serviced these garbage bins.
The Forest Service is scheduled to receive funding through the Capital Improvement Program to
replace the vault toilets and install two additional flush toilet buildings and one shower building.
In addition, seven campsites, the main host site, the amphitheater and the fee/information station
will be made accessible. This work is scheduled for fiscal year 2008.
The average operating season for Burnt Rancheria Campground has been May 15 through
October 31. At a minimum, the Forest Service will expect the permit holder to operate the
campground fully from May 15 through October 31.
Laguna Campground
This campground is located in San Diego County, approximately 65 miles east of San Diego,
California. To get there, take Interstate 8 east past Pine Valley, and exit at Laguna Mountain
Recreation Area, Sunrise Highway (S-1). Take Sunrise Highway north 15 miles to the Laguna
Campground entrance.
Laguna Campground has 103 camping units with fire rings and picnic tables: 30 camping units
are designed for 2 vehicles and a tent (the parking spurs are less than 30 feet long); 43 camping
units have paved parking spurs between 30 and 39 feet long; 21 camping units have paved
parking spurs between 40 and 49 feet long; and 9 camping units are wider than 50 feet. Site 65
has been reconstructed to be fully accessible. Sites 5, 6, and 8 are within habitat for the Laguna
Skipper. Occupancy in these sites is limited to 2 people per site.
There is an amphitheater that seats approximately 100 people, with a projector stand with
electrical hookup, stage, and projection screen. A Saturday evening interpretive program,
presented Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, has proven to be extremely
popular and has been well attended.
There are two host sites equipped with electrical, water, and sewage hookups. One host site has
as a telephone hook-up. There is also a pay telephone at the entrance to the campground.
The interior campground roads and parking spurs are paved. There are two flush toilet and
shower buildings constructed in 1994. Each building has two flush toilet units and two coinoperated shower units and is fully accessible. There are seven vault toilets in the campground
and one converted flush toilet building. Water is pumped to a 72,000-gallon tank from the Agua

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Dulce well or Laguna well. Some water hydrants at Laguna Campground are designed for yearround use.
There are ten large bins located throughout the campground for garbage collection and disposal.
A local disposal company has serviced these garbage bins.
At least two loops and two toilets have remained open year-round at Laguna Campground, with a
campground host on site to protect the facilities from vandalism and to provide public assistance.
As a minimum, the Forest Service will expect the permit holder to operate one loop and two
toilets year-round at Laguna Campground, with a campground host on site.
Use fees may be charged at both Burnt Rancheria Campground and Laguna Campground.
Neither of the campgrounds has electrical or water hookups at individual campsites, except for
host sites. All campground roads and parking spurs are paved, unless otherwise indicated. Both
campgrounds are equipped with vault toilets, unless otherwise indicated.
There are no recreational vehicle dump stations at either campground. The closest dump station
is at a rest area on Interstate 8 at the Buckman's Spring exit.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Characteristics of Developed Recreation Sites
Site
Burnt Rancheria
Campground
Communications
Utilities
Drinking Water

Toilet/Shower
Type

Toilet Vault
Capacity
Forest Service
Trash Bins
Trash Bin Type
Accessibility
Elevation
Number of
Camping Units
2001 Fee Per
Camping Unit
2002 Fee Per
Camping Unit

Telephone hookups at 2 host sites
Water, electricity, and septic holding
tank at each host site
Provided by the Forest Service
Laguna Mountain water system
Currently:
5 2-riser vault toilet bldgs.
6 4-riser vault toilet bldgs.
1 2-riser converted flush toilet bldg.
Planned:
1 4-riser flush toilet bldg.
1 4-riser flush toilet bldg. with 4
shower units
1 2-riser converted flush toilet bldg.
with 5 2-riser CXT vault toilets

Telephone hookup at host site
Pay telephone by entrance
Water, electricity, and septic holding
tank at each host site
Provided by the Forest Service Laguna
Mountain water system
2 2-riser flush toilet bldgs. with 2
shower units
1 2-riser converted flush toilet bldg.
3 2-riser vault toilet bldgs.
4 4-riser vault toilet bldgs.

500-1,000 gallons

500-1,000 gallons

None

None

12 dumpsters provided by contractor
Currently: none
2007: 7 or more sites planned
2008-09: additional sites planned
5,500 feet

12 dumpsters provided by contractor

109

103

$14.00

$14.00

$14.00

$14.00

Minimum
Operating Season May 15–October 31
Three-Year
Average Gross
Revenue (19992001)*

Laguna Campground

Currently: 1 site
5,500 feet

Year-round season for at least one loop
and two toilets, with on-site host

$135,438

$71,785

* Does not include revenue from firewood sales, extra vehicles, day-use fees or coin-operated
showers.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

D. Government Furnished Property

The Forest Service will provide certain property in conjunction with the concession campground
special use permit (see Appendix 3 of the prospectus). Included in this inventory are a
description, the quantity, and the estimated replacement cost of the applicable property.

E. Government Furnished Supplies
The Forest Service will not furnish any supplies for day-to-day operation of the concession.
Government-furnished supplies will be limited to those necessary for programmatic consistency,
including:

•

Forms to report use and revenue.

•

A copy of the Forest Service publications, “Cleaning Recreation Sites,” “In-Depth
Design and Maintenance Manual for Vault Toilets,” and “Vault Toilet Pumping Contract
Specifications and Guidelines for Preparing Contracts.”

•

A copy of “Recreation Opportunity Guides,” which the holder may reproduce at its
expense.

•

Title VI signs.

F. Utilities and Waste Management
Certain utilities and infrastructure exist for the developed recreation sites identified in this
prospectus. The permit holder will be responsible for securing, managing, and paying for these
utilities. Applicants should contact current service providers to obtain estimated costs for the
utilities. These utilities include:

Electrical
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) has provided electrical service to both campgrounds
through the use of five electrical meters.
Telephone

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

There is telephone service available for both campground host sites in Burnt Rancheria
Campground and the host site at the entrance to Laguna Campground. Pacific Bell is the current
provider.
Propane
The hot water heaters in Laguna Campground shower and toilet buildings are fueled by propane.
There is a concrete pad for a 500-gallon propane tank by each building. There are a few
suppliers of propane. The previous provider was Proflame, Inc.
Water
Water at both campgrounds is provided by a 20,000-gallon tank and distribution system with
hydrants located throughout the campgrounds. The permit holder is required to operate and
maintain the water system for both campgrounds in compliance with applicable federal, state and
local laws and regulations for the operation and maintenance of a public drinking water system.
Garbage
The permit holder will be responsible for garbage removal at both sites. The previous provider
was Pacific Waste Services.
Liquid and Solid Waste Disposal
The permit holder is responsible for pumping all vault toilets and septic systems at the developed
recreation sites. The previous provider was Atlas Pumping Service.

II. Forest Service Concession Programs and Policies
Government-owned concessions are authorized by special use permits issued under Section 7 of
the Granger-Thye (GT) Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d, and implementing regulations at 36 CFR Part 251,
Subpart B.
In addition, there are certain Forest Service programs and policies that apply to campground
concession. All applications must be consistent with these requirements.

A. Recreation.gov
The [name] National Forest participates in Recreation.gov, which provides nationwide, toll-free
telephone reservations for single-family or group camping sites, rental cabins, permits, tours,
tickets, and other recreational facilities. Visitors pay the camping fee at the time they make a
reservation, and no fees are collected at the site (although the permit holder may allow
occupancy of any site that is unreserved and charge on site for that use). Recreation.gov is part
of the Recreation One-Stop Program, which is managed by the Washington Office Recreation,

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Heritage, and Volunteer Resources staff. The Forest Service contacts and program managers for
Recreation.gov are listed below. Applicants should not contact the Recreation.gov contractor
directly.
[name]
Region _ Recreation.gov Coordinator
telephone:
email:
Susan Valente
Forest Service Agency Technical Representative
telephone: 303-621-4170,
email: svalente@fs.fed.us

Recreation.gov is the only authorized reservation system for Forest Service-developed recreation
sites, including but not limited to campgrounds, cabins, and group use areas. Applicants may
recommend adding sites to or deleting sites from Recreation.gov or changing the number of sites
that may be reserved, the minimum number of days per reservation, or the location of sites that
may be reserved. The permit holder also may make these recommendations during the term of
the permit. The authorized officer will decide whether to accept or reject the recommendations.
Under Recreation.gov, the following guidelines must be followed, unless there are compelling
operational reasons:
1. For each developed recreation site included in Recreation.gov, at least 60 percent of the units
must be available for reservations. The rest of the units may be occupied on a first-come, firstserved basis.
•

Reservation windows vary by type of site and are as follows:

Individual campsites: from 6 months to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on
location.
Group use areas: from 12 months to 0- 4 days prior to arrival date, depending on
location.
Cabins: from 180 to 0-4 days prior to arrival date, depending on location
2. When Recreation.gov is utilized, the permit holder is responsible for on-site administration
and will be required to:
•

Obtain daily arrival reports (DARs) each morning by establishing at least one central
facsimile location, email address, or other means of obtaining and distributing DARs.

•

Develop a system for posting reservations at the sites so other visitors know which units
are reserved.

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•

Post and hold reserved sites for 26 hours past the posted check-in time.

•

Ensure that the party with the reservation is the party using the site.

•

Resolve any disputes over the use of reserved sites by drop-in campers.

•

Verify that visitors hold a valid federal pass (listed below) before giving the discount on
fees for those passes (see section II.B). Do not discount fees if a visitor cannot present a
valid pass.
o Golden Age or Golden Access Passport.
o America the Beautiful–The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior
Pass or Access Pass.
o Other passes as required by the authorized officer and described in this
prospectus, such as local area passes.

•

Develop inventory data for sites being added to Recreation.gov, and update data for sites
including fees charged the public and temporary site closures. Submit data updates to
Recreation.gov at least annually.

•

Communicate to Recreation.gov any emergency closures or other relevant operational
changes as they occur.

•

Approve customer refunds as appropriate, and process them through Recreation.gov.
Refund policies can be found at https://support.recreation.gov/.

Because reservations can be made up to a year in advance for group sites and up to 6 months in
advance for family sites, Recreation.gov is currently accepting reservations for the upcoming
operating season. Fees received by Recreation.gov will be held by the Forest Service and
distributed following issuance of a special use permit to the successful applicant. In the final
year of the permit, fees will be held in the same manner until a new permit is issued. The permit
holder will honor reservations made prior to issuance of the permit at the price in effect when the
reservations were made. If funds are distributed prematurely for dates outside the permit term, a
bill for collection will to be issued to the permit holder.

B. Pass Discounts
The permit holder must provide a 50 percent discount on recreation fees charged under REA at
developed recreation sites covered by this prospectus to holders of Golden Age and Golden
Access Passports, as well as holders of the Interagency Senior and Access Passes.
Specifically, holders of these passes are entitled to a 50 percent discount on the fee for a single
campsite occupied by the pass holders. The pass holders are not entitled to a discount on the fee
for a multiple-family campsite, cabin, or group use area or any additional campsites occupied by
those accompanying the pass holders. The 50 percent campsite discount does not include utility,
water, or any other hookup fees.
Any loss of fee revenue from honoring the passes should be factored into applicants’ bids.

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The permit holder will not be required to offer discounts on camping to holders of the Annual or
Volunteer Pass.
The following is a list of sites covered by this prospectus where the 50 percent discount for
passes applies:

Standard Amenity Recreation Fee Sites Under REA [Reserved]. The Forest Service is proposing
a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address treatment of standard amenity recreation fee sites in the
concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend a special use permit issued under
this prospectus to be consistent with any change in that directive.

C. Camp Stamps
Camp stamps must be honored at their face value and submitted to the authorized officer for
reimbursement.

D. Site Closure
The Forest Service reserves the right to close all or a portion of any area in this prospectus for
repair; construction; floods, snow, extreme fire danger, or other natural events; wildlife
protection; or risks to public health and safety. The Forest Service shall not be liable to the
permit holder for lost revenue, operating costs, or any other losses resulting from these closures.
However, for fee calculation purposes, the permit shall be placed in non-use status as provided
by FSH 2709.11, section 31.23.

E. Administrative Use

If the Forest Service requires the permit holder to provide a service for the agency, the permit
holder will be compensated for that use.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

F. Applicable Forest Orders
Forest Orders may be issued to address a variety of management concerns on a particular forest.
Sample orders related to the offering are identified in Appendix 4. Additional applicable forest
orders may be issued in the future.

G. Fee Tickets and Compilation of Use and Revenue Data
The permit holder must provide fee tickets to visitors that include at least the following
information:
•
•
•
•
•

The site number and total amount paid.
The date of issuance and number of days paid for.
If a pass is used, the pass number.
The number of people in the group.
The number of vehicles and their license plate numbers.

The permit holder must provide use and revenue data to the Forest Service (see Appendix 5 of
the prospectus for a sample use report). Use reports must be completed monthly and at the end
of the operating season for each developed recreation site, provided that when the holder
performs GT fee offset work in lieu of paying the land use fee in cash, use reports may be
submitted quarterly, rather than monthly. At a minimum, monthly and year-end use reports must
include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

The total number of units occupied based on daily counts.
The total number of people based on daily counts.
The percentage of occupancy by month.
Total recreation fee revenue.
Total fee revenue for other goods and services.
The total number of Camp Stamps collected.
The total number of passes used.

In addition, year-end use reports must include:
•
•
•
•

Total fee revenue collected under the NRRS.
Total taxes paid.
Total gross revenue.
Total net revenue.

H. Customer Service Comment Mechanism
The permit holder must provide a customer service comment mechanism for visitors at each
developed recreation site covered by this prospectus (see Appendix 6 of the prospectus).

I. Performance Evaluations
At a minimum, the Forest Service will perform a year-end performance evaluation within four
months of the close of the operating season (see Appendix 7 of the prospectus). An

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unsatisfactory rating may be cause for suspension or revocation of the special use permit.
Sustained satisfactory performance is required for a permit extension.

J. Accessibility
The Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
require new or altered facilities to be accessible, with few exceptions. In 2004, the Architectural
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) issued revised accessibility
guidelines for buildings and facilities subject to the ABA and the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA). These new guidelines are called the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines. In 2006,
the Forest Service issued the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines
(FSORAG). The FSORAG addresses types of recreational facilities, including developed
recreation sites, that are not covered by ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines.
Any Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement (see section III.C)
must meet ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines, where applicable, as well as the FSORAG.
The FSORAG and the ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines are posted on the Forest Service’s
website at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/accessibility. Questions regarding
ADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines may be referred to the Access Board at www.accessboard.gov. Questions regarding the FSORAG may be referred to the accessibility coordinator
for the local National Forest.
The permit holder is responsible for ensuring effective communication with visitors with
disabilities, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, so that all visitors may obtain
information on accessible services, activities, and facilities.

K. Camping Unit Capacity
Number of Vehicles Per Camping Unit
A single-family camping unit may accommodate one vehicle. A “vehicle” is defined as any
motorized conveyance, except that for purposes of vehicular capacity, two motorcycles are
considered one vehicle. Additional vehicles may be allowed at a camping unit, if the camping
unit can safely accommodate them. When extra vehicles are allowed, an extra fee of up to 50
percent of the camping unit fee may be charged for each extra vehicle. If an extra vehicle
exceeds the camping unit capacity (i.e., the extra vehicle causes a safety hazard or resource
damage), the customer may be required to pay for an additional camping unit or park in an
overflow parking area, if available. One towed vehicle per single camping unit will be allowed
for no extra charge if it can be parked completely on the surfaced area and does not create a
safety hazard. Examples of towed vehicles include a boat trailer or a car towed by a motor home.

Group Site Capacity
The capacity established for group sites is as follows:

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Site 1 will accommodate: [number] people and [number] vehicles.

Day Use Site Capacity

L. Stay Limit

Campers at overnight sites will be limited to a [7 or 14]-day stay limit during any consecutive 30
day period.

M. Fees Charged to the Public
The permit holder may charge the public fees only to the extent that the Forest Service can
charge recreation fees under REA. All recreation fees must be specified per developed
recreation site. The holder must honor the proposed pricing through the first full operating
season. Thereafter, the holder may propose price adjustments with justification.
Permit holders may not charge for any of the following:
•

Solely for parking, undesignated parking, or picnicking along roads or trailsides.

•

General access, unless specifically authorized by REA.

•

Dispersed areas with low or no investment, unless specifically authorized by REA.

•

Persons who are driving through, walking through, boating through, horseback riding
through, or hiking through NFS lands without using the recreational facilities and
services for which a fee is charged.

•

Camping at undeveloped sites that do not provide the minimum number of facilities and
services prescribed by REA.

•

Use of overlooks or scenic pullouts.

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•

Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle over any national parkway or any road or
highway in the Federal-aid System that is commonly used by the public as a means of
travel between two places, either or both of which are outside an area in which recreation
fees are charged.

•

Travel by private, noncommercial vehicle, boat, or aircraft over any road, highway,
waterway, or airway to any land in which the person traveling has a property right, if the
land is in an area in which recreation fees are charged.

•

Any person who has a right of access for hunting or fishing privileges under a specific
provision of law or treaty.

•

Any person who is engaged in the conduct of official federal, state, tribal, or local
government business.

•

Special attention or extra services necessary to meet the needs of the disabled.

N. Law Enforcement
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 2342.1, Exhibit 01, addresses the law enforcement authorities and
responsibilities of concessionaires, state and local law enforcement agencies, and the Forest
Service at concession campgrounds. See Appendix 8 of the prospectus.

O. Other Pertinent Information

Employee Housing

Resource Concerns

Wildlife Mitigation
In Laguna Campground, two species of biological significance are known. Meadow Foam, a
state listed endangered plant, is present in Meadow Loop. In 1996 four campsites were relocated

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and a fence installed around a portion of significant habitat. The permit holder will be required
to maintain the fence and discourage use within this fenced enclosure.
Endangered Species
The Laguna Skipper, an endangered species of butterfly, has been observed near Meadow Loop.
The permit holder will be required to work with the Forest Service to inform campground users
about this species and the protection of its habitat (see Appendix 9 of the prospectus). The
permit holder will have to include this information in the annual operating plan for the permit.
Archaeological Resources
An archaeological site has been identified in Laguna Campground. This archaeological site is
less than five acres in size and impacts two camping units. The Forest Service will provide a site
map to the permit holder so that the holder can protect the site from disturbance. The permit
holder will have to coordinate any projects within the archaeological site with the Forest Service
before any work is started. The permit holder will have to notify Forest Service law enforcement
personnel immediately of any unauthorized disturbance of the site.
Condition of Trees
The oak and pine stands within the campgrounds are mature to over-mature. During the past few
years, the trees have experienced heavy damage from wind, snow, dwarf mistletoe, and sudden
limb drop. Big oaks that look healthy on the exterior may contain rotten cores and can drop a
heavy limb without any warning.

Hazard Tree Removal
The permit holder will have to conduct pre-season inspection of the campgrounds to identify
existing and potential hazards, including hazard trees. The permit holder also will be responsible
for monitoring and identifying hazard trees during the operating season. After securing written
approval from the authorized officer, the permit holder’s financial responsibility for removing
hazard trees and associated slash will not exceed $[amount] per year. The annual operating plan
will address appropriate disposal of hazard trees and slash.
Butane and Propane Installations
For safety and regulatory reasons, the permit holder is not allowed to install or store bulk butane
or propane.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

III. Special Use Permit
In exercising the rights and privileges granted by the special use permit, the permit holder must
comply with all present and future federal laws and regulations and all present and future state,
county, and municipal laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that apply to the permit
area, to the extent they do not conflict with federal law, regulation, or policy. The Forest Service
assumes no responsibility for enforcing laws, regulations, and other legal requirements that fall
under the jurisdiction of other governmental entities.

A. Permit Term

The permit term will be for up to 5 years, with an option to extend the term for up to an
additional 5 years at the sole discretion of the authorized officer. The decision to extend the term
will depend, in part, on sustained satisfactory performance of the permit holder. Upon expiration
of the permit, continuation of the permitted activity will be at the sole discretion of the
authorized officer and will be subject to a competitive offering. A new prospectus will be issued
during the final year of the permit term.
If the decision to select a permit holder is appealed, a permit will not be issued until the appeal
has been resolved, unless operation is needed during the appeal, in which case a permit with a
term of one year or less may be issued.

B. Permit Holder Responsibilities
This section highlights the requirements of the special use permit, which is contained in
Appendix 10 of the prospectus. Applicants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all
permit requirements that govern the operation covered by this prospectus.
Responsibility for Day-to-Day Activities
As a general rule, the holder will be required to conduct the day-to-day activities authorized by
the permit. Some, but not all, of these activities may be conducted by someone other than the
permit holder, but only with the prior written approval of the authorized officer. The permit
holder will continue to be responsible for compliance with all the terms of the permit.
Permit Holder-Furnished Supplies and Equipment
The permit holder will be required to provide all vehicles, equipment, and supplies necessary to
operate the authorized developed recreation sites in accordance with the special use permit.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Holder-Furnished Vehicles

The permit holder may not use all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, or motor bicycles in the
campgrounds. The holder may propose use of golf carts or other similar vehicles to facilitate
daily maintenance of the facilities. If authorized, carts must stay on designated roads or trails
while driving between sites or loops.
Holder Maintenance, Reconditioning, or Renovation (MRR)
Maintenance, reconditioning, and renovation are defined in the permit (FS-2700-4h, clause
IV.E.1(a), (c)). Holder MRR is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, or renovation that
neither materially adds to the value of the property nor appreciably prolongs its life. The work
serves only to keep the facility in an ordinary, efficient operating condition. From an accounting
or tax perspective, it is work that may be expensed, but not capitalized. In fulfilling these
responsibilities, the holder must obtain any licenses and certified inspections required by
regulatory agencies and follow state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances and industry
standards or codes applicable to the permitted operation (FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.1(d)). The
permit holder, at its expense, will be required to perform holder MRR under a holder MRR plan
(FS-2700-4h, clause II.D). The holder MRR plan will describe required holder MRR and its
frequency. The holder MRR plan will become part of the permit holder's annual operating plan.

C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement
The federal government owns all the improvements at the developed recreation sites covered by
this prospectus. Under Section 7 of the Granger-Thye (GT) Act and the terms of the permit, the
permit fee may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government maintenance,
reconditioning, renovation, and improvement (MRRI) performed at the permit holder’s expense.
Government MRRI is defined as maintenance, reconditioning, renovation, or improvement that
arrests deterioration, improves and upgrades facilities, and appreciably prolongs the life of the
property. Government maintenance, reconditioning, renovation or improvement, whether
performed by the holder or the Forest Service, shall be performed at the sole discretion of the
authorized officer. See Appendix 4 of the prospectus and FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.
All Government MRRI shall be enumerated in an annual GT fee offset agreement signed by the
holder and the Forest Service in advance of the operating season (see Appendix 11 of the
prospectus and FS-2700-4h, Appendix B). Alternatively, a multi-year fee GT fee offset
agreement can be prepared for consolidated fee payments. A list of sample Government MRRI
projects is included in Appendix 12 of the prospectus.

The holder must perform GT fee offset work. When that work includes construction that costs
more than $2,000, it is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and the GT fee offset agreement must
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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

contain Davis-Bacon Act wage provisions. Additionally, indirect costs may be offset provided
the holder submits either a currently approved indirect cost rate or accounting procedures and
supporting documentation to determine an indirect cost rate (see Appendix 13 of the prospectus).
The holder’s claims for GT fee offset must be documented using the FS-2700-4h, Appendix G,
Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Form (see Appendix 14 of the prospectus). This form
requires the holder to itemize allowable costs incurred for an approved GT fee offset project and
to certify the accuracy and completeness of claims.

Either the holder or the Forest Service may perform GT fee offset work. This determination will
be made annually. When the holder performs GT fee offset work, if it includes construction that
costs more than $2,000, it is subject to the Davis-Bacon Act and the fee offset agreement must
contain Davis-Bacon Act wage provisions. Additionally, indirect costs may be offset provided
the holder submits either a currently approved indirect cost rate or accounting procedures and
supporting documentation to determine an indirect cost rate (see Appendix 13 of the prospectus).
The holder’s claims for GT fee offset must be documented using the FS-2700-4h, Appendix G,
Granger-Thye Fee Offset Certification Form (see Appendix 14 of the prospectus). This form
requires the holder to itemize allowable costs incurred for an approved GT fee offset project and
to certify the accuracy and completeness of claims.
When the Forest Service performs GT fee offset work, the holder will deposit fee payments into
a CWFS account. The Forest Service will perform GT fee offset work under a collection
agreement and offset those costs against the permit holder’s annual permit fee (see FS-2700-4h,
clause IV.E.3, and Appendix 15 of the prospectus). The Forest Service’s indirect costs may be
offset at the agency’s approved rate. The Forest Service and the holder will agree on the work to
be performed in advance of each operating season.

The holder will deposit fee payments into a CWFS account. The Forest Service will perform GT
fee offset work under a collection agreement and offset those costs against the permit holder’s
annual permit fee (see FS-2700-4h, clause IV.E.3, and Appendix 15 of the prospectus). The
Forest Service’s indirect costs may be offset at the agency’s approved rate. The Forest Service
and the holder will agree on the work to be performed in advance of each operating season.
D. Insurance
Liability Insurance
The successful applicant must have liability insurance covering losses associated with the use
and occupancy authorized by the permit arising from personal injury or death and third-party
property damage in the minimum amount of $[amount] for injury or death to one person per
occurrence; $[amount] for injury or death to more than one person per occurrence; and
$[amount] for third-party property damage per occurrence, or in the minimum amount of
$[amount] as a combined single limit per occurrence. Insurance policies must name the United
States as an additional insured (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS-2400-4h, clause III.I).
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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Property Insurance
Property insurance will be required for [identify the federal property to be insured] in the amount
of $[amount] for [replacement in kind or functional replacement] of the insured property (see
Appendix 3, Inventory of Government-Furnished Property).

E. Bonding

< Bonding may be appropriate for reconstruction or improvement work performed
pursuant to a GT fee offset agreement. Additionally, bonding is appropriate to protect the
Forest Service from a default on provision of camping services for sites that are reserved
through the NRRS. In the latter instance, the amount of the bond should be based on the
value of outstanding reservations made on average for that concession. A bond should not
be required to enforce general terms of the permit or as a substitute for enforcement action
under the permit.>
The permit holder will provide a performance bond in the amount of $[amount]. The bond may
take the form of corporate surety, Treasury bills, notes or other negotiable securities, cash
deposits, irrevocable letters of credit, assignment of savings accounts, or assignment of
certificates of deposit. The authorized officer may reevaluate the need for or the amount of the
bond after the first operating season.

IV. Applications
A. Instructions for Submitting Applications

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Applicants must submit an application for all developed recreation sites covered by this
prospectus.

Applicants may submit an application for all or some of the developed recreation sites covered
by this prospectus.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to visit the developed recreation sites covered by this
prospectus at least once before submitting an application (see Appendices 1 and 2, vicinity and
area maps and maps of developed recreation sites).
The information in this prospectus is from generally reliable sources, but the Forest Service
makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Each applicant is expected to make an independent
assessment of the business opportunity offered in this prospectus.

All applications must be submitted to [name], Forest Supervisor, Attention: [Name of contact],
[address]. Applications must be received by close of business (4:30 p.m.) on [date application
period closes].
Applicants must submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of their application to the Forest
Service contact listed above. The electronic copy must be provided on a flash drive. The
electronic copy must be prepared in a Microsoft Office program or PDF that allows for copying
and pasting of text and must separately address each evaluation criterion listed in the prospectus.
Applications will not be returned to applications.
Please ensure that all requested information is submitted. Missing or incomplete information
will result in a lower rating for the corresponding evaluation criteria.
Applications must be signed. The person signing for an entity must have authority to sign for
that entity. Applicants must include their address, telephone number, facsimile number, and
email address.
Corporations also must include:
•

Evidence of incorporation and good standing.

•

If reasonably obtainable, the name and address of each shareholder owning 3 percent or
more of the corporation’s shares and the number and percentage of any class of voting
shares that each shareholder is authorized to vote.

•

The name and address of each affiliate of the corporation.

•

If an affiliate is controlled by the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of
any class of voting stock of the affiliate owned, directly or indirectly, by the corporation.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

•

If an affiliate controls the corporation, the number of shares and the percentage of any
class of voting stock of the corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the affiliate.

Partnerships, limited liability companies (LLCs), associations, or other unincorporated entities
must submit a certified copy of the partnership agreement or other documentation establishing
the entity or a certificate of good standing under the laws of the state where the entity is located.
Applicants should contact [name] at [telephone number and email address] regarding any
questions related to this prospectus.

B. General Terms, Qualifications, and Reservations
All applicants have an equal opportunity to apply. Except for members of Congress, Resident
Commissioners, and current Forest Service employees, any individual or entity may apply.
The Forest Service does not guarantee a profitable operation. Rather, applicants are responsible
for reviewing the prospectus and making their own determination concerning business viability.
The Forest Service will select the application that offers the best value to the Government. The
Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based on a trade-off between
the fee to the Government and technical merit.
The Forest Service is not obligated to accept the application with the highest return to the
Government.
The Forest Service reserves the right to select the successful applicant based solely on the initial
application, without oral or written discussions.
The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any or all applications and to rescind the
prospectus at any time before a special use permit is issued.
Any oral statement made by a representative of the Forest Service shall not modify the
requirements of this prospectus. If it is determined that an error or omission has been made or
additional information is required, a written amendment will be sent to each person or entity
receiving a copy of this prospectus.
If there is a conflict between the terms of the prospectus and the special use permit, the terms of
the permit will control.
The Forest Service is proposing a revision to FSM 2344.3 to address how passes and passports
are honored in the concession program. The agency reserves the right to amend the special use
permit consistent with any change to that directive. In addition, the Forest Service reserves the
right to amend the special use permit, to make it consistent with applicable laws and regulations,
including REA; other Forest Service directives; or other management decisions.
The information contained in applications will be kept confidential to the extent permitted under
the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

C. Application Package Requirements
Applications must be in writing and must include or address the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

A proposed annual operating plan (including required and optional services).
A business plan, business experience, references, and Small Business Development
Center (SBDC) review fee, if applicable (see section IV.C.2).
Financial resources.
Fees charged to the public.
Fee to the government.
Initial processing fee.

1. Proposed Annual Operating Plan (Including Required and Optional Services)

Applicants must submit a proposed annual operating plan that addresses all required and optional
services. Applicants must utilize the sample annual operating plan (see Appendix 9 of the
prospectus) to organize their response to this section. The successful applicant’s proposed
operating plan will be attached to and become a part of the special use permit.
Applicants must specify whether another party will assist with any of the operational aspects of
the concession, and if so, must include the other party’s name, address, telephone number, email
address, and relevant experience.
Below are highlights of what needs to be addressed in the proposed annual operating plan. For
more detail, see the sample annual operating plan in Appendix 9 of the prospectus.
Operating Season

Applicants need to propose the period in which they will operate the sites listed in the
prospectus. All sites must be open and operational seven days per week during the minimum
operating season, unless a Forest Service closure order is in effect.
Staffing
Applicants must address appropriate staffing to meet customer service and cleanliness standards.
The holder will be responsible for furnishing all personnel for the developed recreation sites and
for adequately training and supervising their activities under the terms of the permit. The holder
must meet requirements of federal and state laws governing employment, wages, and worker
safety. Based on past experience, recommended staffing is outlined in Appendix __ of the
prospectus. Applicants should address worker hours and schedules. Applicants also should
address staff training for effective customer service, conflict resolution, area-specific emergency
procedures, and dissemination of recreation and tourism information.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Supervision and Management
Applicants must designate an individual to serve as the agent of the holder for purposes of
administration of the permit by the Forest Service. The designated agent must periodically
review attendant performance on site and must be available to resolve repair needs within 24
hours of discovery or notification. The holder will be responsible for the conduct of its
employees, including preventing conduct prohibited by 36 CFR part 261, Subpart A, and
ensuring that employees are not under the influence of intoxicating beverages or narcotic drugs
while on duty or representing the holder. Applicants also must include a policy for removing
employees who engage in inappropriate conduct.
Uniforms and Vehicle Identification
Applicants should describe employee uniforms, insignia, name tags, and the applicants’ policy
for ensuring a clean, professional appearance by staff while on duty. The holder’s employees
may not wear any component of the Forest Service uniform. Additionally, applicants should
address their policy for vehicle maintenance and appearance; types of vehicles to be used for
operations (vehicles may not be driven off designated roads or trails); and signage to identify the
concessionaire to the public.
2. Business Plan, Business Experience, and References

Applicants must submit a business plan utilizing the format in Appendix 16 of the prospectus.
This part of the application package must be a separate document. The business plan provides a
thorough analysis of an applicant’s vision of the proposed business. A good business plan is
essential for running a successful business, maintaining and improving the business, and raising
needed capital.
Applicants must furnish a detailed description of their experience relating to operating and
maintaining developed recreation sites (e.g., campgrounds, beaches, and marinas). The
description must include experience in private business, public service, or any nonprofit or other
related enterprises. Applicants are encouraged to contact their local SBDC if they need
assistance in completing their business plans. Alternatively, applicants who have already
received a review of their business plan from an SBDC or the Forest Service for the current
fiscal year may submit a copy of the review report.

SBDC Review

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

All business plans will be independently reviewed by an SBDC. Applicants are required to
submit [number] copies of their business plan. If an applicant’s current fiscal year business plan
has already been reviewed by an SBDC, the applicant may submit a copy of the review report.

Along with a business plan, applicants also must submit a bank draft, money order, or cashier’s
check in the amount of $[amount], made payable to the SBDC. Applicants submitting a current
fiscal year review report by the Forest Service or an SBDC need not enclose payment.
Performance Evaluations
Applicants who have experience in managing Forest Service or other Government concessions
must provide copies of the most recent annual written performance evaluations for each Forest
Service or other concession the applicants have operated or are operating.
References
Applicants also must furnish three business references with names, addresses, telephone
numbers, and email addresses in support of relevant business experience. These references will
be contacted for information regarding applicants’ past performance. In addition, the Forest
Service may consider past performance information from other sources.
3. Financial Resources

Applicants must submit a complete set of all financial statements for the last three fiscal years
that have been audited, reviewed, or compiled by a certified public accountant (CPA). For any
financial statements that were only compiled by a CPA, applicants must complete FS-6500-24,
Financial Statement (see Appendix 17 of the prospectus) for certification of the accuracy of the
financial statements.
Applicants must complete FS-6500-24 for any of the last three fiscal years they were in business
for which a financial statement was not audited, reviewed, or compiled by a CPA. An applicant
who has had a financial ability determination (FAD) conducted within the past year should
include a statement to that effect along with the forest name, contact name and telephone
number. Additionally, applicants must identify any pending applications or new permits
obtained from the Forest Service since the FAD was completed.
In completing FS-6500-24, LLCs must list the name of the company in block 1, the names and
interests of the principals in block 5, and their members should be listed in block 6. In addition,
LLCs must complete the certification in Part (D)(1) of FS-6500-24.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

An applicant who has not been in business for the last three fiscal years, and therefore cannot
submit audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements or an FS-6500-24, must submit three
fiscal years of projected financial statements compiled by a CPA using the forecast method.
Any financial information submitted by applicants must conform to generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) or other comprehensive bases of accounting. Any previously
prepared financial documents that are submitted must be unredacted and in their original form,
including footnotes.
Applicants must show at least 25 percent of the first year's operating costs in liquid assets.
Liquid assets are assets that are readily converted into cash.
Applicants also must complete blocks 1 through 5 of form FS-6500-25, Request for Verification
(see Appendix 18 of the prospectus) and submit the signed and dated form with the application.
The Forest Service will forward the FS-6500-25 for the most qualified applicant to the
Albuquerque Service Center for processing. The auditor assigned to conduct the FAD will send
a copy to each financial institution with which the applicant does business. The financial
institutions must complete blocks 6 through15 of the form and mail the completed form to
[USDA Forest Service, Albuquerque Service Center], Attention: [name of forest service auditor],
[address].
4. Fees Charged to the Public
Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three
years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample
Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services). Discuss any variable
pricing, discounts, and passes. All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be
included in the business plan as an income item.
The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public.
5. Fee to the Government
The Government is obligated to obtain fair market value for the use of its land and
improvements. The minimum fee is $[amount]per year. The minimum fee is the concession’s
average gross revenue for the past three years multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond
rate. The minimum fee will be adjusted at the end of the first five years of the permit term if the
permit is extended for five years.
Minimum Fee Calculation

Year

Gross Revenue

2003……………$181,743
2004……………$214,963
2005……………$226,357
Total

$623,063
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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Total gross revenue ÷ 3 = average gross revenue
$623,063 ÷ 3 = $207,687
Average gross revenue multiplied by the current 30-year Treasury bond rate = the minimum
annual fee. In the following example, the 30-year Treasury bond rate is 5.3 percent.
$207,687 x 0.053 = $11,008 minimum annual fee
Applicants may propose a fee below the minimum, provided they can document why this amount
represents fair market value. However, the Forest Service may reject the proposed fee if the
agency determines that it does not reflect fair market value.

Applicants must propose the fee to the Government as a percentage of the concession’s adjusted
gross revenue. One percentage may be proposed for the entire permit term, or the percentage
may vary each year. However, if a consolidated fee payment will be proposed, one percentage
rate must be proposed for the entire period of consolidated payments.

Optional Consolidated Land Use Fee Payment. Applicants may propose a consolidated fee
payment for up to 5 years during the initial permit term or extension of the term to finance a GT
fee offset project. The consolidated land use fee payment will be determined by multiplying the
average annual gross revenue of the offering for the past 3 years (adjusted, if applicable, based
on expansion or contraction of the concession) by the number of years the land use fee payments
will be consolidated, and multiplying the product by the percentage of gross revenue proposed
by the applicant. If the Forest Service will perform the GT fee offset work using a collection
agreement, the entire consolidated land use fee payment must be made when the first land use
fee payment otherwise would have been due. If the holder will perform the GT fee offset work,
the holder must commence that work within the first 6 months of the consolidated fee period and
must complete the work within 18 months of the beginning of the consolidated fee period. The
consolidated land use fee payment will not be reconciled based on actual gross revenues.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Required Consolidated Land Use Fee Payment. A consolidated land use fee payment of
[amount over $250,000] is required for this offering. The consolidated land use fee payment
will cover the land use fee for [6 to 10 years, i.e., the period that the land use fee will be
consolidated] years. The consolidated land use fee payment will be determined by multiplying
the average annual gross revenue of the offering for the past 3 years (adjusted, if applicable,
based on expansion or contraction of the concession) by the number of years the land use fee
payments will be consolidated, and multiplying the product by the percentage of gross revenue
proposed by the applicant. If the Forest Service will perform the GT offset work using a
collection agreement, the entire consolidated land use fee payment must be made when the first
land use fee payment otherwise would have been due. If the holder will perform the GT fee
offset work, the holder must commence that work within the first 6 months of the consolidated
fee period and must complete the work within 18 months of the beginning of the consolidated fee
period. At the midpoint of the consolidated fee period, the consolidated land use fee will be
compared to actual gross revenues and adjusted as necessary for the remainder of the
consolidated fee period.

The proposed fee to the Government also must be included in the business plan as an expense
item in the cash flow projections.
The fee to the Government may be offset in whole or in part by the value of Government MRRI,
performed at the permit holder’s expense in accordance with a GT fee offset agreement (see
section III of the prospectus).

6. Other Evaluation Criteria

7. Application Fee

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

Cost Recovery
Applications submitted in response to this prospectus are subject to cost recovery pursuant to
36 CFR 251.58(c)(1)(ii) and (c)(3)(iii). Applicants must submit a processing fee of $[amount] to
cover the cost of the prospectus and review of the application. Payments due the United States
for this application 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. Additionally, the selected
applicant will be responsible for the costs of preparing and issuing the permit and conducting a
FAD, unless the Forest Service has conducted a FAD for the applicant within the past year. If a
FAD has been completed for the applicant within the last 12 months, the applicant will be
responsible for the cost of adjusting it to reflect any change this selection will have on the
applicant’s financial ability.

D. Evaluation of Applications

A Forest Service evaluation team will evaluate each application utilizing the [fixed weight or
non-fixed weight] method.

The following evaluation criteria are listed in descending order of importance:
•
•
•
•

Proposed annual operating plan (including required and optional services).
Business plan, business experience, and references.
Financial resources.
Fees charged to the public.

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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

•

Fee to the Government.

The Forest Service will consider only the applicant’s written application package and any past
performance information obtained by the Forest Service. During the evaluation process, the
evaluation team may contact any references, including all federal, state, and local entities that
have had a business relationship with the applicant. The evaluation team also may consider past
performance information from other sources.
The evaluation team will provide a written summary of applicant ratings, including strengths and
weaknesses of each applicant, to the authorized officer. The authorized officer will make the
selection decision based on which applicant offers the best overall value to the federal
government. The authorized officer is not required to select the applicant that proposes the
highest land use fee. All applicants will be notified of the successful applicant via certified mail.
The Forest Service will conduct a FAD on the selected applicant as a prerequisite to issuing a
special use permit, unless the agency has a current fiscal year FAD conducted by the
Albuquerque Service Center or SBDC for another Forest Service unit.
The Forest Service reserves the right to reject any and all applications.
The Forest Service reserves the right to rescind the prospectus at any time before a special use
permit is issued. If the Forest Service rescinds the prospectus, application fees will be returned.

V. Post-Selection Requirements
Once an applicant has been selected, the following information must be submitted and approved
by the Forest Service prior to issuance of a special use permit:
•

A final annual operating plan containing all the items included in the annual operating
plan submitted in response to the prospectus.

•

An annual GT fee offset agreement.

•

Documentation of required liability insurance and, if applicable, property insurance.

•

Documentation of bonding, if applicable.

•

Required deposits and advance payments (see Appendix 10 of the prospectus and FS2700-4h, clause IV.C.1).

•

Documentation that utility services have been obtained in the name of the selected
applicant.

•

A state business license and any other required federal, state, or local certifications or
licenses.

The successful applicant will be required to submit all these items within 30 days of the date of
the selection letter. If these requirements are not met within the 30-day period, a special use
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Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, _______________ National Forest

permit will not be issued. The applicant who receives the next-highest rating may then be
selected for the special use permit, subject to the same requirements.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT
According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, a Federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, an information collection request unless it displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
The valid OMB control number for this information collection request is 0596-0082. Response to this information collection request
is required to obtain or retain benefits, specifically, a special use authorization. The authority for this information collection request is
Section 7 of the Granger-Thye Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d. The time required to complete this information collection request is estimated
to average 10 hours per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, collecting and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the information collection request. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection request, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to Forest
Service Information Collections Officer, SM.FS.InfoCollect@usda.gov, with OMB control number 0596-0082 in the subject line.
PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. § 552a(e)(3), this Privacy Act statement serves to inform you of the following concerning the collection of the
information on this form.
Purpose: The Privacy Act of 1974 requires that the Director of Recreation, Heritage, and Volunteer Resources staff and the
Director of Lands, Minerals, and Geology Management staff provide the following statements to individuals from whom they request
information.
Authority: Collection of this information solicited on this form is authorized by Section 7 of the Granger-Thye Act, 16 U.S.C. 580d.
Routine Uses: The information collected will be used by Forest Service officials to ensure that your use of National Forest System
lands is administered in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations, and directives. The information collected from you is
retained in the Special Uses Data System (SUDS) and is retrieved by the Forest Service create reports for the Agency’s Special
Uses Program, generate bills for collection of land use fees for your authorization, monitor compliance with your special use
authorization, and other matters pertaining to administration of your special use authorization. SUDS is a component of the Forest
Service’s Natural Resources Manager database (NRM). A complete list of the routine uses of NRM can be found in the system of
records notice associated with this form, FS-24.
Disclosure: The submission of this information is required to obtain or retain benefits, specifically, a special use authorization.
NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the
USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from
discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income
derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or
activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by
program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print,
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA
through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available
in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at
How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the
letter all the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit the completed
form or letter to USDA by (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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