GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga has announced the availability of a new business opportunity in the park to provide bicycle rentals, guided bike tours, and “grab and go” food service at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center plaza on the South Rim.
A prospectus was released Friday that outlines this business opportunity, describes the existing bike rental business, and provides details on how to submit a responsive proposal.
The new bicycle, retail and food services will be provided under a concession contract that will be issued for a term of 10 years. The contract will require bicycle rentals, as well as guided daily bicycle tours from approximately May 15 to Oct. 15 annually. It will also require year-round, “grab and go” food and beverage service for hikers, bikers and pedestrians.
The Park’s 2008 South Rim Visitor Transportation Plan provides for bicycle rentals, guided tours, and limited food service in the Mather Point area. In November this year, the National Park Service will begin construction of a new building to support the bike rental operations and house the additional services.
A bicycle rental and tour service has successfully operated in the Grand Canyon Visitor Center area near Mather Point under a Commercial Use Authorization since 2010. This CUA expires at the end of 2011.
All interested parties are encouraged to apply and submit a responsive proposal to this prospectus. Parties interested in visiting the area to become familiar with the physical conditions and limitations of this business opportunity should contact Molly Schroer, Concessions Specialist, Grand Canyon National Park at 928-638-7706 as soon as possible to register for a site visit, to be held on Monday, Nov. 21.
This new opportunity is being advertised on the Federal Business Opportunities website. A copy of the prospectus can be found online with the NPS or to obtain a paper copy by contacting Jennifer Bonnett at 303-969-2661. The Intermountain Regional Office must receive responsive proposals by December 30. For additional information, please contact Laura Shearin at 928-638-7351