How to bid on a Concession Business Opportunity at Silos Recreation Area, Bureau of Reclamation

What the agency is buying

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking proposals for a Concession Contract to provide commercial services to the public at the Silos Recreation Area, located at Canyon Ferry Reservoir in Townsend, Montana. This is an opportunity for a business to operate a concession providing services to visitors at this recreation site.

The new Concession Contract is expected to become effective in March 2027. This solicitation is an Request for Proposals (RFP) for interested businesses.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on July 14, 2026. If you have questions about the Prospectus, you must submit them via email by August 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time. The deadline for submitting your proposal is August 28, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time.

Proposals must be sealed and mailed to the Bureau of Reclamation's Montana Area Office. Late proposals will not be evaluated or considered for award.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses experienced in providing commercial services, particularly those related to recreation areas, facilities management, or hospitality. The contract involves operating a concession at a specific recreation area, so experience in similar environments would be beneficial.

The relevant category for this type of opportunity is facilities, as it involves managing and providing services at a recreational facility.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it a second time to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

The Prospectus, which explains the business opportunity and the terms and conditions, is attached to the posting. Interested parties are encouraged to attend an open house on August 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time at the Silos Boat Ramp to become familiar with the site. To receive notifications about this Prospectus, including amendments, provide your contact information (name, email address, and phone number) to Cody Hendrix via email at [email protected].

Proposals must be sealed and mailed to: US Bureau of Reclamation, Montana Area Office, Attention: Cody Hendrix, Natural Resource Specialist, 2900 4th Avenue North, Suite 501, Billings, MT 59101. Refer to Prospectus Part B for specific details on how to submit your proposal.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Thoroughly review the entire Prospectus to understand all requirements, terms, and conditions. Pay close attention to the specific commercial services the Bureau of Reclamation expects to be provided.

Attending the open house on August 13, 2026, is highly recommended. This site visit will allow you to assess the physical conditions and limitations of the Silos Recreation Area, which is crucial for developing a realistic and competitive proposal.

If you have any questions, submit them by the August 17, 2026, deadline. Ensure your questions are in a format that allows the agency to copy them to Microsoft Word. A clear understanding of the solicitation will help you avoid assumptions and address all agency needs.

When preparing your proposal, clearly articulate your experience in managing similar facilities or providing comparable services. Highlight your business plan for operating the concession, including how you will meet public demand and maintain the recreation area standards. Ensure your proposal is well-organized, addresses all sections outlined in Prospectus Part B, and is submitted in a sealed package by the deadline.