Bid guide
How to bid on Concessions Business Opportunity at Everglades National Park
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The National Park Service is seeking a business to operate a 10-year concession contract at Shark Valley within Everglades National Park. This opportunity involves providing interpretive tram tours, bicycle rentals, retail and vending services, bicycle and hiker pickup, and paddlecraft shuttle service.
This is a chance for a business to establish a long-term presence in a national park, offering essential visitor services and generating revenue from park visitors.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The deadline for submitting offers is October 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. All offers must be received by the National Park Service by this date and time to be considered.
Questions and notices of intent to propose must also be submitted by the dates and times listed in the prospectus. Specific instructions for submitting these are provided within the prospectus document.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for businesses experienced in tourism, recreation services, retail operations, and transportation, particularly those with a focus on interpretive or educational components. Firms with a background in managing concessions within natural or park environments would be well-suited.
The contract involves multiple service lines, so a vendor with diverse operational capabilities or a strong plan for managing various services will be competitive. This falls under the facilities category, specifically relating to visitor services and amenities within a park setting.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the solicitation, click “View original source” to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click leads to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids, this is not required.
The prospectus, which details the business opportunity and terms, is available on the Commercial Services website. Offers must be submitted following the process outlined in the Proposal Instructions of the prospectus. Only the Offeror’s Transmittal Letter needs to be mailed; the rest of the offer must be submitted electronically.
Practical tips for a competitive response
Thoroughly review the entire prospectus, paying close attention to all terms, conditions, and required services. Ensure your proposal addresses every component requested, demonstrating a clear understanding of the National Park Service's expectations for visitor experience and environmental stewardship.
Develop a detailed financial proposal that shows a clear understanding of the operational costs and revenue potential for each service line. Highlight your experience in managing similar multi-faceted operations and your capacity to deliver high-quality services consistently over a 10-year period. Clearly articulate your plan for staffing, equipment, and maintenance.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from National Park Service; the original posting controls.