Bid guide
How to bid on Guided Backcountry Vehicle Tours for the National Park Service
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The National Park Service is looking for up to three businesses to provide guided interpretive backcountry vehicle tours. These tours will operate within Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, all located near Moab, UT.
This is an opportunity for businesses specializing in outdoor recreation and interpretive services to secure a concession contract. The contracts are expected to start on January 1, 2027, offering a long-term engagement with the National Park Service.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
Several important dates are associated with this solicitation. Questions about the prospectus are due by June 25, 2026. If you intend to submit a proposal, you must send a Notice of Intent to Propose by July 31, 2026.
Electronic proposals must be submitted by September 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. A hardcopy of the Offeror's Transmittal Letter is due by September 8, 2026. Missing any of these deadlines may result in your proposal not being considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms with experience in providing guided tours, particularly those with a focus on interpretive services in natural or park settings. Businesses familiar with backcountry vehicle operations and environmental education would be well-suited.
The relevant category for this bid is facilities, indicating a focus on services provided within established park areas, even if the tours themselves are in backcountry locations.
How to respond
To access the full details of this opportunity, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view the documents.
To submit a proposal, you must first send an email to [email protected] by July 31, 2026, to notify the Service of your intent to propose. After this, you will receive an invitation to the Service's Microsoft Teams platform to upload your electronic proposal by September 1, 2026. Remember to accept the Teams invitation to gain access.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review the entire prospectus to understand all requirements and evaluation criteria. Since no site visit will be hosted, it is encouraged to visit Canyonlands National Park, Arches National Park, and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area independently to familiarize yourself with the areas.
Ensure your proposal clearly outlines your experience in guided interpretive tours and your ability to operate safely and effectively in backcountry environments. Highlight your understanding of the National Park Service's mission and how your services will enhance the visitor experience. Pay close attention to all submission instructions, including the specific electronic submission process via Microsoft Teams and the separate hardcopy transmittal letter requirement.
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.