Park Calling for Flamingo Visitor Services Business Proposals

Flamingo Marina

National Park Service Linda Friar

News Release Date: June 2, 2015

Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700

Contact: Chief of Concessions Southeast Region – Bill Stevens, 404-507-5636

Contact: Media Contact Linda Friar, 305-242-7714

On Tuesday June 2, 2015, the National Park Service (NPS) released a prospectus calling for business proposals to provide commercial visitor services in the extremely popular Flamingo District and Long Pine Key areas of Everglades National Park.

This Prospectus describes in general terms the future business opportunities as well as the existing business operations and for this area of the park. The Flamingo District of the park is located at the southern tip of the peninsula and boats magnificent water recreation in the backcountry and expansive Florida Bay. Long Pine Key is a popular camping area closer to the entrance station in Homestead. With an average of half million visitors entering the park through the Homestead entrance each year as well as several hundred thousand boaters in Florida Bay this is a significant business opportunity!

“We have heard from the community and our visitors for some time that they would like to see increased visitor services at the Flamingo area of the park. I am thrilled that we have the opportunity to expand these services with this call for proposals,” said Superintendent Pedro Ramos

The prospectus outlines the package of visitor services that can be offered at Flamingo (38 miles from park headquarters) including small cottage and eco-tent lodging with food and beverage service, boat tours, canoe/kayak rentals, retail sales, skiff rentals, houseboat rentals, full service restaurant, Marina services and slip rentals as well as a walk-in campground for both Long Pine Key and Flamingo.

Once awarded the new concession will have the exclusive rights to provide visitor services outlined in the final contract. The contract term for operations at Flamingo has been expanded to twenty (20) years. The contract will require a minimum franchise fee to be paid to the NPS. The minimum franchise fee will be 2.9% of gross revenue for the full term of the contract. Information on historical revenues can be found in the prospectus.

A site visit for those interested in this fantastic opportunity is scheduled for Saturday June 27 at the Flamingo District of Everglades National Park. Attendance at the site visit should be confirmed with Bill Stevens at 404-507-5636  or by email to William Stevens.

The prospectus is available on the NPS website at https://concessions.nps.gov/ever001-16.htm. Hardcopies are available upon request for $40. Please make checks payable to the National Park Service and send to Bill Stevens, Chief of Concessions, National Park Service, Southeast Regional Office AFC, 1924 Building, 100 Alabama Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Please include a physical address (no post office boxes) and telephone number for fed ex delivery. Individuals obtaining a prospectus from the website should contact Mr. Stevens to ensure they receive future responses to questions or amendments to the prospectus.

All contract offers must be received by Bill Stevens, Southeast Region, NPS, AFC, 1924 Building, 100 Alabama Street SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, no later than 4 p.m., on September 2^nd, 2015.