Solicitation for Concession Contract to Provide Tour Boat and Ferry Service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Date: November 15, 2007
Contact: Larry Johnson, 231-326-5134

The National Park Service has issued a concession prospectus for tour boat and ferry service at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  This business opportunity is a summer operation of tour boat and ferry service from Leland, Michigan to North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island.  The Concessioner may provide motorized vehicle tours on South Manitou Island, sales of limited snacks and beverages, and transportation of kayaks and canoes.  The operating season is mid-May through mid-November.  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located on the northwestern shore of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan’s west border along Lake Michigan, approximately 23 miles west of Traverse City, Michigan.

The Manitou Islands are located northwest of the mainland portion of the Lakeshore, approximately 12 to 17 miles west of Leland, Michigan.  The average annual visitation to the park is approximately 1.2 million recreational visitors; however, the ferry boats transport about 10,000 people a year to the islands.  Additional information about the park can be viewed on the park website.

The new concession contract will be for ten (10) years.  Further details are available in the Prospectus.  The National Park Service has determined, in accordance with 36 CFR Part 51, Subpart F, that the new concession contract is a qualified concession contract as the anticipated annual gross receipts are not expected to exceed $500,000.  Any offer must be received in the Concession Management Office of the National Park Service, Midwest Regional Office, 601Riverfront Drive, Omaha, Nebraska 68102, no later than 4:00 p.m. on January 15, 2008, in order to be evaluated and considered for an award of a concession contract to provide visitor services in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.  Prospectus copes can be obtained at a cost of $25 by mail or $20 if picked up in person at the address above.  Parties interested in obtaining a prospectus should mail or bring a check or money order in person to the Omaha office (NO CASH SALES) made payable to “National Park Service.”  A Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) must be provided on all checks.      

If purchased by mail, the front of the envelope should be marked “ATTENTION:  CHIEF OF CONCESSIONS - MAILROOM DO NOT OPEN.”  You must include in your request for the prospectus a delivery address that will accept a Federal Express package.  Inquiries on purchasing a prospectus may be directed to Ms. Sandy Poole, Chief of Concessions, [phone].  An electronic copy of the prospectus is not available.  The prospectus will contain information on the business opportunity, the new concession contract, the proposal package and terms and conditions under which the National Park Service will award the new concession contract. 

For more information on Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore please see our website or call 231-326-5134.