Ferry Concession Contract Solicitation

Ferry at the South Manitou Island Dock

Kerry Kelly

News Release Date: September 10, 2006

Contact: Larry Johnson, 231-326-5134

The National Park Service has issued a Concession Prospectus for the 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 NorthManitouIsland and SouthManitouIsland. The Concessioner may provide motorized vehicle tours on SouthManitouIsland, 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 ManitouIslands 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 1,163,620 recreational visitors annually; however, the ferry boats transport about 10,000 people a year to the islands. 

The new Concession Contract will be awarded for a period of 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 in Omaha, Nebraska, Midwest Regional Office, 601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE 68102 no later than 4:30 p.m. on November 8, 2006 in order to be evaluated and considered for award of a Concession Contract to provide visitor services in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The cost for purchasing a Prospectus is $25 by mail or $20 if picked up in person at the address below. Parties interested in obtaining a Prospectus should mail or bring a check or money order in person (NO CASH SALES) made payable to the “National Park Service.” A Tax IdentificationNumber (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) must be provided on all checks. Prospectus copies may be obtained in person at the following address: National Park Service, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, Michigan 49630-9797.  

If the Prospectus is purchased by mail, the front of the envelope should be marked “ATTENTION: CHIEF RANGER– 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 Larry Johnson, Chief Ranger at ([phone], ext. 400. An electronic copy of the Prospectus is not available. The Prospectus, when issued, 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.