Date: December 9, 2016
Contact: John Kelly, 207-288-8703
The National Park Service (NPS) will issue a Request for Proposals on December 15, 2016, to host ranger-narrated activities for the public in and around Acadia National Park during the 2017 – 2021 summer seasons. The NPS is soliciting proposals to provide safe, high-quality interpretive experiences for visitors that are consistent and compatible with the park’s interpretative services. Any person or organization meeting the requirements specified in the Request for Proposals may participate in the competitive selection process.
The Request for Proposals will be available on the park’s website starting on December 15, 2016. The deadline for submissions is February 24, 2017, at 4:30 pm EST. For more information, please contact Christie Anastasia, Deputy Chief of Interpretation, during regular business hours at 207-288-8806 or christie_anastasia@nps.gov.
“Adding park rangers to narrate private outdoor adventures in and around Acadia, such as boat trips, bike rides, bus tours, and hikes, provides a service to visitors and helps attract visitors to these businesses,” said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. “We hope local boat operators, kayak companies, bike shops, youth camps, bus tours, and other businesses that serve visitors to Acadia National Park will apply for ranger-led services.”
All proposals that are consistent and compatible with the purpose and function of interpretation at Acadia National Park are welcome. Any person or organization meeting the specific requirements may participate in this competitive process. All proposals received within the stated time period will be evaluated by the National Park Service. Proposals will be evaluated by a National Park Service panel to ensure that prospective businesses have the experience, equipment, business infrastructure, and demonstrated intent to provide the proposed services. Evaluation criteria are set forth in the Request for Proposals, along with historical, interpretive, and logistical data on the tours, and proposal submission requirements. The proposals considered to best meet the criteria will be selected and a final memorandum of agreement establishing the program logistics and costs will be developed.
