Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Program

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit issued by the National Park Service (NPS) that allows a business to provide approved visitor services within a national park.

A CUA is required when a business:

• Conducts activities services for visitors within Chamizal National Memorial;
• Uses Park resources or facilities; and
• Receive compensation, monetary gain, or other financial benefit from those activities.

Both for-profit and nonprofit organizations may be required to obtain a CUA if they receive compensation for services provided within the park.

Commercial services may not be provided within Chamizal National Memorial without a valid CUA.

Authorized CUA Services at Chamizal National Memorial

Chamizal National Memorial currently authorizes the following commercial services through the CUA program:

Food and Beverage Services

Food trucks, beverage vendors, and mobile food service providers supporting designated park-sponsored events.

Art Instruction

Classes, workshops, demonstrations, and educational programs involving visual arts, crafts, and cultural arts.

Fitness Instruction

Fitness classes and wellness activities such as yoga, tai chi, walking programs, and other low-impact recreational instruction.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the National Park Service Online CUA System.

The online system allows applicants to:

• View available CUA opportunities
• Submit applications
• Pay required fees
• Submit annual reports
• Manage active authorizations

Applicants should review all eligibility requirements and operating conditions before applying.

Food and Beverage Services

Food and Beverage CUAs are intended to support visitor experiences during designated park-sponsored events.

Due to the park’s size, mission, staffing levels, and limited infrastructure, food and beverage services are only authorized during specific annual events.

Authorized Events

Food and beverage services may be authorized during:

• Chamizal Treaty Festival
• National Park Week
• National Junior Ranger Day

Food and beverage vendors may not operate outside of these designated events.

Application Period

Applications are accepted annually from January 1 through January 31.

Term of Authorization

Food and Beverage CUAs are issued for a two-year term.

Selection Process

If the number of qualified applicants exceeds available vendor space, the park may conduct a lottery to determine vendor selection.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must provide:

• Proof of business licensing, where applicable
• General liability insurance
• Compliance with applicable federal, state, and local health regulations
• Current Food Handler certifications for food service staff
• Documentation of recent health inspections when required by local authorities
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate at public events
• Ability to provide services within a bilingual and multicultural community environment

Operating Requirements

Food vendors must:

• Operate from a self-contained food service vehicle, trailer, cart, or similar approved mobile unit
• Comply with all FDA food safety regulations
• Clearly identify staff through uniforms, badges, or company branding
• Maintain a clean and professional appearance
• Properly manage trash and waste generated by operations
• Leave service areas clean and free of debris
• Repair or reimburse the cost of any damage resulting from operations
• Ensure at least one staff member with current CPR and First Aid certification is present during operations

Standard Operating Plan

Food and Beverage applicants must submit a Standard Operating Plan that addresses:

• Setup and teardown procedures
• Waste management practices
• Food preparation and service procedures
• Staffing plans
• Accessibility considerations
• Environmental protection measures
• Propane, generator, or electrical use
• Emergency response procedures
• Visitor service capacity

Electrical Service

Limited electrical hookups may be available for approved food service operations. Availability will be determined by park staff and operational needs.

Art Instruction

Art Instruction CUAs may be authorized year-round for educational, cultural, and recreational art activities.

Examples include:

• Painting classes
• Drawing classes
• Cultural arts instruction
• Craft workshops

Term of Authorization

Art Instruction CUAs are generally issued for a two-year term.

Operating Requirements

Art instructors must:

• Protect park resources and facilities at all times
• Use tarps or protective coverings when using paints, liquids, or similar materials
• Remove all supplies, equipment, and materials after each activity
• Conduct activities only in approved locations
• Maintain safe and professional operations

Fitness Instruction

Fitness Instruction CUAs may be authorized year-round for approved low-impact recreational and wellness activities.

Examples include:

• Yoga
• Tai Chi
• Stretching classes
• Walking programs
• Other low-impact fitness activities approved by the park

Term of Authorization

Fitness Instruction CUAs are generally issued for a two-year term.

Operating Requirements

Fitness instructors must:

• Conduct only low-impact activities
• Use equipment approved by the park in advance
• Avoid activities that damage turf, landscaping, or park resources
• Obtain approval before using amplified sound
• Maintain group sizes appropriate for approved activity locations
• Ensure at least one instructor or staff member with current CPR and First Aid certification is present during activities
• Follow all applicable safety requirements

General Requirements for All CUA Holders

Resource Protection

CUA holders are responsible for conducting operations in a manner that protects park resources, preserves visitor experiences, and supports the mission of Chamizal National Memorial.

Authorized activities must have no more than a minimal impact on park resources, visitor use, or park operations.

Approved Activity Locations

CUA activities are limited to approved outdoor locations, including:

• Spanish Garden
• Outdoor Bowl
• Visitor Center Esplanade

Activity locations are assigned based on operational needs, visitor use, and resource protection considerations.

Activities are not permitted inside:

• Chamizal Theater
• Franklin G. Smith Gallery
• Visitor Center

Accessibility

All services must comply with applicable accessibility requirements.

Staffing

Staff must maintain a professional appearance and conduct themselves professionally while operating within the park.

Vehicle Requirements

Commercial vehicles must be clearly identified with company logos, signs, or dashboard identification.

Vehicles may not drive or park off designated roadways or approved parking areas.

Noise

Amplified sound requires prior approval from the park.

Activity Itineraries

CUA holders must provide an itinerary: At least 15 days before activities occurring during normal park operating hours

Approval is subject to operational needs and staff availability.

Park Operations and Closures

Approved activities may be modified, postponed, or canceled when necessary to:

• Protect park resources
• Ensure visitor safety
• Support park operations
• Accommodate official National Park Service events

Fees

Application Fee

The National Park Service currently charges:

• $350 for the first CUA application submitted to a park
• $250 for each additional application submitted to the same park during the same application cycle

Application fees are non-refundable and must be paid through Pay.gov at the time of application submission.

Management Fee

Chamizal National Memorial does not currently charge a CUA management fee.

Reporting Requirements

All CUA holders must submit required annual reports through the National Park Service Online CUA System.

Annual reports are due by the end of February for operations conducted during the previous calendar year.

Reports must include:

• Number of customers served
• Gross revenue generated from park operations
• Staffing information
• Accessibility services provided
• Waste management practices
• Reportable incidents or injuries

Failure to submit required reports may affect future authorization eligibility.

Transferability

CUAs are non-transferable and may not be assigned, sold, or transferred to another business or individual.

Contact Information

Commercial Use Authorization Coordinator
Danielle Hernandez
Chamizal National Memorial

Phone: [phone]
Email

Administrative Hours:
Monday–Friday
8 am–4 pm Mountain Time