Commercial Use Authorizations

 

What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) allows an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park unit. The National Park Service (NPS) issues CUAs to manage a wide-range of commercial visitor services in addition to road-based tours.

Federal law mandates the NPS issue CUAs only for commercial activities and visitor services that:

• are determined to be an appropriate use of the park,
• will have minimal impact on park resources and values, and
• are consistent with the park purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.

The CUA requirement is in 36 CFR 5.3: It is illegal to conduct business in a park area without a permit, contract, or other written agreement. Additionally, Public Law 105-391, Section 418, passed in 1998, provides NPS the authority to issue CUAs to allow business operations and requires NPS to collect a reasonable fee for CUA administration and management.

A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

• take place at least in part on lands managed by Chaco Culture National Historical Park,
• use park resources
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

CUA holders have their base of operation outside the park. All the commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of NPS lands. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permanent or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services (even tipping) may not occur on NPS lands.

See below for other frequently asked questions about CUAs.

What activities are authorized in Chaco Culture NHP?

The following activities are authorized in Chaco Culture NHP under a CUA permit:

• Art instruction
• Camping - frontcountry
• Guided interpretive tours

Commercial businesses wishing to do any of these activities must procure a Chaco Culture CUA in advance and follow the terms and conditions of the authorization.

For what length of time is a CUA issued?

CUAs are issued for a one-year period, from January 1st to December 31st.

How much does a CUA cost?

The application fee for a CUA is $350.00 for the first service type and $250.00 for any additional service types. This fee is not refundable.

Why does the park charge a fee for a CUA?

National Park Service policy requires the Superintendent to charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. The park retains such fees to help pay for the cost of the CUA program, including administration, evaluations, monitoring, and training.

Do CUA holders have to pay park entrance fees?

Yes, CUA holders must pay park entrance fees. Commercial tour operators pay the commercial tour entrance fee each time they enter the park based on the group’s length of stay.

Other types of CUA holders pay the park per-person entrance fee for their clients.

How do I apply for a CUA?

Please apply and manage the CUA application through our new portal.

How do I submit the application?

The application and all reports are managed through our new CUA portal. Please search for Chaco Culture NHP under the "Opportunities" tab at the top of the page. Search by park, click on Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and apply under the correct service type.

How do I submit the application fee?

The application fee will be paid through the new CUA portal. All payments are processed through pay.gov.

When are annual financial reports due?

Annual Financial reports will be managed through the new CUA portal. They are due on January 31st each year.

How long does it take to obtain a CUA?

A minimum of 30 days is required for issuance of a CUA. Delays will occur if application materials are not submitted accurately or completely, or if authorizations needing operator signature are not returned promptly.

 

CUA Office Contact Information

Sharon Hull
[e-mail]
[phone] x264
PO Box 220
Nageezi, NM 87037