Commercial Use Authorization

Special Use Permits

Visit the main Permits & Reservations page for information on permits for special events and other uses.

 

What is a CUA?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that: 

• Are determined to be an appropriate use of C&O Canal National Historical Park; Will have minimal impact on C&O Canal National Historical Park’s resources and values; and  Are consistent with C&O Canal National Historical Park’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations.
• A CUA may be required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:
• take place at least in part in C&O Canal National Historical Park, use park resources, and  result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

Services that require a CUA at C&O Canal NHP:

Examples of typical commercial operations within the park include, but are not limited to, rock climbing instruction at the Carderock climbing area, access to the Potomac River through C&O Canal NHP, bike tours utilizing the park's historic towpath, horseback riding tours in authorized areas, and shuttle services utilizing C&O Canal NHP parking lots.

Fee-based activities are prohibited within C&O Canal NHP unless a concessions contract or commercial use authorization (CUA) has been granted under 36 CFR Section 5.3.

How do I apply for a CUA? 

Home - Commercial Use Authorization

• To view a tutorial on how to apply for a CUA please visit: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.

• NPS is excited to announce the development and deployment of the online CUA system. The system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and pay CUA fees.

What are the CUA reporting requirements?

CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system each year by January 31 for the operations that occurred during the preceding year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts.

Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs.

Contact Us

If you have questions about CUAs, the application process, or the costs, please contact us via e-mail us or phone at 301-739-4200.