Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Use Authorizations are required for any groups such as transportation, tour groups, and any operation providing goods, activities, or service to the general public within the park.

NPS/Keller

 

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a permit provided by Christiansted National Historic Site's Commercial Services Office for appropriate commercial services for park visitors within the boundaries of the park. An appropriate commercial service must meet three conditions: the services (a) will have minimal impact on the park area's resources and values; (b) are consistent with the purposes for which the park area was established; and (c) are consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations.

 

Contact Us

Please contact the CUA Administrator by email or call [phone] with any CUA related questions, including how to navigate the application process.

 

 

Approved CUA Activities

CUAs are issued for one year, beginning January 1 and expiring December 31. The following CUA activities and associated conditions are currently approved as appropriate services at Christiansted National Historic Site.

Guided Interpretive Tours

This CUA authorizes guided interpretive walking tours for up to 25 visitors of Christiansted National Historic Site, including Fort Christiansvaern, the grounds and boardwalk surrounding the Fort, Customs House, Scale House, Steeple Building, and Danish West India & Guinea Company Building, and Hospital Street from King Street to the east end of the Steeple Building property.

Transport (non-tour) - Road Based

This CUA is for vehicle shuttle, loading, and unloading of passengers along the western side of Hospital Street from King Street to Company Street, and the roundabout north of the Scale House Building at Christiansted National Historic Site.

Transport (non-tour) - Water Based

This CUA is for boat taxi services from the Christiansted National Historic Site bulkhead (dock). This CUA does not allow for boat taxi service to Buck Island Reef National Monument. 
 
Transport only/non-tour service providers are not authorized to provide out-of-vessel activities. Transport (non-tour) definition: These are point-to-point, transportation only services, like a boat taxi. All commercial activity ends when the client exits the mode of transportation. 

 

Additional Standard National and Park Specific Conditions

All Christiansted National Historic Site CUAs must abide by the following conditions:

National Required National Park Service CUA Conditions

CONDITIONS OF THIS AUTHORIZATION

1. False Information:  The holder is prohibited from knowingly giving false information. To do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation: [RE: 36 CFR 2.32(a) (3)].
2. Legal Compliance:  The holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the area Superintendent. The holder shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the area and terms and conditions of the authorization. The holder must acquire all permits or licenses of State or local government, as applicable, necessary to provide the services described above, and must operate in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, all applicable park area policies, procedures and regulations. All vehicles/vessels/aircraft are required to be registered and the operators are required to have the proper licenses to operate them commercially, as required by law or regulation.
3. Employee Conduct:  The holder must ensure that its employees are hospitable and exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public. The holder must establish appropriate screening, hiring, training, safety, employment, termination and other policies and procedures. The holder must review the conduct of any of its employees whose action or activities are considered by the holder or the Director to be inconsistent with the proper administration of the Area and enjoyment and protection of visitors and must take such actions as are necessary to correct the situation. The holder must maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a drug free work environment.
4. Rates:  The holder shall provide commercial services under this authorization to visitors at reasonable rates satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
5. Operating Conditions: The holder shall provide the authorized commercial services to visitors under operating conditions satisfactory to the area Superintendent. 
6. Liabilities and Claims:  This authorization is issued upon the express condition that the United States, its agents and employees shall be free from all liabilities and claims for damages and/or suits for or by reason of any injury, injuries, or death to any person or persons or property of any kind whatsoever, whether to the person or property of the holder, its agents or employees, or third parties, from any cause or causes whatsoever while in or upon said premises or any part thereof during the term of this authorization or occasioned by any occupancy or use of said premises or any activity carried on by the holder in connection herewith, and the holder hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the United States, its agents, and employees from all liabilities, charges, expenses and costs on account of or by reason of any such injuries, deaths, liabilities, claims, suits or losses however occurring or damages growing out of the same. 
7. Insurance:  Holder agrees to carry general liability insurance against claims occasioned by the action or omissions of the holder, its agents and employees in carrying out activities and operations under this authorization. The policy shall name the United States of America as additional insured.  Holder agrees to have on file with the park copies of the above insurance with the proper endorsements. 
8. CUA Fees:  At a minimum, the holder shall reimburse the park for all costs incurred by the park as a result of accepting and processing the application and managing and monitoring the authorized activity.  Administrative costs for the application process must be paid when the application is submitted.  Monitoring fees and any additional costs incurred by the park to support the commercial activity will be paid annually or on a more frequent basis as determined by mutual agreement between the Holder and the area Superintendent.
9. Benefit:  No member of, or delegate to, Congress, or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this authorization or to any benefit that may arise from this authorization.  This restriction shall not be construed to extend to this Contract if made with a corporation or company for its general benefit.
10. Transfer:  This authorization may not be transferred or assigned without the written consent of the area Superintendent. 
11. Suspension and Revocation: This authorization may be suspended or revoked upon breach of any of the conditions herein or at the discretion of the area Superintendent. 
12. Preference or Exclusivity:  The holder is not entitled to any preference to renewal of this authorization except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by law. This authorization is not exclusive and is not a concession contract. 
13. Construction:  The holder shall not construct any structures, fixtures or improvements in the park area. The holder shall not engage in any groundbreaking activities without the express, written approval of the area Superintendent. 
14. Reporting:  The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) by January 31 for the prior CUA season and also must submit upon request the CUA Monthly Report (NPS Form 10-660A). The holder is to provide the area Superintendent upon request any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area Superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments. 
15. Accounting:  The holder is to maintain an accounting system under which its accounts can be readily identified within its system of accounts classification. This accounting system must be capable of providing the information required by this authorization. The holder grants the United States of America access to its books and records at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms and conditions of this authorization.
16. Minimum Wage: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 14026 of April 27, 2021, (Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 23, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
17. Paid Sick Leave: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13706 of September 30, 2016, (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 13, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization. 
18. Visitor Acknowledgment of Risks (VAR):  The holder is not permitted to require clients sign a waiver of liability statement or form, insurance disclaimer, and/or indemnification agreement waiving the client’s right to hold the CUA holder responsible for accidents or injury occurring on NPS property.  The holder is permitted to request or require a client to sign a form or statement acknowledging risk and/or indicating that certain prerequisite skills may be needed to participate in the commercial activity.  The holder must provide the park with the current copy of all forms and/or statements used for this purpose and obtain written approval by the park to use the form and/or statement.  A sample Acknowledgment of Risk form may be obtained by contacting the CUA office.
19. Intellectual Property of the National Park Service: Except with the written authorization of the Director of the National Park Service, the Holder shall not assert any legal claim that the Holder or any related entity holds a trademark, tradename, servicemark or other ownership interest in the words "National Park Service", the initials "NPS", or official name of any unit or part thereof, including but not limited to any facility, logo, distinctive natural, archaeological, cultural, or historic site, within the National Park System, or any colorable likeness thereof, or the likeness of a National Park Service official uniform, badge, logo, or insignia.
20. Nondiscrimination:  The holder must comply with Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in providing visitor services to the public and with all equal employment opportunity provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended.
21. Notification of Employee Rights: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13496 of January 30, 2009, (Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 CFR part 471, appendix A to subpart A, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.

Christiansted National Historic Site Specific CUA Conditions

1. Specific Conditions

• Permittee may only use assigned bulkhead space at Christiansted National Historic Site.
• Permittee may not transport guests to Buck Island Reef National Monument.
• Events must not disturb or displace normal visitor activities in the park. 
• All advertising materials relative to the park will be submitted to the Park's Concessions Office for review and approval prior to use and publication.
• Decorations, signs, props or equipment cannot be attached to vegetation or historic structures.
• Permittee, employees, and visitors with comply with Christiansted National Historic Site anti-nudity laws.
• Permits cannot be transferred, extended, or assigned under any circumstances.
• Permittee must not disturb or remove from the park any flora, fauna or natural or cultural items for use at the event.
• No commercial activity (including but not limited to, solicitation and/or sales) is permitted within the boundaries of the Historic Site. 

2. Prohibited Activities (See Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations for additional regulations):

• Commercial advertising within park boundaries, including banner advertising on vessels.
• Commercial group use of Christiansted National Historic Site.
• Possession or use of a firearm.
• Sale or use of balloons.
• Dumping trash, garbage, refuse and the discharge of sewage of any kind.
• Loud recorded or live music as described in 36 CFR 2.12.
• Disturbing or removing historic structures or their contents.
• Smoking on Park beaches or within 50 feet from restaurants, public restrooms, pavilions, or picnic tables in the park.
• Use of Drones/Unmanned aircrafts systems. 

3. Entrance Fees for the Park: All entrance fees must be paid by the tour operator or designated guide prior to entering the Fort or Steeple Building (Closed for 2025) at the entrance fee station:

• Adults $10.00 per person
• Children under 15: Free
• America the Beautiful Passes: Card holder plus 3 adults

4. Tours

• Limit the size of tours to 25 visitors. Larger groups may need more than one tour guide assigned. 
• Historic walking tours require the guide to pre-pay the entrance fees for all adults requiring payments (see 3. Entrance Fees for the Park). Proof of payment must be shown when the entrance fee station is open. 
• The guide will be clearly identifiable. 
• Scenic tours which do not include the Fort or Steeple Building: Pre-payment information must indicate to the visitors that each individual is responsible for payment of Fort and Steeple Building entrance fees.
• Tour operators are responsible for the accurate advertisement of the services they are providing. Please review each Cruise Ship Excursion Package and the electronic or printed materials provided to the Cruise Ship visitors for accurate information on what is covered by the tour.

5. Transport (Land-Based)

• The tour company will designate a staff member to assist NPS Law Enforcement with recognition of vehicles and drivers and assist in managing the loading zone. 
• The four, north most parking spots along the western side of Hospital Street are reserved for Transport (non-tour road based) loading and unloading.

6. Safety Standards 

• The permittee is responsible for complying with all federal, state, and local safety regulations, including U.S. Coast Guard, National Fire Protection Association, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.
• The permittee is responsible for providing customers with relevant guidelines, rules and practices that will mitigate and manage safety risks and communicating safety and emergency procedures to all customers prior to the start of their activity.  This may include personal flotation device policies (PFDs are encouraged to be worn at all times), water safety, including what to do if capsized, water temperature, etc.
• The permittee must not exceed vessel capacity standards.
• The permittee’s vessel captain will have basic safety communication equipment while providing transport. For an example, a cell phone and a marine radio.
• The permittee or their staff should call 911 for emergency assistance in the park.
• The permittee shall report any incidents that occur to the park CUA Coordinator at 340-277-6782.  This shall include any medical, rescue, fire, law enforcement or property damage incidents associated with visiting the park.

. Transportation and Equipment (Water-Based)

• All watercraft must be of a commercial use standard or equivalent.
• All lifejackets must be Coast Guard approved class II, III or V.
• Equipment used under this authorization is subject to a safety check at any time and may not be used if deemed to be in an unsafe condition.

 

Applying for a CUA

As part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed an online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports.

All CUA services that are currently accepting applications will be posted on the online portal.

Certain documents must be uploaded along with your application prior to review. 

Certificate of General Liability Insurance

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance
Liability insurance is required for all CUA holders under the terms of the authorization.  Such insurance should be of sufficient scope to cover all potential risks and in an amount to cover claims that can reasonably be expected in the event of serious injury or death. The minimum commercial general liability insurance is $500,000 per occurrence. Liability insurance policies must name the United States of America as additional insured.  The business or person that is providing the service must be the named insured (policy holder). Companies that provide transportation only are not required to have Commercial General Liability as long as the passengers do not disembark.

Other Required Insurance
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance is required if a CUA holder transports passengers or uses owned/leased/rented vehicles in the performance of the service in the park. If a CUA holder charters the vehicle and those chartered vehicles are owned and operated by another company, the CUA holder is not required to have Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. The minimum Commercial Auto Liability Insurance for interstate passenger transport is:

Commercial Vehicle Insurance – Passenger Transport (bodily injury and property damage)	Minimum per Occurrence Liability Limits
15 or fewer passengers	$1,500,000
16 or more passengers	$5,000,000

The commercial automobile liability insurance requirements for interstate operation of autos used in performance of the service in the park, but not to transport passengers, are:
 

Commercial Vehicle Insurance                Interstate Operations            (No Passenger Transport)	Minimum per Occurrence        Liability Limits
Small fleet vehicles under 10,001 pounds	$300,000
Fleet vehicles 10,001 pounds or more	$750,000

The NPS has not established commercial automobile liability minimums for intrastate auto use by CUA holders because each state has unique rules and regulations. Intrastate CUA holders must meet individual state requirements for Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance or the interstate requirements above, whichever are greatest.

If the CUA applicant or holder will use rented or leased vehicles in performance of the authorized service, the applicant or holder must secure appropriate insurance for that rented or leased vehicle in the amount required by the CUA application. Proof of insurance secured directly from the rental or lease company may not be available upon application submission, but applicants are required to provide proof of insurance coverage after application submission upon NPS request. 

Insurance Company Minimum Standards

The NPS has established the following minimum insurance company requirements which all insurance companies must meet. These standards apply to foreign insurance companies as well as domestic companies.

1. All insurers for all coverages must be rated no lower than A- by the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property/Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service.  
2. All insurers for all coverages must have Best’s Financial Size Category of at least VII according to the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property-Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service
3. The insurance ratings must be submitted with the CUA Application.  The rating companies do not issue certificates.  We require the insurance broker to note this rating in the Certificate. If the rating does not appear on the certificate, the insurance broker must provide it in another document.

Proof of Insurance Submission

Applicants must submit proof of insurance with the CUA Application. The proof of insurance must: 

• Be written in English with monetary amounts reflected in USD.
• Reflect that insurance coverage is effective at time of CUA Application submission.
• Name as insured the business or person that is providing the service.
• Name the United States as additional insured.
• Reflect a General Commercial Liability Policy with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
• Reflect required additional insurances (commercial vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
• Include insurance provider rating or provide in separate document.

 

Additional Requirements

Required Fees for All CUAs

CUA holders must pay the following fees to operate in the park. Depending on the activity, additional fees and permits may be required.

The online system includes a CUA application fee. Christiansted National Historic Site charges a nonrefundable application fee of $350 for the first application submitted by an applicant and $250 for any subsequent applications from the same applicant.

A flat management fee is charged as follows:

• Guided Interpretive Tours: $500
• Transport (non-tour) Road: $2000
• Transport (non-tour) Water: Market Price Fee (based on a percentage of revenue earned from in-park or park-dependent operations)
  • Less than $250,000 earned from park-based operations - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee).
  • $250,000 to $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 4% of gross receipts.  
  • More than $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 5% of gross receipts.

Additionally, CUA holders are responsible for ensuring that participants pay all applicable entrance fees at the time of arrival.

Annual Report

Previous year CUA holders are required to submit an Annual Report which is due when all trips have been completed but no later than January 15 of the following year. Gross receipts must be reported accurately. Reports can be submitted on the CUA Management Portal.  

 

CUA Revocation and Suspension Policy

This policy memorandum is intended to provide guidance regarding the actions taken in the event of a permittee violation (as defined in this policy). The Superintendent, at their discretion, may take actions other than those identified and retains the authority to immediately suspend, restrict, or revoke a CUA or deny a future CUA application for reasons not covered in this policy memorandum.