Applying for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit

ATV Transportation in Glacier Bay National Preserve, Dry Bay.

Photo/NPS

Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the park without a valid CUA permit or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

A CUA permit is 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 Glacier Bay,
• use park resources,
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

CUA Application Portal

The application period for all Glacier Bay CUAs is November 1 to April 30. A fully completed application package including insurance, fee payment, and other required documentation must be submitted by the April 30 deadline.

We are excited to announce the launch of the online CUA Application Portal and reporting system pilot. CUA applications for the 2023 CUA season will be accepted through the system until April 30, 2023. The system will streamline the application and reporting process for CUA applicants and holders. The NPS will use information gathered during this pilot to further refine the online system before it is fully launched in all NPS sites for the 2024 CUA season.

We will also provide the broader public a system overview in Spring of 2023 and will engage in a public comment period to solicit feedback on the system and associated fees. We will use the feedback received during the pilot and public comment period to improve the system before it goes into effect in 2024.

Please reach out to the CUA office if you have questions or concerns, or if you would rather submit your application using the existing CUA application form (NPS Form 10-550). Thank you for your participation!

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An instructional video, below, is available if you need help using the new online system.

 

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  How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit

  This video shows how a business can apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) permit through an online system.

  Duration:

  18 minutes, 31 seconds

 

 

Applicant Resources

When applying for a CUA, please use the following links to access current application, reporting forms, fee schedules, and additional application resources.

Application Checklist

Your CUA application will also require;

• An Alaska businesss license.
• Receipt of application and management fee.
• First Aid and CPR certifications for guides.
• Aircraft, vessel, and vehicle certification of documentation or licenses and expiration dates.
• Proof of insurance, view the minimum insurance requirements here. 
• A.M. Best Identification Number of the insurance company. All insurers must be admitted (licensed) in the state in which the permittee is domiciled.
• Statement explaining your policy regarding the use of Acknowledgement of Risk forms. You cannot require visitors to sign a waiver of liability statement, insurance disclaimer, or indemnification agreement. If you provide high-risk services, you may advise visitors of risks associated with the activity through the use of a Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form (Template). If you wish to modify the VAR you may not include "waiver of liability" language and must have park approval before using the modified form.
• Advertising brochure and website address.

Reporting

The new online application portal allows for report filing within that system. Applicants should contact the CUA office if they wish to use a paper process instead.

CUA Annual Report (form 10-660)
Required for all CUA Holders. This form must be submitted by November 15th of each year.

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Activity Reporting Forms

Required for all CUA Holders. Guided Activity Reports are due by November 15th. Alsek-Tat Rafting Report and Bear Survey due at completion of trip.

• Glacier Bay Alsek-Tat Rivers Rafting Report*

• Bear Survey for Alsek-Tat Rivers Rafting Trips*

• Glacier Bay Air Taxi Service Activity Report

• Glacier Bay Ferry Service Activity Report

• Glacier Bay Guided Services Activity Report - Use the Guided Services Activity Report Form for Guided Boating Trips, Group Camping, Backcountry, Day Hiking, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Photography, Winter Activities, and Vehicle Transportation Services.

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*Some forms are being updated. Please email if you need a copy before our 508 compliance work is complete. Thank you.

Fee Schedule

Glacier Bay Commercial Use Authorization Fee Schedule

Application Fee (due with application)
One-Year CUA $200
Two Year CUA $300

Management Fee (due with application)
One-Year CUA $100
Two Year CUA $200

Monitoring Fee for Alsek River Rafting Operators (due Nov 15)
Greater of $1000 or a per-person fee (in U.S. Funds) adjusted annually based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index.
 

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Fee Payments for Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve CUAs can be made online via Pay.gov-Glacier Bay Commercial Use Authorization Fees Form.

Please e-mail us your fee payment receipts.

Additional Application Resources

CUAs - Frequently Asked Questions
Insurance Requirements for CUAs in Glacier Bay
Pay.gov
American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training and Certification
State of Alaska Business Licensing

CUA Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Denial Policy

CUA Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Denial Policy