Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)

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 Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve; 
• Will have minimal impact on Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s resources and values; and 
• Are consistent with Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’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 Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, 
• use park resources, and 
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. 

Learn more about approved service types, how to apply for a CUA, reporting requirements, and more.

 

 

The Following Services Require CUAs in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

• Camping - frontcountry
• Climbing/Mountaineering - overnight Fairweather Range
• Ferry - passenger only Juneau-Bartlett Cove-Juneau
• Fishing - spin or fly
• Hiking/Walking - backcountry
• Hiking/Walking - frontcountry
• Photography Instruction
• Rafting
• Skiing/Snowshoeing Tours
• Transport (non-tour) - air
• Transport (non-tour) - ATV

How do I apply for a CUA? 

• Home - Commercial Use Authorization
• The National Park Service 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.
• Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve’s CUA application period is November 1 through April 30. CUAs are currently issued for one- or two-year periods. The operating year is from January 1 to December 31.

What are the CUA Reporting Requirements?

1. Annual Report (Form 10-660)

CUA holders in all park units must annually submit a completed Annual Report (previously form 10-660) on or before February 28th for the prior calendar year. Submission is required even if the CUA holder did not operate under the permit.

The Annual Report is submitted through the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (cua.nps.gov/) Please note, you will receive a system generated email in February when the system is open for reporting. You will not be able to enter reports or pay fees in the system until that time.

2. Activity Reporting - Visitor Use Reporting System (VURn)

CUA holders in all park units in Alaska must annually submit trip details through the Visitor Use Reporting System (VURn). Submission is required even if the CUA holder did not operate. Detailed reporting requirements are included in regional and park specific permit conditions.
Access the Visitor Use Reporting System (VURn) at https://irma.nps.gov/VURn/
Activity Reporting Deadline: November 15th

VURn System Resources

Visitor Use Reporting System CUA Holder User Guide - YouTube
Access this YouTube playlist to watch instructional videos and learn how to use the system. The playlist includes five videos (5 - 10 minutes each) which provide a system orientation and walk through areas such as entering trips in VURn, submitting your final activity report, downloading a VURn compatible Excel template, and more.

Visitor Use Reporting System CUA Holder User Guide - PDF Guide
Use this guide independently or with the instructional videos. The guide walks through how to create a VURn account through IRMA, entering trip data in VURn, accessing your fee summary report, frequently asked questions, and more.

EXCEL TEMPLATE UPDATES:
To import trips to VURn using an Excel template, CUA holders must download the current import template from the system. Reference User Guide Video 5 or the PDF User Guide, both linked above, for template download instructions.

CUA Office Contact Information

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
Commercial Services Office
PO Box 140
Gustavus, Alaska 99826
[phone]
[e-mail]

Important Links

• Insurance Requirements for CUAs in Glacier Bay
• Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk Form (Template)
• Pay.gov
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training and Certification
• State of Alaska Business Licensing
• CUA Suspension, Restriction, Revocation, and Denial Policy
• Superintendent's Compendium