Commercial Use Authorizations

Skate rentals at Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

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 National Capital Parks — East; 
• Will have minimal impact on National Capital Parks — East’s resources and values; and 
• Are consistent with National Capital Parks — East’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 National Capital Parks — East, 
• use park resources, and 
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.

The following services require CUAs in National Capital Parks – East

Current CUA authorized services in National Capital Parks-East include:

• Minor Boat Repair and Maintenance
• Fitness Activities (i.e. yoga, instructional biking, skating, or fishing)
• Educational Activities (i.e. educational pods)
• Temporary Food and Beverage as Part of a Permitted Event

How do I apply for a CUA? 

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.

Apply for a CUA through the online system

• CUA applications may be made at any time. Certain activities may differ based upon seasonality.

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. 

CUA holders must also submit monthly reports via the online CUA system by the 15th of each month for operations that occurred during the previous month. This report does not require the CUA holder to submit financial information.

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.

CUA Office Contact Information

• Email us for more information about Commercial Use Authorizations at National Capital Parks — East.