What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?
A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit, that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services with 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 by National Capital Parks-East.
- Will have minimal impact on National Capital Parks-East resources and values; and are consistent with National Capital Parks- East purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations,
- Take place at least in part in National Capital Parks-East,
- Use park resources, and result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit.
Fee-based activities are prohibited within National Capital Parks-East unless a concessions contract or commercial use authorization (CUA) has been granted under 36 CFR Section 5.3.
What are the fees for a CUA?
A $50 application fee + a $250 management fee is due with the submission of your application. The application fee is non-refundable.
What CUA actives are authorized 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)
Authorized commercial services must have minimal impact on park area’s resources and values; be consistent with the purpose for which the park area was established; and consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations.
If you'd like to apply or need further information about doing business in Anacostia Park, please contact National Capital Parks-East Concessions Management Specialist at NACE_Commercial_Services@nps.gov or 202.438.6591.
How long does it take to obtain a CUA? A minimum of thirty (30) business days or less is required for issuance of a CUA in National Capital Parks-East. Delays will occur if application materials are not submitted accurately or completely, or if authorizations needing operator signature are not returned promptly. All required documentation must be received before the CUA will be issued.
Don't Forget to Submit Prompt Payment!
Submit the application fee right away, your permit will not be processed until the fee is received. Payment must be made in the form of check or money order made payable to the National Park Service.
- Include a payment in the form of check or money order made payable to the National Park Service for the $300.00 application/management fee with the application package.
When is the application period?
The CUA application period is from year to year and are issued for a one-year period. Applications must be completed by new operators and each year by current operators.
Blank forms are available below:
