We are excited to announce the development of an online CUA system designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for NPS staff and applicants. PHASE 1 - We began accepting CUA applications through the online system in some parks starting on December 1, 2023, for the 2024 CUA season. PHASE 2 - All parks will be using the system by the 2025 CUA season and will implement a standard CUA application fee. *The link to the application will be placed here when it is made available. For the first application submitted during a CUA season, the applicant will pay a $350 application fee. That same applicant will pay a $250 application fee for each subsequent application submitted to the same NPS unit during the same CUA season. These standard application fees will be reviewed every two years and may be adjusted to ensure the NPS is collecting the full cost of receiving and processing the application, as required by federal law. CUA management fees will continue to be collected through the system and assessed at the unit level. There are no plans to standardize CUA management fees. What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?Public Law 105-391, Section 418, which was signed in 1998, provides for the issuance of Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) to a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide suitable commercial services for park area visitors. Commercial activities are generally prohibited in National Parks unless authorized by a CUA or concessions contract. What Activities and Services are Authorized Through a CUA?National Mall and Memorial Parks currently issues CUAs for the following activities: Pedicab operator, Guided Outdoor Fitness Classes All CUAs are issued for up to two year. The CUA operating year is from January 1 to December 31. For each application there is a $350 application fee for the first application submitted during a CUA season. That same applicant will pay a $250 application fee for each subsequent application submitted to the same park during the same CUA season. Apply for a CUA1.Apply for a CUA through the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS). CUA Annual Reporting and Fees
• All CUA holders are required to submit an annual report, NPS Form 10-660 by January 31st following the operating year. • A separate annual report is required for each CUA. • An annual report is required even if no revenue was earned during the operating year.
Application Fees
Management Fees
Fee Authorization
Management Fees are calculated using the amount reported under Gross Receipts (question 8) on the NPS 10-660 Form. • “Gross receipts” represents the total amount of all revenues received from services CUA holder is permitted to offer within National Mall and Memorial Parks. Services conducted outside National Mall and Memorial Parks should not be included when calculating gross receipts. • The percentage of gross receipts for Services will be calculated by: • Businesses with gross annual receipts of $250,000 or less will pay 3% of their gross receipts. • Businesses will pay 4% of gross receipts for amounts between $250,001 to $500,000, this is in addition to the 3% for gross receipts under $250,000 listed above. • Businesses will pay 5% of gross receipts for the amount of gross receipts over $500,000.01; this is in addition to the amounts listed above. • The $350 application fee is a mandatory, one-time, non-refundable fee submitted when applying for a CUA. The application fee is credited toward the determined management fee due for each activity during the Annual Report submittal process.
• Please download the annual report form using the link provided at the bottom of this page. Older versions of the report form may not be accepted. This form is in PDF format and can be viewed or printed using Adobe Acrobat and other PDF readers. • Follow the step-by-step instructions found on page 3 of the NPS 10-660 Form. • Email completed forms to: e-mail us. Do not make payment for management fees due at this time. • The annual report will be reviewed and an invoice will be provided via email stating the management fees due with a direct link to make your payment via www.pay.gov. This email will include a management fee calculation tool which provides a breakdown of how the fees were calculated. • Management fees are due within 30 days from the date on the invoice. When making payment at www.pay.gov, please send a copy of the receipt to e-mail us
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Last updated: December 10, 2024