What is a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA)?
Section 418 of the National Park Service Concession Management Improvement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C. 5966 Public Law 105-81) authorizes the NPS to issue CUAs to authorize a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide commercial visitor services in parks. Without a CUA, other permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, such activities otherwise are prohibited under 36 CFR § 5.3. CUAs are required if an operator provides goods or services to park visitors that: 1) take place at least in part on property managed by the NPS; 2) use park resources; and 3) are for the purpose of monetary gain or profit.
What are the general criteria for the issuance of a CUA?
The authorization is issued to a qualified operator to permit the provision of appropriate commercial services to park area visitors. A qualified operator is an organization that the superintendent determines has the ability to satisfactorily provide visitor services and carry out the terms of the CUA.
Authorized commercial services must:
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Be consistent with the purpose for which the park area was established
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Be consistent with all applicable park area management plans, policies, and regulations
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Have minimal impact on park area’s resources and values
The holder must agree to comply with all of the general and specific conditions described in the CUA conditions. You should familiarize yourself with these conditions listed in the CUA application before applying for a CUA.
What commercial activities are authorized in Natchez National Historical Park?
Guided Tours: Walking, Bicycle, and/or Golf Cart Tours This activity allows CUA holders to conduct guided tours of park sites. Programs offered must support the park purpose, visitor experience, visitor education, visitor safety and resource protection.
Limited Food and Beverages: (Mobile food carts, kiosks, trucks, etc.) This service would enhance the visitor experience and encourage visitors to extend the duration of their visit to the park sites.
If the activity you wish to provide is not listed, please call us at (601) 442-7047 or email the CUA Coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
For what length of time is a CUA issued?
CUAs are issued for up to two years. The CUA operating year is January 1 to December 31.
How long does it take to obtain a CUA?
A minimum of thirty (30) business days is required for issuance of a CUA. 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. Applications with missing documentation not submitted within 30 days will be denied.
What are the fees for a CUA?
A $150 non-refundable application fee is due with the application. An Annual Market Price Fee which is based on the percentage of your annual gross receipts from operating within the park minus the $150 application fee will be due at the end of calendar year of operation.
Why does the park charge a fee for a CUA?
National Park Service Policy requires the Superintendent to charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. The park retains such fees to help pay the cost of the CUA program, including administration, evaluations, monitoring and training.
What happens once I submit an application?
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Once we have reviewed your application packet you will be notified if further information is needed. Once we have received all required documents, we will send you a CUA authorization form for your signature.
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You will then sign and return the CUA authorization form for final approval.
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You are not authorized to begin providing commercial services in the Park until you receive the CUA that has been signed by the Superintendent.
Download a CUA application.
For more information about CUAs please email us.
