Application Process and Insurance Needs

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Annual Checklist

• Submit application packets 45 days prior to first trip in park.
• Sign and return CUA documents and operating plans.
• Submit guide card requests.
• Submit Annual Financial Report and Management Fee Calculation Form to the Concessions Management Office by January 31st, after the operating year has ended prior to paying management fees. Please note that Management Fee Calculation Forms and management fees are not required for service-based CUAs.
• Submit management fees due via Pay.gov once you receive notification from the Concessions Management Office that your report has been reviewed and is correct.
• Provide the Concessions Management Office with new advertising materials as they are developed.

 

Submitting an Application

Application packets must be submitted for new applicants and current CUA holders on a yearly basis. Applications must be submitted 45 days prior to operating in the park. Applicants must submit a complete application packet, which includes the following documents:

• Service-based CUAs require a service-based CUA application. Activity-based CUAs require an activity-based CUA application. You may submit one application under each category for all activities you are applying for in that category (activity-based and service-based).
• Signed operating plan for the activity you are applying for
• Application fee receipt from Pay.gov (All application fee payments must be submitted through this website)
• CUA application questions (Only required if you are requesting a new CUA activity)
• Auto insurance certificate (Required if you transport clients in your vehicle within the park or utilize a vehicle in the performance of your CUA within the park)
• General liability insurance certificate (Required for all CUA holders)
• Risk acknowledgement form (If you require you clients to sign one; you cannot require clients sign a waiver of liability)
• Advertising materials and/or website information (If used)

Incomplete application packets will not be processed until all required documents are received. Current insurance certificates must be submitted with your application packet.

Applications must be submitted electronically to [e-mail].

 

Insurance Requirements for CUA Holders

Commercial General Liability Insurance

All CUA holders are required to maintain comprehensive general liability coverage in the amount of $500,000 minimum per occurrence.

Commercial Automobile Liability Coverage

In addition to general liability coverage, the CUA holder must also maintain commercial automobile liability coverage for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used to carry clients within the park for a trip under the CUA or if you utilize a vehicle in the performance of your CUA within the park. The minimum amount of commercial automobile liability coverage required is based on the number of passengers a vehicle was originally manufactured to carry and is shown in the chart below. The policy shall be underwritten by a United States company and must list the following address as an additional insured party:

United States of America
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190

Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance Requirements

Number of Passengers Vehicle was Manufactured to Carry (bodily injury and property damage)	Minimum Required Coverage per Occurrence Liability Limits
Up to 6 passengers	$1,000,000
6–15 passengers	$1,500,000
16–25 passengers	$3,000,000
26+ passengers	$5,000,000

 

Submission Process

1. Once we have reviewed your application packet we will send your approved CUA form and operating plan for your signature or inform you if there is additional information we require via the email address listed on the application.
2. You will then need to sign and return the CUA forms and operating plans to [e-mail]. Your CUA is not final until you return the signed paperwork.
3. Complete a Guide Card Request Form and email to [e-mail]. Do not submit copies of CPR certification cards or driver’s licenses.
4. Guide cards will be sent to the CUA holder when all required documents have been received. Additions or changes to the guides list may be emailed to [e-mail] throughout the year. Once you receive your guide cards, you are authorized to enter the park to provide tours.
5. Guides who are guiding trips or training will be allowed to enter the park by showing either a digital copy or printed copy of their guide card at the entrance station, they will not be required to pay an entrance fee for themselves. Clients will be required to pay entrance fees or they may use passes to cover the fee (senior pass, annual pass, and so forth).
6. When arriving at the entry station, please have the following items/information ready to provide to the entrance station employee:
   • Number of clients entering the park
   • Number of clients over 16
   • Guide card
   • Payment/passes to use for entry fees

 

Resources

• Activity-based CUA Application
• Service-based CUA Application
• NPS Risk Acknowledgement
• Insurance Certificate Sample
• CUA Application Questions
• Guide Card Request
• 2020 Annual Report Form
• 2020 Management Fee Calculator

 

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the Concessions Management Office at 307-344-2271 or [e-mail].