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Solicitation for a Concessions Business Opportunity to Operate Rustic Lodging, Food and Beverage, and Other Services at Charit Creek Lodge within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.SER SOUTHEAST REGION(50000) · Response deadline: Tue, 20 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The National Park Service (NPS) is soliciting a concessionaire to operate rustic lodging, food and beverage, and other visitor services at Charit Creek Lodge, located within Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee. This is a concessions business opportunity rather than a standard procurement contract—meaning the selected operator will provide services directly to park visitors and generate revenue through fees rather than receiving payment from the government.

Charit Creek Lodge is a backcountry lodging facility accessible primarily by hiking, horseback, or mountain bike trails. Concessions contracts of this type typically require the operator to maintain lodging accommodations, prepare and serve meals, manage reservations, and provide customer service in a remote, natural setting. The rustic nature of the facility suggests limited modern amenities, with emphasis on preserving the wilderness experience.

Concession operations in national parks operate under special use permits or commercial service contracts governed by the Concessions Management Improvement Act and NPS policies. The concessionaire generally pays a franchise fee or percentage of gross receipts to NPS and must comply with park-specific operating standards, environmental guidelines, and visitor use plans.

Key facts

Who can bid

This is a full and open competition under NAICS code 713990 (All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries), with no set-aside program restricting eligibility. Any qualified entity—small or large business—may submit a proposal.

To compete effectively, prospective bidders should have experience in hospitality operations, particularly in remote or rustic settings. NPS concessions solicitations typically evaluate:

• Experience and capability: Prior lodging and food service operations, especially in federal concessions, parks, or similar backcountry environments
• Financial capacity: Ability to sustain operations in a seasonal or limited-access facility where startup costs and cash flow management are critical
• Resource stewardship commitment: Proposed practices for environmental protection, historic preservation, and sustainable operations aligned with NPS mission

Because Charit Creek Lodge's remote location requires visitor access by non-motorized means, bidders should demonstrate understanding of logistical challenges including supply chain management, emergency response planning, and staff housing considerations.

How to put together a competitive bid

For this type of concessions opportunity, focus on these practical elements:

Demonstrate relevant operational experience. Include detailed examples of prior lodge, inn, or backcountry hospitality operations. If you have held NPS or USDA Forest Service concession contracts previously, highlight performance evaluations and franchise fee payment history.

Address the unique constraints of a trail-accessible facility. Detail your plans for: food and supply delivery systems; waste removal protocols; staff recruitment and retention in a remote location; and seasonal operations planning given variable visitation and weather conditions.

Develop a realistic financial proposal. Concessions contracts typically require minimum franchise fee guarantees (fixed annual payments) and/or percentage of gross receipts. See the solicitation for the specific fee structure and duration. Your financial projections should account for limited guest capacity, seasonal demand fluctuations, and infrastructure maintenance obligations.

Emphasize visitor experience and resource stewardship. NPS prioritizes proposals that align with park interpretive themes, minimize environmental impact, and enhance visitor understanding of the Big South Fork landscape. Consider partnerships with local organizations, educational programming, or sustainable practices that differentiate your proposal.

Review bonding and insurance requirements. Concessionaires typically must provide performance bonds, liability insurance, and other financial assurances; see the solicitation for specific thresholds.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number CC-BISO001-27 to obtain the complete concession prospectus, proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and contract terms. Note the firm response deadline of October 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Given the specialized nature of this opportunity and potentially extensive proposal requirements, begin preparation immediately if interested.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →