BolarFlats_Questions_Answers_VER2_04_11_2025.pdf

Bolar Marina Prospectus – Questions with Answers 04/11/2025

1. The concessionaire will be able to charge a day use fee for the use of the boat launch and surrounding area. Will the day use pass issued at the marina be honored at the nearby campground and day use area?

ANSWER: No, each area will charge independent day use fees that are not reciprocal. The current day use fee for the Forest Service operated Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is $5. The concessionaire for the marina and associated day use area can propose the same, or a different fee as a part of the required business plan. See prospectus, Section IV. C.4. Fees Charges to the Public, Page 25. Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services).

All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be included in the business plan as an income item. The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public.

2. Will the selected concessionaire be required to secure a bond prior to operating the area, and if so, how much will be required?

ANSWER: Yes, the cost of a bond should be included as a startup expense, and the required amount will be $75,000. See Errata #2

3. What is the last day to ask questions?

ANSWER: The last day to ask questions about the prospectus will be Monday, April 14 since the deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, April 16. Any additional questions received by April 14 will be posted on SAM.gov on April 15. See also Errata #2.

Bolar Marina Prospectus – Questions with Answers 04/07/2025

1. The sewage treatment plant for the nearby Bolar Mountain Recreation Area is expected to be replaced next year, how long do you anticipate the recreation area being closed?

ANSWER: We anticipate the recreation area to be closed for all of 2026 and that closure could extend into a portion of 2027. The Forest Service will notify the permit holder in advance of expected closures. The Marina and Day Use Area is on a separate wastewater system and will not be impacted.

2. Can a bulk propane tank be installed for propane fill ups?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section II. N. Other Pertinent Information, Page 18, Butane and Propane Installations.

3. Who is responsible for sign replacements within the area?

ANSWER: See Appendix 9, Section 5b11, Page 79. The successful applicant must ensure that signs, bulletin boards, and fee stations are well-maintained and meet Forest Service sign standards as required in the proposed annual operating plan and Special Use Permit, Form 2700-4h, Clause II.H..

4. If the nearby campgrounds are closed next year and my revenue is reduced, how will my permit fee be calculated?

ANSWER: See Appendix 10: Sample Special Use Permit, Section V. A. Land Use Fees. The fee to the government is a percentage of the concession’s adjusted gross revenue.

5. Would the opportunity to create more dry storage be available by utilizing additional parking lots?

ANSWER: Prospective applicants can propose utilizing parking areas within the permit area for dry storage in their proposed operating plan (Appendix 9) as part of their application package.

6. The rental of the group picnic shelter is done through Recreation.gov, what about the dry storage and marina slips?

ANSWER: The group picnic shelter is the only component of the site that is reservable through Recreation.gov.

7. Would adding electricity to the dry storage area be allowed?

ANSWER: Applicants can propose electric service to sites offered in the prospectus within an application package. The Forest Service will consider the proposal for a Granger-Thye Fee offset agreement. See prospectus, Section III. C. Granger-Thye Fee Offset Agreement, Page 19.

8. If I wanted to make capital improvements to the area, such as replacing the gas pump with one that has a built-in credit card reader, what happens to the asset if my permit is not extended beyond 5 years?

ANSWER: See Appendix 10: Sample Special Use Permit, Clause II.E. Alteration of Government Improvements on page 3.

9. If a special use permit is issued this year after the operating season has begun, would the permit expire exactly 5 years after it is issued, or would it extend until the end of the 5th year operating season?

ANSWER: See Appendix 10: Sample Special Use Permit, Clause I.C. Term, on page 1. The special use permit will expire at midnight on December 31, 5 years from the date of issuance.

10. If the closure of the campgrounds significantly affects my revenue, would the permit be extended for the same amount of time that the campgrounds are closed?

ANSWER: No, potential temporary campground closures would not extend the length of the authorization.

11. Is there a fee associated with use of the boat ramp, if someone just drops off a boat and then leaves?

ANSWER: Yes, use of the boat ramp to launch a boat requires a day use fee. See also answer to question 15.

12. How much does the marina make?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section I.A. Introduction, Page 5, for the annual gross revenue generated over the last three years of full-service operation at the Bolar Flat Marina. The Forest Service does not guarantee a profitable operation. Rather, applicants are responsible for reviewing the prospectus and making their own determination concerning business viability.

13. Are there any contingencies in place for a permit holder to recoup any revenue lost as a result of the campground being closed for wastewater treatment plant replacement?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section IV. C. 1. Proposed Annual Operating Plan, Page 23, for operating season. The permit holder is responsible for reviewing the prospectus and making their own determination concerning business viability.

14. What are the plans for the picnic area?

ANSWER: The picnic area is a part of the day use area. Applicants can propose improvements to this area as a part of the operating plan and proposals could be considered for a Granger-Thye Fee offset project.

15. Would the permittee be compensated for campers that come to the day use area?

ANSWER: Campers in nearby Forest Service operated campgrounds that choose to utilize the Bolar Flat Day Use facilities included in this prospectus are required to pay the day use fee for that area.

16. Can fees charged to the public be adjusted every year?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section IV. C.4. Fees Charges to the Public, Page 25. Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services). All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be included in the business plan as an income item. The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public.

17. Who is responsible for pumping septic tanks, when needed?

ANSWER: See Appendix 9, Section 5b2. Toilet Facilities, Page 77. The successful applicant will be responsible for pumping septic tanks for flush toilets on a schedule agreed to with the Forest Service under permit holder Maintenance, Reconditioning, and Renovation (MRR).

18. Can firewood and boats be delivered to the nearby campgrounds?

ANSWER: See Appendix 9, Section 19 Additional Services, Page 13. The delivery of supplies, equipment, and services to the campground will require a separate special use authorization and is not a part of this prospectus. Firewood sales and boat rentals at the marina store can be included in the proposed annual operating plan for consideration by the Forest Service.

19. Will the Forest Service help with hazard tree removal?

ANSWER: See Appendix 9, Page 69. The successful applicant is solely responsible for correcting any safety and management deficiencies, including inspecting, identifying, and felling of hazard trees in the permit area.

20. Did this area operate last season and are campground operations possible in the future with successful operation of the marina?

ANSWER: The Forest Service has partially operated the marina area since 2019. The campground is not offered in this prospectus.

21. Is there a rate sheet for the maximum allowed fees for the area?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section IV. C.4. Fees Charges to the Public, Page 25. Applicants must provide a list of all fees they propose to charge to the public for the first three years of operation, including fees for required and optional services (see Appendix 9, Sample Annual Operating Plan, for a list of required and optional services). All proposed fees to be charged to the public also must be included in the business plan as an income item. The Forest Service reserves the right to regulate the rates charged to the public.

22. Will this prospectus result in a lease of the area or is it a management contract?

ANSWER: This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession marina special use permit.

23. What are the financial benefits of the proposal and is it a percentage of the revenue?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section IV. C.5. Fee to the Government, Page 26. Applicants must propose a fee to the government as a percentage of the concession’s adjusted gross revenue.

24. Is there a cost estimate, budget, or ballpark figure for the project listed? Is there an actual start date for the project?

ANSWER: This prospectus is being issued to solicit applications for a concession marina special use permit. This is not a solicitation for a repair contract for any of the facilities. It is a prospectus for a concessionaire to operate and maintain the facilities. We anticipate issuance of a special use authorization by mid-summer of this year.

25. Is there an incumbent currently operating?

ANSWER: The area has not been operated and maintained by a concessionaire since 2019.

26. Are there any Forest Service plans to improve sites at the nearby campgrounds?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section I.G., Page 12 for planned Forest Service projects in the Bolar Mountain Recreation Area. The Forest Service will notify the permit holder in advance of expected closures and anticipated impacts to the Marina and Day Use Area.

27. Can the new sidewalk that leads from the main parking area to the day use restroom building be extended to tie in to the asphalt pathway that leads to the group picnic area?

ANSWER: Applicants can propose improvements to this area as a proposed Granger-Thye Fee offset project.

28. Can electric service be restored to the floating dock?

ANSWER: Applicants can propose improvements to this area as a proposed Granger-Thye Fee offset project.

29. Can storage boxes be installed on the floating dock at each slip?

ANSWER: Applicants can propose improvements to this area as a part of the operating plan and proposals could be considered for a Granger-Thye Fee offset project.

30. Will the Forest Service provide a dock cable layout?

ANSWER: The Forest Service will provide a copy of the layout to the successful applicant.

31. Will the current fee “tube” be replaced and can the location change?

ANSWER: Applicants can propose changes to the fee tube or its location as a proposed Granger-Thye Fee offset project.

32. Can I post regulations on the information kiosk by the fee tube?

ANSWER: See Appendix 10: Sample Special Use Permit, Form 2700-4h, Clause II.H.; and Appendix 9 Section 7 Signs and Posters. Erected signs shall be approved and maintained to standards determined by the Forest Service.

33. Will the Forest Service operate the site this season until a concessionaire is chosen?

ANSWER: Yes, the Forest Service will open the day use area this season prior to a issuance of an authorization to the successful applicant.

34. After being selected, can the concessionaire advertise or generate interest with the public prior to beginning operations?

ANSWER: See Appendix 10: Sample Special Use Permit, Form 2700-4h, Clause II. N.

Advertising. The successful applicant shall not misrepresent in any way the accommodations or services provided or the status of the permit or permit area. All forms of the applicant’s advertising shall state that the permit area is located in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

35. **Small Business Development Center**

ANSWER: See Errata 1. The Forest Service will not require an independent review of business plans by a Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Applicants are required to submit a business plan, business experience, and references in the application package.

36. Will the facilities be in a working condition prior to authorizing a concession permit?

ANSWER: Yes, all facilities will be operational prior to issuance of a special use permit to the successful applicant.

37. What are the maintenance responsibilities for each party – both the Forest Service and the concessionaire?

ANSWER: See prospectus, Section III.B. Permit Holder Responsibilities, Page 19 and Appendix 10, Clause IID: Holder Maintenance, Reconditioning, and Renovation.