Fort_Tilden_Camping_Solicitation_for_Posting_Release.pdf

National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior

Gateway National Recreation Area, Jamaica Bay Unit Commercial Use Authorization Solicitation- 2017 Season

Operation of an Overnight Camping Pilot at Fort Tilden 169th Street or at Davis Road as depicted (Location A or B or C)

Release Date

May 16, 2017

Proposals Due

June 16, 2017

Site Visit

May 23, 2017. 1-3 p.m.

RSVP required to gateway_bmd@nps.gov no later than 1 pm, May 22, 2017.

Q & A

Ongoing and during Site Visit to:

gateway_bmd@nps.gov no later than 5pm, May 31, 2017. Final Q & A Document to be posted online at nps.gov/gate.

Fort Tilden CUA Solicitation- 2017 Season

Overnight Camping Pilot

The Superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area announces the intent to issue one (1) in-park

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) in accordance with Public Law 105-391, Section 418.

Description of Area

The CUAs will authorize overnight camping operations and camp supply rentals in Fort Tilden in the

Jamaica Bay Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Fort Tilden is located 13 miles southeast of

Downtown Brooklyn, and is accessible by buses from the Flatbush Avenue 2/5 subway (Q22), the

Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St A/S subway (Q35), the NYC Beach Bus from Williamsburg/Bushwick, the

American Princess Rockaway Ferry to Riis Landing, and the recently-launched NYC Ferry Rockaway route, stopping in Rockaway Park.

Fort Tilden consists of three main anchors: the Post (an administrative area), the fortification area, and the wharf area (Riis Landing). Locations A, B, and C, the sites for the overnight camping pilot, are in the Post.

The details of the locations are listed below:

Location Area Boundaries Notes

Location A Approximately 0.5 acres

Not more than 10

Campsites

Davis Road on the west, Murray Road to the north, Beach

169 Street on the east, and the parking area to the south.

Does not include use of Building T-25 on site. Does not include use of picnic table area directly adjacent to the south. Adjacent front-in parking spaces can be used on a basis of one vehicle per tent. Other parking areas to be identified by NPS. NPS will issue any necessary parking permits.

OR

Location B

Approximately 0.5 acres

Davis Road on the west, Murray Road to the north, Beach

169 Street on the east, and the parking area to the south.

Does not include use of Building T-25 on site. Adjacent front-in parking spaces can be used on a basis of one vehicle per tent. Other parking areas to be identified by NPS. NPS will issue any necessary parking permits.

OR

Location C Approximately 0.5 acres

Davis Road on the south, vegetation on

Parking areas to be identified by NPS.

NPS will issue any necessary parking the north and east, and a recreation field to the west.

permits.

Applicants may submit proposals for the use of only one of the three locations (i.e., A only or B only or C only).

Operating Window

The Park will issue a CUA (Attachment A) for the summer 2017 season which will authorize one overnight camping provider to operate for 45 continuous days from early-August to mid-September, with additional days before and after this operation window for set-up and take-down/removal of all temporary structures and associated appurtenances, though NPS may choose to authorize an extension of the pilot program at its sole discretion. The CUA will be issued for one season and will not be renewed. Superintendent retains the right to issue determinations as to compatibility with and impact to natural and other Park resources.

The Superintendent reserves the right to suspend or terminate operations at the discretion of the

Superintendent upon 24 hours’ notice, or without notice if damage to resources or facilities occurs or is threatened, or in the event the Superintendent determines it necessary in the interest of public safety, public health, or general welfare, notwithstanding any other term or condition of the Authorization to the contrary.

Description of Services Solicited:

The Applicant is to offer no more than ten (10) campsites containing temporary structures suitable for overnight or multi-day camping at the locations identified by NPS. The Applicant is required to manage the site and undertake or provide the following:

a. Reservation System.

b. Sleeping accommodations for multiple guests in each structure.

c. Shower areas. On-site discharge of greywater is prohibited. All greywater must be removed from site at operator's sole expense. Coordination with park staff for truck scheduling will be required.

d. Comfort Stations/Toilets- Must be cleaned, maintained, and pumped out if applicable and carted off-site, at the operator’s sole expense.

e. Picnic Areas - NPS picnic areas are authorized by permit only and are not available for use in connection with camping activities proposed or authorized under this solicitation. The operator may bring in picnic tables to support the camping pilot program.

f. Fire Pits or Rings - Subject to review and approval by NPS safety officer and fire protection officer.

g. A camp store - For camping related supplies and equipment. Pre-packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage items may be sold under this permit. Any prepared foods will require a public health inspection by the NPS Public Health Officer.

h. Trash and Waste Removal- Operator should support the park’s carry-in-out policy, but is ultimately responsible for all trash removal generated at the site. The park may identify an area to be used in connection with trash collection and removal responsibilities under this

Authorization. The park facilities staff will coordinate with the operator on trash removal.

i. Lockers.

j. On-site host or representative who must be available during all camper check-in and must also is available during night hours from 8PM to 8AM, 7 days per week for the duration of the program.

k. CUA Holder Contact Information that must be posted in a visible location at all times.

l. Marketing materials such as but not limited to brochures, tear sheets, and print advertising, all of which must be approved by NPS.

m. Appropriate signage which must be approved by NPS.

n. Parking: The Park will issue (1) parking permit per camp site.

o. Maximum Stay - No guest is allowed to book more than seven consecutive days at any camp site.

Camping Rules and Regulations:

Visitors/patrons must adhere to all NPS rules and regulations, including Code of Federal Regulations Title

36, Chapter 1 Parks, Forests and Public Property

(https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm) and the Superintendent’s Compendium

(https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/management/upload/2017-Gateway-Compendium.pdf). A summary of applicable Rules and Regulations for camping is attached; copies of this are to be posted throughout the site and distributed to all campers upon check-in/registration.

Camping Rules and Regulations: The Holder is required to abide by and enforce the following Rules and Regulations:

a. Glass containers, alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited in the campground. 36 CFR

1.5

b. Only 6 people are permitted per Camping Pod. CFR 2.10 ( a)

c. Resale, auction, or transfer of campsite reservations is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.3

d. Leaving property unattended for more than 24 hours is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.22(a)(2)

e. Trash may not be left unattended. All trash must be removed from the campsite and placed in the dumpster. 36 CFR 2.14 https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/management/upload/2017-Gateway-Compendium.pdf

f. Food must be stored properly away from wildlife. Food cannot be left unattended. 36 CFR

2.10 (d)

g. Fires are only permitted within the campfire ring or similar amenity provided specifically for this use. 36 CFR 2.13 (a) (1)

h. Fires must always be attended and put out completely with water when not attended. Do not let them smolder. 36 CFR 2.13 (a) (4), 36 CFR 2.13 (b)

i. Firewood must be purchased at check in. Collecting firewood in the park is not permitted.

No outside wood is permitted in the park. 36 CFR 1.5

j. Tying or stringing hammocks, clotheslines or tarps to trees is prohibited. 36 CFR 2.1(a)

k. Children under 18: Reservations at this facility require an adult (18 and older) be present onsite

Operation Stipulations:

NPS will not provide water, electrical, or utility services to support camping operations; nor are any on-site utility services available through other providers. NPS will provide no security services for the site(s).

Only temporary and removable furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) approved by NPS are permitted to be erected or brought on site by the Applicant; no facility with a permanent connection to the site is permitted. The Applicant may only use sleeping accommodations and comfort stations/toilets/showers which can be quickly and easily moved in the event of an emergency.

The Applicant must provide trash and recycling receptacles in the immediate area of operations and remove trash and recycling on a daily basis for the duration of the pilot. Trash and recycling must be disposed of in a manner consistent with NPS practices and policies, and as directed by the Jamaica Bay Unit Coordinator or her/his designee.

Commercial Use Authorization Requirements:

Applicants interested in this opportunity must complete and submit the attached Commercial Use

Authorization (CUA) Application (Attachment B) and a non-refundable $150.00 Application Fee.

Selected Applicants will be required to:

1. Remit Payment for the Administrative Processing and Management Oversight Fee. Fees are non-refundable. Review attached CUA for potential costs associated with this activity.

2. Follow all the terms and Conditions of the attached CUA, which includes, but is not limited to:

a. Submit proof of insurance (General Liability $1 Million per occurrence /$3 Million aggregate).

b. Provide statement of gross receipts from activities conducted under this authorization within thirty (30) days of expiration of the CUA. Selected applicants are required to maintain accounting systems and make all financial records related to the activities conducted under the CUA available to the United States of America and the General Accounting Office.

Selected applicants may also be required to provide information related to visitor use statistics and resource impact assessments at the request of the Superintendent.

c. Comply with inspections and approvals by NPS and by United States Public Health Service

(USPHS) personnel. Inspections will take place prior to commencement of operations authorized herein. Inspections may also take place anytime thereafter to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local safety, sanitation, and health codes.

d. Comply with Park Signage Requirements.

Selection Criteria:

Applicants will be rated on a scale of 1 to 4 as follows:

Scale Rating Description

1 Poor Does not meet criteria

2 Fair Meets some criteria

3 Good Meets the criteria

4 Excellent Exceeds all criteria

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria for Overnight Camping services which should be addressed in any proposal submitted to NPS for consideration in connection with this opportunity:

Criteria 1 – Experience and Operations

The Park prefers an operator that has the:

1. Experience necessary to successfully facilitate high-quality overnight camping operation with a concept that will attract customers. Proven track record operating camping facilities in a National

Park(s) or venue of the same scale, as demand dictates.

2. The ability to undertake and maintain a robust and multifaceted advertising and marketing program using multiple media platforms to promote Fort Tilden and the Jamaica Bay Unit at-large and the services and activities offered by the operator including use of social media to attract customers and notify the public of hours of operation and location at any given time.

3. Appearance and design of camping structures (sleeping accommodations, comfort facilities, and the associated appurtenances.) must be visibly appealing, in good condition, clean on the inside and outside, and complementary to the surrounding natural environment. Please identify which campsite you have selected, Location A, B, or C. Submit drawings or photographs of the structures you propose to use, and an overall site plan with dimensions of the site, all camping structures, and associated facilities (comfort station, camp store, etc.) which indicates ingress/egress points and areas required for logistics (set-up/tear-down of site, comfort station cleaning/pumping truck, waste and recycling collection, etc.). Please be sure to include dimensions of all structures you propose to use.

Criterion 2 – Sustainability

The Park prefers operators that offer:

1. Eco-friendly operation including such as use of biodegradable materials or packaging (if any) for camp store items, which are preferably made of sustainable or recycled materials.

2. Trash management and removal and recyclables. Please describe the manner by which you will manage and remove trash and recyclables. Please note, the Park requires the areas to be kept litter free. Additionally, the Park has a carry-in/carry out trash policy and is looking for operators who can support this mission.

Criterion 3 – Services

Applicants should include:

1. Commitment to provide quality rental equipment that is well maintained and clean. Applicants should provide a list of proposed rental equipment you will provide at the camp store and proposed pricing for the rentals.

2. The capacity or ability to provide camping-related items such as firewood, matches/lighters, plastic cups/plates/utensils, biodegradable soaps, rainwear and swimwear, first-aid kits, toothbrush/toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent, tarps, lanterns, batteries, maps/area information, etc. Applicants should include a proposed list of camp store items to be sold and proposed pricing.

3. Applicant’s ability to accept credit cards.

Please Note: Previous CUA Holders who have not met obligations of previously issued CUAs will not be considered for this opportunity.

General Information can be found on the Gateway National Recreation Area website:

www.nps.gov/gate

Applications must include the Applicant’s name, address, phone number, and email address on the face of the envelope. Applications with the $150 application fee should be mailed or sent to:

Application- Fort Tilden Commercial Use Authorization

Gateway National Recreation Area

Attn: Business Management Division

210 New York Avenue

Staten Island, New York 10305

Applications may also be submitted via electronic mail to: gateway_bmd@nps.gov. Electronic submissions will not be considered to have been received until the Applicant mails or sends the $150 application fee and receives an electronic response from the Park notifying the Applicant that their application and application fee have been received. Telephonic proposals, faxes, and other means of transmittal will not be considered. Applications and supporting documents will not be returned.

Applicants are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future applications.

Questions about this opportunity are due by May 31, 2017. Questions may be submitted via electronic mail to gateway_bmd@nps.gov.

All applicants will receive the courtesy of a reply.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 1:00 p.m. (EST), FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017. APPLICATIONS

RECEIVED AFTER 1:00 p.m. (EST), FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017 WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. THE

PARK WILL NOTIFY SELECTED APPLICANTS ON OR BEFORE JULY 17, 2017*. *SUBJECT TO

COMPLETION OF NECESSARY COMPLIANCE REVIEW.

The Park reserves the right to reject one or all proposals, to refuse to issue a CUA, or to discontinue this

Solicitation at any given time without penalty or liability.

mailto:gate_bmd@nps.gov