Silos Concession Prospectus - July 2026.pdf

Concession Prospectus For the Operation and Maintenance of a

Recreation Concession at Silos Recreation Area

Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Townsend, Montana

Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program

Missouri Basin Region

U.S. Department of the Interior July 2026

Mission of the Department of the Interior

The U.S. Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources;

and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska

Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities.

Mission of the Bureau of Reclamation

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction

A. Reclamation Concession Management

2. Business Opportunity

A. Area of Operation

B. Concession Information

C. Scope of Work

1. Required Visitor Facilities and Services

2. Authorized Visitor Services

D. Operation, Maintenance, Repair, and/or Replacement Standards

E. Concession Improvements and Personal Property

F. Contract Requirements

G. General Standards

H. License, Permit, and Other Standards

3. Instructions and Important Information for Bidder

A. General Contractual Requirements

B. Proposal Submission

1. General

2. Bid Evaluation of Proposals

3. Format

Appendix 1 – Silos Recreation Area Location Map

Appendix 2 – Silos Concession Area

Appendix 3 – Silos Recreation Area Concession Contract

A. TERM OF CONCESSION CONTRACT AND DEFINITIONS

B. OCCUPANCY OF AND RESIDENCY IN THE CONCESSION AREA

C. PROVIDING IMPROVEMENTS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

D. VISITOR SERVICES

E. CONCESSION OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

F. PROTECTION OF CONCESSION AREA RESOURCES

G. FINANCIAL RECORDS AND FRANCHISE FEES

H. TAXES, INSURANCE, AND INDEMNIFICATION

I. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

J. EXPIRATION, SUSPENSION, AND TERMINATION OF THIS CONTRACT

K. DISPOSITION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

Appendix 4 - Reclamation Manual: Directives & Standards and Policy

1. INTRODUCTION

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is seeking a Concessionaire to provide commercial services to the public at Canyon Ferry Reservoir, at the area known as Silos Recreation Area

(Concession) (refer to Appendix 1 – Location Map and Appendix 2 – Site Map and Concession

Area). The Concessionaire will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing

Concession improvements. This opportunity is for a recreational concession under the terms and conditions of a 20-year contract (Appendix 3).

The Concession utilizes approximately 260 acres of land located on the southwest shore of

Canyon Ferry Reservoir; approximately 8 miles north of Townsend and 26 miles south of

Helena, Montana (refer to Appendices 1 and 2).

The concession area will include the following recreation-related commercial facilities and services. Infrastructure and facilities will be in-place at the time of contract award (Reclamation-provided). The list below reflects existing conditions of the site. Facilities and Services that are to be provided by the concessionaire are noted as such. Refer to C (1) – Scope of Work for comprehensive details regarding facilities and services.

• ABA compliant campsites (6)

• Campsites with no services (80)

• 8’ x 10’ Storage Shed (2)

• Host Campsites with electric and sewer (1)

• Host Campsites with electric, sewer, and water (2)

• Total Campsites (86)

• Fire Rings (90)

• ABA compliant water hydrants (3)

• Picnic Tables o Wooden tables (37) o Concrete tables (24)

• Group Use Shelter Areas o 30’ x 40’ shelter (1) o 25’ x 30’ shelter (1) o Wooden hexagon shelter (2)

• Vault Toilets o Missoula concrete vault toilets (5) o CXT vault toilets (3) o CXT double vault toilets (1) o Stone Pebble vault toilets (2)

• Concrete boat ramps (4)

• Gravel boat ramps (1)

• Boat docks o Courtesy docks (manual adjustable docks) (3) o Floating courtesy dock (main boat ramp) (1)

Broadwater County currently owns boat docks containing 81 slips located within the concession area and leased to the current concessionaire. The successful bidder must purchase these docks from Broadwater County to retain them at the site or otherwise install alternative docks to accommodate a minimum of 60 boat slips.

The concessionaire is required to provide services to the public during the operating season from

May 1 through September 30.

Interested bidders should carefully consider this document and the attached appendices before submitting a proposal. All bidders are expected to be familiar with the Concession, the

Concession contract and performance expectations, Reclamation Management Policy, and

Reclamation Directives and Standards (Appendix 4).

A. Reclamation Concession Management

The Bureau of Reclamation is within the Department of the Interior and was established by an

Act of Congress in 1902 (The Reclamation Act). Reclamation is best known for the dams, power plants, and canals it has constructed and operates throughout the 17 Western States.

These water projects led to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West.

Today, Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and produces 15 percent of the hydroelectric power in the United States. Ten million acres of farmland are irrigated with

Reclamation water, producing 25 percent of the nation’s fruit and nut crop and 60 percent of its vegetables. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Reclamation’s mission is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.

Reclamation provides more than 45 million visitors a year with water-based opportunities at more than 300 reservoirs containing about 1.78 million surface acres of water. Reclamation operates these sites primarily with other Federal and non-Federal managing partners. In addition to these partnerships, there are approximately 115 concessions operating on Reclamation projects. These concessions provide the recreating public with a wide range of facilities and services such as marinas, campgrounds, swimming beaches, wildlife viewing areas, and more.

Concessionaires and their staff are important members of the community. Visitors often have more contact with, and receive more information from, concession employees than from

Reclamation staff. These contacts can have a significant effect on the quality of the visitors’ experience. Reclamation expects its concessionaires to join in fulfilling Reclamation’s mission and to give special attention to the preservation, conservation, and protection of area resources and the environment.

2. Business Opportunity

A. Area of Operation

The 260-acre Concession is located on the southwest shore of Canyon Ferry Reservoir in

Sections 26 and 35, Township 8 North, Range 1 East, Broadwater County, Montana. The

Concession is approximately 8 miles north of Townsend, Montana (population estimated at

2,071) and 26 miles south of Helena, Montana (population estimated at 33,885). The area is best known for its boating, fishing, hunting, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities on the nearby water bodies and public lands. A Resource Management Plan was completed for Canyon

Ferry Reservoir in 2003 and identified a concession operation at Silos Recreation Area (SRA) as a preferred alternative. In addition, a Financial Feasibility Evaluation (FFE) for the concession opportunity was prepared in June 2024.

Canyon Ferry Dam impounds the Missouri River forming Canyon Ferry Reservoir. The dam and roughly one-quarter of the reservoir are located in Lewis and Clark County, with the remainder of the reservoir located in Broadwater County. Since 1980, the highest and lowest recorded elevations of the Reservoir was 3,771 feet to 3,800 feet between April 30 to September

30, respectively. In total, the Reservoir has approximately 33,500 water surface acres, 96 miles of shoreline, and 9,360 acres of lands associated with the project and under the jurisdiction of

Reclamation extending upstream about 21 miles from the dam to the point the Missouri River enters the reservoir. The Canyon Ferry Unit of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program

(authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, Public Law 534) is a multiple-purpose project with benefits of hydropower generation, flood control, municipal water supply, irrigation, and instream flows for fisheries. The passage of the Canyon Ferry Reservoir, Montana Act of 1998

(Title X, Public Law 105-277) provided Reclamation with specific authority to plan, develop, operate and maintain recreation and fish and wildlife resources as part of the Canyon Ferry Unit.

Canyon Ferry Reservoir averages approximately 750,000 visitors annually. The recreation facilities are primarily operated and maintained by Reclamation and concessionaires. Canyon

Ferry Reservoir has a number of existing recreational facilities available to the public including three other concession operations at Kim’s Marina, Yacht Basin Marina, and Goose Bay Marina and Campground. Other campgrounds at Canyon Ferry that are direct managed by Reclamation include Court Sheriff, Chinaman’s Gulch, Jo Bonner, Hellgate, Confederate, Indian Road, Cottonwood, White Earth, Mahogany Cove, and Fish Hawk.

B. Concession Information

There is currently an existing concession business operating at Silos Recreation Area under an interim contract. The concession business name and address is:

The Silos Campground and Marina

82 Silos Road

Townsend, MT 59644

Prior to 2023, the Concession had been in operation since the mid 2010’s as a third-party contract through Reclamation’s management agreement with Broadwater County that has since been terminated. The concessionaire operates a seasonal use concession that accommodates visitors in approximately 86 campsites during the late spring to autumn operating season, in addition to 4 group site areas. Reclamation has identified upgrades to the Silos Recreation Area through planning processes culminating in a Value Planning Study completed in 2024. Upgrades to SRA during the term of this concession contract may consist of increased day use amenities including designated trails, swimming areas, and other designated non-camping areas, new modernized campground configuration with additional sites, boating access enhancements including parking improvements and bay excavation, road reconfiguration to accommodate the improvements, and additional buildings to improve site management, maintenance, and comfort.

Timelines for funding, designing, and constructing any improvements are currently unknown, and these improvements are not guaranteed. Any construction of improvements that may result in partial closures to the site or otherwise burden the concessionaire will be communicated in advance by Reclamation. If construction of improvements adversely affects profitability, franchise fee rates may be negotiated in accordance with Section G.2(a) of the concession contract. The incoming Concessionaire may identify additional improvements or visitor services that may be needed and potentially profitable; however, Reclamation retains the right and authority to determine whether or not those additional services will be provided. All visitor service proposals must be approved in writing by Reclamation’s Authorized Official prior to placement, construction or implementation. Appropriate National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) requirements must be completed prior to issuing a decision on any proposed constructed improvements. Below are revenue assumptions at Silos Recreation Area for the term of the contract as reported in the Financial

Feasibility Evaluation.

Table 1: Campground revenue assumptions for SRA

Years Rental rate per camper night Annual camper nights Total revenue

1–5 $20 4,600 $92,000

6–10 $25 4,722 $118,050

11–15 $30 4,812 $144,360

16–20 $35 4,874 $170,590

Table 2: Group shelter revenue assumptions for SRA

Years Rental rate Annual shelter rentals Total revenue

1–5 $100 460 $46,000

6–10 $125 472 $59,000

11–15 $150 481 $72,150

16–20 $175 487 $85,225

C. Scope of Work

1. Required Visitor Facilities and Services

Most infrastructure/facilities will be in place at the time of contract award; however, the concessionaire will be required to provide services associated with all facilities, regardless of whether they are Reclamation or concessionaire provided. Refer to Section 1 – Introduction for a comprehensive list of facilities/infrastructure. The Concessionaire is required to provide the following facilities and services within 120 days of issuance of the concession contract and within the operating season.

A. Required physical improvements

a. Office at main boat ramp. The office building will be temporary in nature and not be larger than 350 square feet

b. Vehicles used to support for the Concession

c. Tools and equipment needed for the routine operation and maintenance

d. Dock to accommodate a minimum of 60 slips

e. Gangway to the rental boat dock/slips

f. Day use fee credit card kiosk

B. Required services

a. Campsite and group shelter management, including assignments, reservations and fee collection.

b. Potable water, including maintenance of well, treatment system, storage tank, and delivery system.

c. Garbage removal service, including provision of garbage receptacles and aluminum can recycling containers.

d. Cleaning, maintenance and supplies for all campgrounds, shelters, restrooms, showers, toilets, tables, fire rings, and benches.

e. Vault toilet and vault pumping service and cleaning

f. Boat mooring, courtesy docks, and any associated adjustments for differing lake levels

g. Minimum of 60 boat slips

h. On-site campground hosts

2. Authorized Visitor Services

The Concessionaire, upon obtaining proper licenses or permits and by prior written consent of

Reclamation, is authorized, but is not required, to provide the following authorized visitor services during the term of the Concession contract:

a. Office / Store sales

b. Store supplies and goods (no food preparation)

c. Seasonal boat slip rental

d. Overnight boat and trailer storage

e. Boat and watersport equipment rentals

f. Propane sales (bottle exchange only, subject to any permitting requirements)

g. Firewood sales

h. Bags of Ice

i. Fishing and hunting license sales (subject to approval from Montana Department of

Fish, Wildlife and Parks)

Unless the Concession Contract is otherwise amended, Concessionaire’s use of the concession area shall be limited to the required and authorized services. The Concessionaire may request

Reclamation to allow additional visitor services that would be evaluated based on the needs of the recreating public and demand for said services.

In addition to the Concessionaire Personal Property to be provided as required in this contract, the Concessionaire is required to supply appropriate supplies and personal property necessary to provide visitor services and operate the Concession. For example:

a. Equipment for the visitor services and any equipment needed for authorized or additional visitor services offered.

b. Vehicular support for the Concession.

c. Tools and equipment needed for the routine operation and maintenance of the Concession

Improvements and Concessionaire Personal Property.

d. Tools and equipment needed to make repairs to the Concession Improvements and

Concessionaire Personal Property.

e. Office supplies, stationary, and similar items needed to run the Concession and to comply with the requirements of the Concession Contract.

D. Operation, Maintenance, Repair, and/or Replacement Standards

The Concessionaire will be responsible for all operation, maintenance, and repairs of the

Concession improvements during the term of this Concession contract. This includes, but is not limited to:

a. Operation and maintenance of water, sewer, and electrical systems.

b. Payment of all monthly utilities, such as electrical power and solid waste disposal.

c. Upkeep of grounds, such as mowing, pruning, and removal of dead vegetation and weed treatment/weed control.

d. Cleaning and maintenance of all sites and Concession area; stocking facilities with appropriate supplies, including but not limited to trash receptacles, toilet paper, hand soap, etc.

e. Maintenance, upkeep and operation of all buildings (including painting), water, sewer, electric and lighting systems and all associated facilities.

f. Securing and winterizing the Concession Improvements and Concessionaire Personal

Property.

g. Obtaining all federal, state, county, and local licenses and permits necessary to operate the Concession and to construct or repair Concession Improvements and Concessionaire

Personal Property. Copies of all licenses and permits will be given to Reclamation within thirty (30) days of the receipt by the Concessionaire.

h. Placing, anchoring, and securing all Concession Improvements and Concessionaire

Personal Property, and adjusting, repairing, and otherwise operating and maintaining all

Reserved Works and Concessionaire Personal Property in a safe and reliable condition and in accordance with Applicable Laws.

i. Collecting and reporting all required information, including that specified in

Reclamation's Recreation Use Data Report form 7-2535 (OMB Control Number 1006-

002) on an annual basis or as otherwise requested by Reclamation. The Concessionaire must maintain all books, documents, papers and records which document monthly visitation rates for a period of five (5) years after the end of each calendar year.

Reclamation shall have the right to examine any such materials during the time when they must be maintained by the Concessionaire.

j. In addition to operation and maintenance plan, in general, the Concessionaire must keep the Concession Improvements and Concessionaire Personal Property in an orderly and sanitary condition that is visually aesthetic. The Concessionaire must ensure that the

Concession Improvements and Concessionaire Personal Property meet Federal, State, and local standards or codes and that all appropriate permits and licenses are kept current.

k. The Concessionaire is responsible for picking up trash and litter within the Concession area and along those portions of the Concession area abutting any public roads. The

Concessionaire will ensure that all trash and litter is disposed of at an offsite, State-approved municipal solid waste landfill. No burning or burying of trash is permitted.

l. The Concessionaire shall ensure that new construction or retrofitting of all Concession improvements and any programs provided will comply with Federal, State, and local laws regarding accessibility. Discrimination on the basis of a handicap or disability is prohibited. Reclamation will conduct accessibility evaluations during the term of the

Concession contract.

m. Only serviceable vehicles and equipment specifically required for the operation of the

Concession may be stored at the Concession area.

n. As the water elevations of the Reservoir fluctuate, the Concessionaire is responsible for moving or adjusting any water-based Concession improvements and personal property.

o. The Concessionaire is encouraged to visit the Concession area periodically during the non-recreation season to inspect Concession improvements and personal property.

p. Reclamation is not responsible for security at the Concession area. Enforcement of State law is provided by the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Department. Fish, wildlife and water safety laws and regulations are enforced by Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and

Parks.

E. Concession Improvements and Personal Property

The Concession improvements (as defined in the Concession contract) are owned by the United

States. The Concessionaire will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of these structures during the 20-year term of the Concession contract. Major repair and replacement (further described in Section D) will be Reclamation’s responsibility.

The Concessionaire will be required to establish and maintain a Reserve Account for Repair and

Replacement (RARR). The RARR, further described in Exhibit C of the Concession contract, is intended to ensure that the Concessionaire has funds to make repairs or replacements to the government-owned Concession improvements being utilized by them during the term of the

Concession contract. The Concessionaire provides RARR funds by: 1) establishing a RARR, 2) making an initial deposit of $5,000.00, and 3) making subsequent annual deposits based on 1% of the Concession’s gross receipts. Regardless of the balance in the RARR, the Concessionaire remains responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and/or replacement of the Concession improvements as identified in Paragraph D, Operation, Maintenance, Repair and/or Replacement

Standards

Enhancements (i.e., an addition) to existing Concession improvements may be proposed by the

Concessionaire. All proposals must be approved in writing by Reclamation’s Authorized

Official prior to placement, construction or implementation. Enhancements permanently affixed or integral to a Concession improvement, as determined by Reclamation, will be considered to have merged with the Concession improvement and will be treated the same as other Concession improvements in the Concession contract (as property of the United States). Enhancements classified as Personal Property will be considered the same as other personal property in the

Concession contract.

The Concessionaire may not construct or place any new improvements in or on the Concession area, or modify any existing improvements, without the advance written authorization of

Reclamation. Requests for such authorizations must be submitted in writing by the

Concessionaire to Reclamation. The authorization of new improvements is at Reclamation’s sole discretion. New improvements will belong to the United States. Unauthorized improvements will be considered a trespass and Reclamation will have the right to order the

Concessionaire to remove such unauthorized improvements at the expense of the Concessionaire.

The Concessionaire is required to supply the personal property necessary to provide visitor services and operate the Concession. Examples of personal property to be supplied by the

Concessionaire include:

1. Picnic tables.

2. All accessible docks and associated ramps from Reclamation provided boat ramp other than the Reclamation provided courtesy docks.

3. The Concessionaire is required to provide equipment for the visitor services and any equipment needed for authorized or additional visitor services offered.

4. Vehicular support for the Concession.

5. Tools and equipment needed for the routine operation and maintenance of the Concession improvements.

6. Tools and equipment needed to make repairs to the Concession improvements.

7. All supplies, stationary, and similar items needed to run the Concession and to comply with the requirements of the Concession contract.

8. All advertising materials.

F. Contract Requirements

The Concessionaire will operate under the terms and conditions of the attached Concession contract (Appendix 3). Required visitor services and authorized visitor services are listed in

Section D.3 of the Concession contract. No other contracts for these same visitor services will be granted to another party within the Concession area during the term of the contract.

Contracting out visitor services to a sub-concessionaire will not be allowed with the exception of garbage removal, septic pumping services, landscaping and pest control. Other services may be subcontracted on a case-by-case basis and with written permission from Reclamation’s

Authorized Official.

The Concessionaire will provide, at a minimum, a seasonal recreation operation that will be fully operational from May 1 through September 30 each year. Services shall be available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. every day of the week including weekends and holidays. Dates and times of operation may be reduced or expanded with prior written approval from Reclamation’s

The bidder must propose a franchise fee of no less than 3 percent of the gross revenues for each year of operation. Bids containing a higher franchise fee will be a factor in determining whether a bidder will be awarded the contract.

The Concessionaire will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repairs of

Concession improvements. The Concessionaire will establish and operate a RARR in accordance with Exhibit C of the Concession Contract to ensure funds are available to make repairs and/or replacements to the Concession improvements.

The Concessionaire and an employee of the Concessionaire may temporarily reside within the

Concession Area during the operating season to facilitate the management of the Concession

Area and for the purpose of providing Visitor Services, during the term of the Concession

Contract. Outside of the operating season, the Concessionaire and an employee may, during the term of the Concession Contract, temporarily reside within the Concession Area only with prior written approval from Reclamation’s Authorized Official for the purpose of providing security, conducting inspections, off-season maintenance, and emergency repairs in order to provide the required Visitor Services.

Exclusive use of Reclamation land is prohibited. Other than limited, temporary housing opportunities for the Concessionaire and Concession employee, no mobile homes, cabins or other privately owned improvements, other than those placed at the Concession area by the

Concessionaire for short-term business purposes, are authorized.

The Concessionaire must carry levels of liability and property insurance as listed in Section H.2 of the Concession Contract (Appendix 3). Reclamation shall be named as an additional insured on all coverage, and a copy of all policies will be provided to Reclamation as required in the

Concession Contract.

The duration of the Concession contract will be for 20-years and expires on the anniversary date of the signing of the contract. No renewals will be automatically granted to the Concessionaire.

Should Reclamation determine that continued commercial services are necessary and appropriate, such opportunity shall be advertised for public competition and a new Concession contract issued as described in the Reclamation Manual (Appendix 4).

G. General Standards

All Concession improvements within the Concession area will be kept safe for public use by the

Concessionaire during the term of the Concession contract.

The Concessions must be operated with a high degree of courtesy and fairness to all patrons and the general public.

The Concessionaire may not interfere with members of the public who choose to purchase merchandise or services elsewhere and bring it for consumption or use within the Concession area.

The Concessionaire may restrict public use within the Concession area for the purpose of protecting private property or for health and safety purposes subject to prior written approval from Reclamation’s Authorized Official. The Concessionaire will have no control over areas outside the perimeter of the Concession.

H. License, Permit, and Other Standards

Upon contract execution, electric services will be placed in the Concessionaire’s name. All other utility costs, including potable water, sewer maintenance, septic tank pumping, vault toilet pumping and telephone services are the responsibility of the Concessionaire.

Concession improvements and concession operating procedures must comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations, ordinances and Executive Orders, in effect now or as may be promulgated, modified or amended in the future. It is the Concessionaire’s responsibility to obtain and keep current all licenses or permits issued by the State or its political sub-units that are necessary for the operation of the concession under the terms and conditions of the contract.

The Concession area will be reviewed at least twice annually by Reclamation staff and its representatives, at Reclamation’s discretion. The Concessionaire or their designated representative will cooperate in any such reviews.

3. INSTRUCTIONS AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BIDDER

Reclamation will rely upon interested parties to apply experience and innovation in developing and submitting proposals that reflect proven industry practices, incorporate new or emerging trends in public recreation management, and provide the opportunity for a fair and reasonable profit for the Concessionaire. The target date for an award is 45 Days after bids are due. An early award of the Concession contract allows time to complete other pre-development activities that will be required at the concession area.

The successful bidder must enter into a 20-year Concession contract with Reclamation no later than 30 days after notification of their selection. Failure to do so may result in the selection of the next best qualified bidder.

Within 60 days of contract execution, the Concessionaire must submit to Reclamation, for its approval, Certificates of Insurance Coverage, a Rate Schedule, and Operations and Maintenance

Plan for the 2027 recreation season.

Within 60 days of contract execution, the Concessionaire must establish an RARR and make the initial deposit, as specified in Exhibit C of the Concession contract.

A. General Contractual Requirements

Refer to the copy of the concession contract, as provided in Appendix 3.

B. Proposal Submission

1. General

Reclamation will conduct an open house for prospective bidders on August 13, 2026, at the Silos Boat Ramp (82 Silos Road, Townsend, MT 59644), from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time. All bidders are encouraged to attend the open house and tour the concession area. Please notify Reclamation of your intent to attend the open house and for additional details.

If you have questions about this Prospectus, the area, the business opportunity, submitting a proposal, etc., please present them in written form to Reclamation’s representative at the address listed below. Written responses will be provided, and copies of the questions and responses will be provided to all persons requesting a Prospectus. Please Note: questions will not be accepted after close of business on August 17, 2026.

Questions and Proposals must be submitted to:

US Bureau of Reclamation

Montana Area Office

Attention: Cody Hendrix, Natural Resource Specialist

2900 4th Ave N. Ste 501

Billings MT 59101

Phone 406-247-7351

Email: chendrix@usbr.gov

Proposals, in duplicate, must be received at the above identified address by close of business

(5:00 p.m. MDT) on August 28, 2026. Any proposals received after this date, regardless of postmark date or problems associated with the mail or delivery service will not be accepted. The outside of the envelope should be clearly labeled in the upper left corner:

SILOS RECREATION AREA CONCESSION PROPOSAL. The successful bidder will be notified no later than 45 days after the bids close.

The collected information will be used to evaluate the bidder’s ability to perform the services offered. A bidder may choose not to complete any section of the Prospectus on the basis of

Privacy Act exemption. However, failure or refusal to supply the requested information may cause such proposal to be treated as non-responsive and it may be rejected.

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), any person has the right to obtain access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions of them) are protected from disclosure by one of the nine exemptions. If you wish to restrict disclosure of your proposal (limited to proprietary information only), please notate the title page of your proposal with the following legend:

“This data shall not be disclosed outside the U.S. Government and shall not be duplicated, used or disclosed in whole or in part for any purpose other than to evaluate the proposal; provided, that if a contract is awarded to this proposer as a result of, or in connection with submission of this data, the U.S. Government shall have the right to duplicate, use or disclose the data to the extent provided in this contract. This restriction does not limit the U.S. Government’s right to use information contained in the data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction is contained on pages (list pages).”

2. Bid Evaluation of Proposals

All written proposals received by the deadline will be evaluated by a review team to select the proposal deemed most likely to provide a safe, quality experience for, and appropriate services to the recreating public at the reservoir over the term of the contract. Among other items, the team will consider, in no particular order of importance, the following factors in selecting a best proposal:

a. The bidder must propose: a franchise fee of no less than three (3) percent of the gross receipts for each year of operation under the terms of the concession contract, an initial deposit of no less than $5,000 into the RARR, and subsequent annual deposits into the

RARR of no less than 1 percent of the Concession’s gross receipts. The RARR account may be capped at $50,000 at the Concessionaire’s option.

b. The bidder’s proposal to address protection, conservation, and preservation of resources at the site.

c. The bidder’s proposal to address operation, maintenance, repairs and replacements.

d. The bidder’s proposal to provide services and facilities beyond the minimum requirements.

e. The experience and success of the bidder in owning and/or operating a recreation-based business including RV space and cabin rentals, campground management, merchandise sales or any other qualifying experience applicable to the required/authorized visitor services to be provided to the public.

f. The experience and success of the bidder in owning, operating, or working in a public service concession-type business through a Federal, state or local government agency contract or other agreement.

g. Agreement to provide the visitor services as described in the concession contract.

h. The bidder demonstrates the financial capability to implement the requirements of the concession contract.

i. The bidder demonstrates the knowledge and ability to manage a public use area in compliance with Federal and state requirements for public health and safety. Applicable letters of reference or prior inspection reports will be considered.

Proposals that are judged to be unsupportable or economically infeasible may be found non-responsive in total or at the least be rated much lower than proposals judged to be economically reasonable and providing appropriate recognition of the business opportunity being provided by

Reclamation.

Reclamation reserves the right to seek supplemental information from any bidder at any time, for clarification of information furnished by the bidder. In addition, if no single bidder is judged to be clearly superior to the others, based on submitted information, the team may select some or all of the bidders for in-person or telephone interviews to gather additional information.

3. Format

The bidder must follow the general format style indicated below and include the minimum information indicated. Additional information the bidder believes is important to the evaluation of the proposal may be included in the document. Proposals will be evaluated based on the information submitted; therefore, the submitted information should be in sufficient detail to facilitate a comprehensive analysis.

a. Letter of Interest

1) Name of the company or individual(s) (bidder).

2) Address.

3) Telephone number.

4) Names, titles, addresses, and telephone numbers of company owners, if applicable.

5) Month and year the proposal was prepared.

6) Signature of the bidder and date.

7) Narrative Statement. This should include a narrative explanation (who, what, when, where, etc.) of:

- Proposed plan of operation (detailed description of season, store operation, staffing, etc.);

- Proposed Concessionaire provided improvements, services, merchandise, etc.;

- Types of concession services to be offered (detailed description of actual business operations);

- How the proposed business and management practices will provide the opportunity for a financially viable concession operation, based on unique experiences and knowledge of the concession industry; and

- Acknowledgement that the bidder is willing and able to accept the terms and conditions of the proposed Concession contract, as well as the list of services and requirements discussed in the Prospectus (the final Concession contract may include additional items, provisions or clauses if deemed appropriate by

Reclamation).

b. Detailed Experience and Background

1) List previous jobs, experiences, and references of the bidder and key staff, if known.

2) The bidder must address their knowledge of the hospitality industry, campground management, management and monitoring of a fuels distribution system and propane refueling system, ability to maintain and repair concession facilities and improvements, and any other skills that will assist Reclamation in determining the bidder’s knowledge and ability to meet the terms and expectations of the proposed concession contract.

3) The bidder must include a statement to the fact that they have no felony convictions, nor that they are under indictment for any Federal offenses.

c. Financial Documents

1) Current business and/or personal financial statements (income tax statement and balance sheet for the past two years) of all potential concessionaires.

2) Current credit statement from a recognized credit reporting agency.

3) Anticipated revenue/expense statements for the first five years of operation.

4) Proposed financial record-keeping system.

5) Any other financial information pertinent to the bidder’s proposal and proof of financial stability, including any reports of bankruptcy within the last seven years.

6) Any letters from financial institutions attesting to financial capability covering the above will be considered as more definitive and responsive than personal assurances.

d. Supporting Documents

1) A listing of all anticipated licenses and permits required for the operation of the concession.

2) The name and address of the bidder’s proposed insurance carrier, and a tentative notice from the insurance company of its ability to provide said insurance in the event the bidder is successful.

3) The name, address, and background history of business or financial backers, partners, or officers applicable to the concession operation.

4) Any other plans, data, or information that the applicant considers pertinent to the evaluation of their offer.

Appendix 1 – Silos Recreation Area Location Map

Appendix 2 – Silos Concession Area

Appendix 3 – Silos Recreation Area Concession Contract

Concession Contract No. _ _ -_ _ -_ _ _ _

Contract Number

Concession Contract

Between the

Bureau of Reclamation and

[Concessionaire Name]

Silos Recreation Area – Canyon Ferry Reservoir

Townsend, Montana

Canyon Ferry Unit

Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Project

This concession Contract is made this ________ day of _________________, 20_ _ , pursuant to the Act of June 17, 1902 (32 Stat. 388), and all acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto, collectively referred to as Federal Reclamation Laws, between THE UNITED STATES

OF AMERICA, hereinafter referred to as the “United States,” acting by and through the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of the Interior, hereinafter referred to as “Reclamation,” represented by the official who is authorized to execute this Concession Contract, and [NAME], [ENTITY TYPE], hereinafter referred to as the “Concessionaire.”

WHEREAS, the Concessionaire desires to occupy certain lands owned by the United States which are under the administrative jurisdiction of Reclamation within the Pick-Sloan Missouri

Basin Project (herein referred to as the “Project”) for the purpose of operating the Silos

Recreation Area, hereinafter referred to as the “Concession,” which is adjacent to the Project’s

Canyon Ferry Reservoir, approximately 18 miles south of Canyon Ferry Dam.

WHEREAS, Reclamation has determined that it is in the best interests of the United States and the general public to allow the Concessionaire to operate and maintain the Concession and supply certain facilities and services for the public’s use and enjoyment in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Concession Contract; and

WHEREAS, Reclamation has determined that the Concession is not incompatible with the authorized purposes of the Project and will not interfere with the operation and maintenance responsibilities of any parties associated with the Project as identified by Reclamation;

NOW, THEREFORE, Reclamation and the Concessionaire agree as follows:

A. TERM OF CONCESSION CONTRACT AND

DEFINITIONS

1. Term of this Concession Contract

This Concession Contract takes effect on 12:00 a.m. Mountain Time on and will remain in effect through , unless terminated sooner as provided hereinafter.

2. Definitions

The following terms used in this Concession Contract and its Exhibits are defined as set forth below. Definitions apply to both the singular and the plural forms of the terms.

“Applicable Laws” means those Federal, State, local laws, and Reclamation policies and directives and standards which govern the development, operation, and maintenance of the facilities and services provided by the Concessionaire within the Concession Area, whether in force as of the date of this Concession Contract or amended, enacted, promulgated, or issued thereafter; including, but not limited to, statues, ordinances, and codes; the rules and regulations promulgated to those legislative enactments; and court rulings.

“Authorized Official” means the Regional Director or the delegated official with review and approval authority for Reclamation on this contract.

“Concession Area” means the approximately 260 acres of land in Sections 26 and 35, Township 8 North, Range 1 East, Broadwater County, Montana, as specifically depicted on the attached map labeled Exhibit A and described thereon; the area includes that portion of the immediately adjacent water body sufficient to accommodate offering the required Visitor Services.

“Concession Improvements” is defined as “a structure, fixture, or generally nonremovable equipment located on lands of the United States within the Concession area that increases the value or utility or enhances the appearance of those lands.”

Concession Improvements include Reclamation owned facilities.

“Concessionaire Personal Property” means all Concessionaire owned tangible assets vehicles of all kinds, motorized or non-motorized watercraft of any description, whether or not motorized; park models; fuels; expendable materials; supplies and merchandise;

and all other moveable objects and supplies, regardless of size or weight.

“Contracting Official” means the delegated official with the authority to execute and mage this contract on behalf of Reclamation.

“Earthwork Improvements” means all grading, cutting, filling, ditching, and berms of soils and other natural surface materials for any purpose.

“Federal Estate” means the land and water areas of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin

Project which are owned by the United States and under the administrative jurisdiction of

Reclamation.

“Gross Receipts” Gross Revenues/Gross Receipts means the total amount received or realized by, or accruing to, the Concession Contractor from all sales for cash or credit of services, accommodations, materials, and other merchandise made pursuant to the rights granted by this Concession Contract, commissions earned on contracts or agreements with other persons or companies operating in the area, and earnings from electronic media sales, but excluding:

• Charges for employee's meals, lodging, and transportation.

• Cash discounts on purchases.

• Cash discounts on sales.

• Interest on money loaned or in bank accounts.

• Income from investments.

• Sales and excise taxes that are added as separate charges to sales prices, gasoline taxes, transient occupancy taxes, fishing and hunting license fees, and postage stamps, provided that the amount excluded shall not exceed the amount actually due or paid to Government agencies.

All monies received by the Concession Contractor from coin operated devices provided by the Concession Contractor or through vendors authorized by the Concession

Contractor and consistent with this Concession Contract shall be included in Gross

Revenues.

“Improvements” means Concession Improvements and Earthwork Improvements.

“Reserved Works” are those facilities and systems owned by Reclamation.

“Visitor Services” are the recreational and leisure activities and equipment rentals, sales of merchandise, overnight accommodations, and associated services which the

Concessionaire provides to the public as required or authorized by this Concession

Contract.

B. OCCUPANCY OF AND RESIDENCY IN THE

CONCESSION AREA

1. Occupancy of the Concession Area

a. The Concessionaire shall have the right, subject to the terms and conditions of this Concession Contract, to occupy the Concession

Area for the purpose of providing Visitor Services to the general public. This includes the right to require that members of the public who use the Concession Area and its facilities pay the rates for

Visitor Services which the Concessionaire is authorized by this

Concession Contract to charge. The Concessionaire may refuse

Visitor Services to anyone who does not pay the applicable rates.

b. During the term of this Concession Contract, Reclamation will not provide any other person or entity with the right to occupy the

Concession Area to provide Visitor Services at the Concession Area without first providing the Concessionaire with the option to provide such Visitor Services.

c. The right of the Concessionaire to occupy the Concession Area and to place Concessionaire Personal Property on the Concession Area, as hereinafter described, does not provide the Concessionaire with any real property interest in lands and waters in the Concession Area. In addition, Reclamation reserves the right to vary the water levels in

Canyon Ferry Reservoir, and in all other Project Facilities, as it deems necessary in its sole discretion for Project Purposes, including maintenance, repairs, and emergency operations.

2. Residing in the Concession Area

The Concessionaire and an employee of the Concessionaire may temporarily reside within the

Concession Area during the operating season to facilitate the management of the Concession

Area and for the purpose of providing Visitor Services, during the term of the Concession

Contract. Outside of the operating season, the Concessionaire and an employee may, during the term of the Concession Contract, temporarily reside within the Concession Area only with prior written approval from Reclamation’s Authorized Official for the purpose of providing security, conducting inspections, off-season maintenance, and emergency repairs in order to provide the required Visitor Services.

C. PROVIDING IMPROVEMENTS AND PERSONAL

PROPERTY

1. Responsibility for Providing Improvements and Concessionaire Personal

Property

a. The Concessionaire is responsible for contracting or providing, at its expense, all Concessionaire Personal Property required, other than those Reserved Works provided by Reclamation (listed in Section

D.1), to provide Visitor Services hereinafter required or authorized by this Concession Contract (refer to Section D). Concessionaire is also responsible for obtaining all necessary utility services to serve the

Concession Area.

b. All existing Concession Improvements on the effective date of this

Contract are owned by Reclamation (refer to Section D.1. for a description of Reclamation-owned Improvements, also referred to as

Reserved Works).

c. All improvements which existed as of the date of this Concession

Contract or which may be constructed thereafter, subject to the conditions and limitations herein, are Concession Improvements and are the property of the United States, unless otherwise documented by Reclamation, and will become part of the Federal

Estate. Any improvements proposed by the concessionaire require review and written approval from Reclamation’s Authorized

Official prior to implementation.

2. Existing Improvements and Approval of Future Improvements

a. The Concessionaire is authorized to utilize all Concession Improvements existing as of the date of this Concession Contract within the Concession Area and itemized in Section D.1 of the date of this Concession Contract within the

Concession Area and itemized in Section D.1.

b. The Concessionaire may not construct or place any new improvements in or on the Concession Area, or modify any existing Concession Improvements, without the advance written approval from Reclamation’s Authorized Official. Requests for such authorizations must be submitted by the Concessionaire to

Reclamation in writing in sufficient detail (Including plans, drawings, and specifications) to enable Reclamation to evaluate the proposed improvements and the impact which they would have on the Concession Area and the provision of Visitor

Services and determine if the proposal falls within the scope of this contract or would require an amendment to the contract. If

Reclamation determines that any proposed improvement would require Reclamation to comply with any Applicable Laws (i.e., the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), etc.) before it could give its approval of the proposed new Improvements, then

Reclamation will so inform the Concessionaire.

If the Concessionaire still desires to proceed, it will be required to pay

Reclamation for all costs which Reclamation incurs in complying with the Applicable Laws. The authorization of new improvements is at

Reclamation's sole discretion.

c. Unauthorized improvements will be considered a trespass on the

Federal Estate and Reclamation will have the right to order the

Concessionaire to remove such unauthorized…