Prospectus for Campground and Related Granger-Thye Concessions, Allegheny National Forest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service issued this Special Notice soliciting applications for a concession campground special use permit to operate and maintain government-owned recreation facilities within the Allegheny National Forest. The prospectus encompasses 25 developed recreation sites across the Bradford and Marienville Ranger Districts, including campgrounds, boat launches, day-use areas, and optional private cabin sites. The offering generates an average gross revenue of $930,300, with a three-year average revenue baseline of $799,277.74 from core operations. The Forest Service posted the initial notice on July 28, 2025, with subsequent amendments issued on October 22, 2025, and October 29, 2025, to clarify operational details and provide responses to prospective applicants' inquiries. The special use permit will provide a qualified concessionaire with exclusive authority to operate these recreation facilities on behalf of the federal government.

Applicants must submit comprehensive written applications by November 21, 2025, including an annual operating plan, business plan, financial resources documentation, and proposed fee structures, accompanied by a $400 processing fee and a $300 business plan review fee. The Forest Service will evaluate applications using a non-fixed weight method, considering the operating plan quality, proposed government fees, public fees, business experience, and financial resources, with award notification expected in summer 2026 and permit commencement on January 1, 2027. A mandatory site visit was scheduled for August 26, 2025, requiring RSVPs by August 15, 2025, directed to Jamie Feikls at 814-728-6199 or jamie.feikls@usda.gov. While no specific eligibility restrictions are noted, applicants must demonstrate financial ability through a Financial Ability Determination assessment and possess the capacity to manage complex recreation operations including reservations management, facility maintenance, water systems, safety inspections, and regulatory compliance. The selected concessionaire will operate under a permit term of up to five years, with a minimum annual fee of $39,484.32, replacing the current concession permit that expires December 31, 2026.