Doing Business with Us

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)

What is a CUA?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) authorizes companies or individuals to conduct business in Bandelier National Monument on an annual basis. A CUA provides a non-exclusive license to offer services to park visitors. Your organization is considered a business if it provides good, services, activities, or other things to the public using National Park Service lands. If you receive any form of compensation for the things you provide, you are conducting a business or commercial activity. The National Park Service definition of a business or commercial organization does not distinguish between commercial and non-profit organizations.

CUA activities must be appropriate to the mission of the park; compliment resource protection, visitor protection, and interpretation goals; and not pose any potential for derogation of values or purposes for which the park was established. They must be consistent with the park's future plans as well as present operations. They should be compatible with the planning documents for the park. The park will not normally limit the number of organizations that offer similar services or activities.

CUA holders have their base of operation outside the park. All commercial aspects of the activity must occur outside of NPS land. This includes marketing, advertising, use of permeant or temporary structures, and negotiation with customers. Compensation or payment for services (even tipping) may not occur on NPS lands.

Commercial service opportunities in Bandelier National Monument are reviewed annually and subject to change year to year.

Road Based Commercial tour permits for 2025

Bandelier is requiring road-based tour operators to obtain a CUA permit for 2025, after a temporary administrative pause on the requirement in 2024. There are no fees for road-based tour CUAs in 2025 (except park commercial vehicle entrance fees). The National Park Service is in the process of standardizing requirements and fees for road-based tour operators for 2026, at which time, there may be a fee required at Bandelier.

Important Dates

December 1 – July 31 is the CUA Application Period. No applications accepted after July 31.

January 31 is when Annual Reports are due for previous calendar year of operation. Failure to submit annual reporting will result in application denial for the new year CUA

Approved CUA Activities

The following activities are authorized in Bandelier National Monument under a CUA permit for one year period.

• Guided Hiking/Walking-Front and Backcountry
• Guided Hiking - Backcountry
• Road-Based Commercial Tours - are not required to pay a fee for 2025. RBCT fee will resume on 12-1-26

What fees are associated with an activity based CUA?

For the first application submitted during a CUA season, the applicant will pay a $350 application fee. The same applicant will pay a $250 application fee for subsequent application submitted to the same NPS unit during the same CUA season. This fee is not refundable. The application fee for each activity will be credited toward the management fee paid at the end of that operating year.

The management fee is due at the end of the operating year and is based on a percentage of the operating year’s gross receipts. The fee must be paid to the park after the park has reviewed and approved the annual report, which is submitted by January 31st after the operating year as ended.

Management fee is based on percentage of gross receipts ($350/$250 application fee for the operating year acts as a credit towards the following):

• Less than $250,000.00 – 3% of gross receipts
• Between $250,000.00 to $500,000.00 – 4% of gross receipts in addition to the prior amount
• Over $500,000.00 – 5% of gross receipts in addition to the two prior amounts

“Gross receipts” means the total of all revenues received from services a CUA holder is authorized to provide within Valles Caldera NP.

The CUA holder is responsible for maintaing accounting records that demonstrate evidence of gross receipts and required fee payment NPS may audit CUA holder financial reports at any time.

When are Annual Financial Reports and fees due?

Annual Reports, which cover the operating year and require reporting of gross receipts, trips, and visitors served for each month of that year, are due by January 31^st following the end of the operating year. A separate Annual Report is required for each activity a CUA hold has a CUA for. Annual Reports will be hosted on the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS). Annual Reporting will be available on the COARS website beginning January 1, 2026.

Do CUA holders have to pay entrance fees?

Yes. Road-based commercial tour operators pay the commercial tour entrance fee each time they enter the park. Park fees and passes are charged based upon vehicle’s manufacturer capacity. America the Beautiful – the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes may not be used.

All other commercial groups pay the park’s per person entrance fee of $15/person for their clients; Interagency and Valles Caldera National Preserve passes held by clients are accepted.

How are CUA fees processed?

Commercial Use Authorization applicants and holders must make all payments for application fees and management fees through CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS).

For what length of time is a CUA issued?

• All CUAs are issued for up to one year. The CUA operating year is from December 1 to January 31. No application accepted after July 31.

How do I apply for a CUA?

• Bandelier National Monument will be using the new Online CUA Application and Reporting System[BM1] starting January 1, 2025. This system is designed to standardize, modernized, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process for National Park Service (NPS) staff and CUA applicants. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and Pay CUA fees.
• Companies applying for a CUA will be required to set up an account and upload all required paperwork and insurance and pay through the CUA Application Portal[BM2] during that application period. If a company has not uploaded the required paperwork with the application, your application may not be approved for the season.
• Learn more about navigating the portal with this video: “How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization Permit"[BM3]
• An approved CUA in only valid for the relevant calendar year. A new application is required annually, if the holder wishes to continue conduction business in the park.
• Application packets for frontcountry and road-based commercial tours must include insurance certification, and a description of and registration number of each vehicle utilized.
• Application packets for backcountry must include CPR/First Aid, list of employees, description of and registration number of each vehicle, routes, and itineraries for planned guided backcountry hikes.

How long does it take to get a CUA?

• Bandelier National Monument requires 2-4 weeks upon receipt of a complete application package to process a CUA application. Applications are reviewed in the order they are receive

All required documents must be received, reviewed, and the permit signed by the Superintendent prior to operation in the park. Once executed, a signed original permit will be returned to you.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the CUA application process or requirements, please contact the Special Use Permits Office at (505) 412-0206 or e-mail us.

Resources

• CUA Conditions

• Bandelier CUA Denial, Revocation & Suspension Policy

• National Park Service - Commercial Use Authorizations