What is a "Commercial Use Authorization?"
Section 418 of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998, Public Law 105-391, authorizes the NPS, upon request, to issue commercial use authorizations to persons (referring to individuals, corporations, and other entities) to provide commercial services to park area visitors in limited circumstances.
Commercial Use Authorizations are required of all operators who provide any and all goods, activities, agreements or other services to the general public which take place, at least in part, in the park, uses park resources and are undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state or federal law. This includes educational institutions.
To begin the application process please go to:
Home - Commercial Use Authorization (powerappsportals.us). Click "Opportunities" to get started.
Review and approval of applications may take more than 30 days.
Great Basin has opened its 2025 application window as of March 11, 2025, and it will remain open until further notice.
Frequently asked Questions
What is the Term of a CUA?
CUAs are issued for a term of one year.
Is sub-contracting allowed under the authorization?
The National Park Service does not allow sub-contracting under this authorization and authorizations cannot be transferred.
What type of insurance is required before this authorization can be approved?
The CUA must provide commercial liability insurance against claims arising out of or resulting from the acts or omissions of the CUA operator or the CUA operator's employees, agents, or contractors, in carrying out the activities and operations required and/or authorized under the CUA. The CUA Specialist must receive verification of general liability (and transportation insurance, if applicable) coverage before a CUA can be issued and the coverage must be maintained as current during the term of the authorization.
Obtaining a CUA
To begin the application process please go to:
Home - Commercial Use Authorization (powerappsportals.us) Click "Opportunities" to get started.
An administrative fee of $350 will be billed via email once your application is received. The administrative fee is to cover the costs, in payroll hours, to review the applicaiton package and guide it through the process. This fee is non-refundable and charged whether or not the application is approved. Additional annual fees may apply.
For questions about current fee schedules or general information, contact the Special Uses and Commercial Use Authorization Coordinator by e-mail or by phone at (775) 293-2146.
