Parks Keep Concessions Running While New Contracts Take Shape
Published Date: 11/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Park Service is extending and continuing some current concession contracts and will award one temporary contract to keep visitor services running smoothly while new contracts are being set up. This means no interruptions for park visitors, and the changes will take effect on specific dates listed by the NPS. These moves don’t guarantee any new contract rights but keep things running without a hitch.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Existing Contracts Extended Through 2027–2029
The NPS proposes to extend the concession contracts listed in Table 1 until the listed "Extension Expiration Date" or until a new contract becomes effective, whichever comes first. Many listed extensions run from 1/1/2027 through 12/31/2027, while others show different ranges (for example, Glacier Bay GLBA001-15 is extended 10/1/2027–9/30/2028 and some Haleakalā entries run 1/1/2028–12/31/2028).
Certain Contracts Continued to End of 2027
The NPS intends to continue the contracts listed in Table 2 for the maximum time allowable under 36 CFR 51.23, until the listed "Continuation Expiration Date" or until a new contract is effective, whichever comes first. The Table 2 entries (for example Glen Canyon and Lake Mead contracts) show continuation effective 1/1/2027 with continuation expiration dates of 12/31/2027.
Temporary Everglades Contract Limited to One Year
The NPS proposes to award a temporary concession contract for Everglades NP to provide Interpretive Tram Tours, Bicycle Rentals, Retail, and Bicycle/Hiker Pickup, with an anticipated effective date of 1/1/2027 and a term not to exceed one year. The temporary contract will be awarded to a qualified person under 36 CFR 51.24(a).
Visitor Services Will Remain Uninterrupted
The NPS states it will extend, continue, and award a temporary concession contract to avoid interruptions in visitor services across affected park units, and that these actions will be effective on the dates shown in the tables. For example, the agency intends a temporary Everglades contract to be effective 1/1/2027 to keep tram tours, bicycle rentals, retail, and bicycle/hiker pickup operating.
Extensions/Continuations Do Not Create New Contract Rights
The NPS explicitly states that extending or continuing the existing contracts "does not confer or affect any rights with respect to the award of new contracts." This applies to contracts listed in both Table 1 and Table 2.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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