Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Activities in Big Bend
A wide variety of commercial activities occur in Big Bend National Park.
 

Big Bend CUA Program Updates

Big Bend has extended all current fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024) CUA permits to December 31, 2024 to align with the new NPS Online Application and Reporting System. Our program will shift from the fiscal year to the calendar year in 2025. You may apply for a 2025 permit (valid from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025), through the NPS Online Application and Reporting System starting on October 1, 2024. Please allow up to 60 days for processing.

Big Bend National Park is excited to announce the online CUA system. The system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. 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.

WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT 2024 PERMIT APPLICATIONS (will expire on December 31, 2024) VIA THE CUA OFFICE (bibe_cua@nps.gov) FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE 2024 CALENDAR YEAR.

 

Big Bend Commercial Use Authorization Permits (CUAs)

 
 
 

What Is A Commercial Use Authorization?

Approximately 50 companies provide a wide variety of commercial services in Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River. These services are limited to those companies having specific authorization, usually in the form of a Concessions Contract or Commercial Use Authorization (CUA).

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA), are a permit issued by the park Superintendent to allow certain commercial activities within the park. Permits are required of all operators who provide any goods, activities, agreements or other services to the general public that:

  • take place, at least in part, on lands managed by the National Park Service,
  • use park resources, and
  • result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization or corporation.

Federal regulations prohibit engaging in or soliciting any business in the park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a written agreement with the United States. Commercial aspects, such as advertising, negotiation of compensation, and receipt of money/compensation must occur outside of the park. Year-round permits coincide with the calendar year, starting January 1 and ending December 31 of the following year. Permits may also be issued for one-time use.

Park Entrance Fees

A CUA does NOT exempt the holder or clients from NPS entrance fee requirements, nor does it grant automatic access to areas controlled by reservation systems.

 

Big Bend Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA)

 

How To Apply For A CUA

2025 Application Information

Apply Now
 
 

Contact Us

If you have any questions concerning the Commercial Use Authorization program at Big Bend, please contact:

Kelly VandenBerg
CUA Coordinator
(432) 213-3309
BIBE_CUA@nps.gov

Last updated: September 3, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

Phone:

432-477-2251

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