[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 18, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 30919]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-15373]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Notice of Request for Extension and Revision of a Currently 
Approved Information Collection

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the National Park Service's intention to request an 
extension for and revision to a currently approved information 
collection in support of its Concession Management Program based on 
reestimates.

DATES: Comments on this notice must be received no later than August 
19, 1996.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Robert K. Yearout, Chief, 
Concession Program Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, 
Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 or 202-343-3784.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    Title: Submission of Offers for Concession Opportunities.
    OMB Number: 1024-0125.
    Expiration Date of Approval: January 31, 1996.
    Type of Request: Extension and revision of a currently approved 
information collection.
    Abstract: The National Park Service (NPS) authorizes private 
businesses known as concessioners to provide necessary and appropriate 
visitor facilities and services in areas of the National Park System. 
The NPS issues prospectuses to advise interested parties of concession 
business opportunities and to solicit offers from all parties 
interested in specific opportunities.
    16 U.S.C. 20(d) requires that before granting extensions, renewals 
or new concession contracts, the NPS must give reasonable public notice 
and must consider and evaluate all proposals received as a result 
thereof. Implementing regulations at 36 CFR, Part 51, further require 
the submission of offers by all interested parties, and provide that 
the principal factors to be considered in selecting the best offer 
shall be (1) the experience and related background of the offeror, (2) 
the offeror's financial capability, and (3) conformance to the terms 
and conditions of the prospectus issued by the NPS in relation to 
quality of service to the visitor. Secondary factors include franchise 
fee offered and other factors as may be specified.
    The information requested in each prospectus is used to evaluate 
all offers received and determine which among them is the best offer 
for purposes of contract award. Specific information on the experience 
and background of the person(s) or entity, the financial capabilities 
of each offeror, their financial and operational plans, the franchise 
fee offered, and the proposed term of contract are requested in each 
prospectus issued by the NPS. The amount of information or degree of 
detail requested varies widely, depending upon the size and scope of 
the business opportunity. For example, a much greater amount of 
detailed information would be required for a multi-unit food and 
lodging operation such as that at Yellowstone, than would be required 
for a small firewood sales operation. Without such information, the NPS 
would be unable to objectively evaluate offers received for a 
particular business opportunity, and would be unable to assure that the 
park resources will be adequately protected, or to determine which 
offeror would provide the best service to visitors at reasonable rates, 
and the greatest overall return to the Government.
    Estimate of Burden:
    For large operations--approximately 480 hours per response.
    For small operations--approximately 240 hours per response.
    Estimated Number of Respondents:
     Large operations--approximately 150.
    Small operations--approximately 200.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: One
    Estimated Total Annual Burden on Respondents:
    Large operations--72,000 hours.
    Small operations--48,000 hours.
    A sample copy of this information collection can be obtained from 
Robert K. Yearout, Chief, Concession Program Division, at 202-343-3784.
    Send comments regarding the accuracy of the burden estimate, ways 
to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, or any other 
aspect of this collection of information to Robert K. Yearout, Chief, 
Concession Program Division, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, 
Washington, D.C. 20013-7127.
    All responses to this notice will be summarized and included in the 
request for OMB approval. All comments will also become a matter of 
public record.

    Dated: May 29, 1996.
Maureen Finnerty,
Associate Director, Park Operations and Education.
[FR Doc. 96-15373 Filed 6-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P