[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 22, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 8735]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-4054]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service


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

SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this 
notice announces the National Park Service's intention to request 
reinstatement and revision of 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 April 24, 
2000.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR COMMENTS: Contact Cynthia Orlando, Chief, 
Concession Program Division, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20013 or 202/565-1210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:   
    Title: Submission of Offers for Concession Opportunities.
    OMB Number: 1024-0125.
    Expiration Date of Approval: March 31, 2000.
    Type of Request: Reinstatement 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.
    Section 403(1) of the National Park Service Concessions Management 
Improvement Act of 1998 (P.L. 105-391) requires that proposed 
concession contracts be awarded by the Secretary of the Interior to the 
person or entity submitting the best proposal as determined by the 
Secretary through a competitive selection process. Section 403(5) of 
the Act further provides that in selecting the best proposal, the 
Secretary shall consider the following principal factors:
    a. The responsiveness of the proposal to the objectives of 
protecting, conserving and preserving resources of the unit of the 
National Park System and of providing necessary and appropriate 
facilities and services to the public at reasonable rates;
    b. The experience and related background of the person, corporation 
or entity submitting the proposal, including past performance and 
expertise of such person, corporation or entity in providing the same 
or similar facilities or services;
    c. The financial capability of the person, corporation, or entity 
submitting the proposal; and
    d. The proposed franchise fee, except that consideration of revenue 
to the United States shall be subordinate to the objectives of 
protecting, conserving, and preserving resources of the unit of the 
National Park System and of providing necessary and appropriate 
facilities to the public at reasonable rates.
    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--47,000 hours.
    A sample copy of this information collection can be obtained from 
Cynthia Orlando, Chief, Concession Program Division, at 202/565-1212.
    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 Cynthia Orlando, Chief, 
Concession Program Division, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, 
Washington, DC 20240.
    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: February 11, 2000.
Denis P. Galvin,
Acting Director, National Park Service.
[FR Doc. 00-4054 Filed 2-18-00; 8:45 am]
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