Blue Ridge Parkway Announces Concession Opportunity Application Process Open

Blue Ridge Parkway  -- Press Release Blue Ridge Parkway: The National Park Service is accepting proposals for two concession contracts on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Business opportunities to provide craft sales at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC (milepost 382) and boat rental services at Price Lake near Blowing Rock, NC (milepost 297) are outlined in newly released prospectus documents.

Services under the new contracts are expected to begin January 1, 2026, and each new contract will be for a 10-year term.
Interested parties can access the prospectuses at the Prospectus Releases – Concessions page on the NPS website.

The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for two concession contracts on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Business opportunities to provide craft sales at the Folk Art Center in Asheville, NC (milepost 382) and boat rental services at Price Lake near Blowing Rock, NC (milepost 297) are outlined in newly released prospectus documents. Services under the new contracts are expected to begin January 1, 2026, and each new contract will be for a 10-year term.
 
Interested parties can access the prospectuses at the Prospectus Releases – Concessions page on the NPS website. A site visit to the Folk Art Center is planned for June 17, 2025. A site visit to Price Lake is planned for June 18, 2025. Those interested in either site visit must register by emailing e-mail us by June 12, 2025.
 
Concession contracts are developed and issued under the authority of the Concessions Management Improvement Act of 1998, P.L. 105-391, and its attending regulations in 36 CFR 51. Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. Part 51, the NPS Director has determined the existing concessioner at Price Lake, Price Lake Boat Rentals, has Preferred Offeror status for that new contract. That preferential right allows the Preferred Offeror, if it submits a responsive proposal and is not selected as the best proposal for the Draft Contract, to match the terms and conditions of the best proposal.
 
To submit a proposal in response to this solicitation, including existing concessioners, notify intent to William Gordon, Commercial Services Specialist, via email at e-mail us no later than August 6, 2025. Proposals are due September 3, 2025. All questions related to either business opportunity should be directed to William Gordon.