# Standard Concession Contract; Revision > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A00-10984 ## Record - **Collection:** Federal Register - **Document type:** Notice - **Published:** May 4, 2000 - **Citation:** 65 FR 26052 ## Text DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service Standard Concession Contract; Revision ACTION: Final Revision of the National Park Service Standard Concession Contract. SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) authorizes certain business entities to operate concessions in areas of the national park system. The agreements embodying these authorizations are concession contracts (and, previously, concession permits) that incorporate NPS terms and conditions established by law and prudent contract administration. In 1998, Public Law 105-391 (the 1998 Act) was enacted which in many significant ways affects the content of concession contracts to be entered into after its effective date. Accordingly, NPS amends its existing standard concession contract to conform to the requirements of the 1998 Act and to otherwise make improvements to the standard form. NPS, although not required to do so by law, sought by publication in the Federal Register on September 3, 1999, public comments on the proposed standard concession contract to assist it in the development of a final version as a matter of public policy. Similarly, NPS sought public comment on the proposed exhibits to the contract and amended environmental language by publication in the Federal Register on February 23, 2000. NPS, after consideration of public comments, adopts a new standard concession contract. NPS points out that the new standard concession contract is only an internal guideline for the form of concession contracts. The form may be changed by the Director in his discretion to accommodate the circumstances of any particular contracting situation or otherwise as long as the contract form used is consistent with the 1998 Act and 36 CFR part 51. EFFECTIVE DATE: June 5, 2000. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Cindy Orlando, Concession Program Manager, National Park Service, 1849 “C” Street, NW., Washington, DC 20240 (202/565-1219). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 1998 Act, among other matters, amended the statutory policies and procedures under which NPS operates its concession program. The new law requires adoption of new regulations governing the award, content and management of concession contracts. On June 30, 1999, NPS published for public comment proposed regulations implementing the new law. The final new regulations were published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2000. The final standard concession contract set forth in this notice reflects the requirements of the 1998 Act and the requirements of the amended 36 CFR part 51. It also reflects a variety of improvements NPS wishes to make to its standard concession contract, including a new organizational structure for the sake of clarity. Public Comments Fifteen public comments were received in response to the public notice, all but one from existing concessioners or their attorneys. For the most part, the comments were negative, some going so far as to state that “no one” will submit proposals under the terms of the new concession contract. NPS disagrees. It believes that the new contract form is appropriate in light of the 1998 Act and proper administration of the NPS concessions program. NPS also believes that it will have no difficulty attracting qualified business to submit proposals for new concession contracts. NPS concession businesses are profitable and enjoyable. NPS considers that many qualified companies will seek to become concessioners under the terms of the 1998 Act, the amended 36 CFR Part 51 and the new standard concession contract. Several commenters philosophically objected to the special terms that NPS concession contracts contain, terms that are required in order to give NPS the ability to properly preserve and protect the resources of areas of the national park system and their visitors. These include the ability to describe and modify the nature of concessioners' operations from time to time and the ability to terminate the contract when necessary for resource and visitor protection. NPS appreciates that these types of authorities are not typical in commercial leasing or contracting arrangements. However, they are essential to achieving the NPS mission of protecting and preserving park areas and their visitors. NPS points out that the provisions objected to for the most part are not new provisions but have been successfully implemented over many years in a cooperative relationship with concessioners that share the goals of preservation and protection of park areas and visitors. A concession contract is a special form of government contract that requires the contractor to accept terms and conditions necessary to achieve these goals. NPS does not expect every businessperson to be willing to accept these terms and conditions. However, NPS considers that, as in the past, it will be able to attract qualified businesspersons, committed to the objectives of park area protection, to become NPS concessioners. Another general comment was to the effect that the NPS standard contract is a “contract of adhesion,” i.e., a prospective concessioner is not given an opportunity to negotiate the terms of a contract. NPS disagrees. If a prospective concessioner seeks authorization to operate within the park, he must agree to the conditions placed on such operation by the federal agency charged with protecting and preserving the national park resources. Several comments objected to including contract provisions by reference to 36 CFR part 51. The leasehold surrender interest provisions of 36 CFR part 51 were cited by reference to protect against inadvertent changes to the rules by individual contracts, to shorten the contract, and to make the contract easier to understand. However, in response to this comment, and to ensure clarity, NPS has included as Exhibit A to the final contract relevant leasehold surrender provisions contained in 36 CFR part 51 as express terms of the contract rather than incorporating these terms by reference to 36 CFR part 51. A number of comments expressly incorporated by reference objections the commenters had made on the proposed amendment to 36 CFR part 51. Those comments are not addressed here unless necessary in relation to the new standard contract. The preamble to the final 36 CFR part 51 addresses public comments on the proposed regulatory amendment. A concessioner organization with some 150 existing concessioner members made extensive comments on the proposed concession contract. Reference in the analysis to comments from the “general concessioner organization” refers to this incumbent concessioner organization and to any individual concessioners that endorsed the comments of the general concessioner organization. An environmental consulting firm suggested inclusion of references to environmental management matters in a number of places in the contract. NPS considers these suggested changes to be redundant for the most part, as the environmental protection provisions of the contract are comprehensive. A further discussion of these issues is contained in section 6. NPS has made several editorial and conforming changes to the proposed contract form in addition to the changes discussed below. It has also re-labeled the exhibits to the contract to reflect their final sequence in the contract and defined “days” as used in the contract as calendar days. Two new general provisions have been added to section 19, a standard non-waiver clause and a reference to 28 U.S.C. 2514 with respect to claims arising from the contract. In addition, for the sake of clarity, the final contract includes the definition of “subconcessioner” as set forth in 36 CFR part 51. Section-by-Section Analysis of Comments and Changes The following discusses significant comments made on the several sections of the proposed standard contract. Where no discussion is included, no significant comments were received or comments received primarily were concerned with related provisions of the proposed concession regulations. Opening Paragraph A commenter objected to the description of the parties to the contract on the grounds that it suggests that all partners of a partnership must execute the contract. This is not the case. However, a clarifying change has been made in the final contract. Purpose and Authorities Section 1. Term of Contract A commenter objected to the use of the word approximately in this provision. It has been deleted from the final contract. It also objected to the fact that the contract term may be shortened if the concessioner does not complete required improvements under the terms of the contract for reasons beyond its control. This provision has been retained as a necessary and prudent contract term. However, a sentence has been added expressly referencing the authority of NPS to extend the completion date for reasons beyond the control of the concessioner. Section 2. Definitions 2(a). Applicable Laws Several commenters objected to this definition as being overly broad because of possible changes in law. NPS considers this concern to be unfounded. Changes in law frequently have applicability to existing government contracts. Furthermore, this concept is not new and has been standard in NPS concession contracts for many years. Section 2(b). Areas Section 2(c). Capital Improvement Section 2(d). Concession Facilities Several commenters suggested that the contract should spell out in more detail the concessioner's responsibility for maintenance of Concession Facilities. The Maintenance Plan that is attached to each NPS concession contract describes in detail the maintenance responsibilities of the concessioner. Section 2(e). Director Section 2(f). Exhibit or Exhibits Section 2(g). Gross Receipts The general concessioner organization objected to the definition of gross receipts on several grounds, stating, among other matters, that NPS should have no “right” to receive a franchise fee on the activities of the concessioner outside of park areas. However, the definition of gross receipts refers to receipts generated “pursuant to the rights granted by this contract.” It is entirely appropriate that NPS seek a franchise fee in the form of a percentage of the concessioner's gross receipts for all receipts generated pursuant to the rights granted by the concession contract. The commenter requested a change to exclusion (ix), renumbered (9), to clarify that payments from leasehold surrender interest are excluded from gross receipts. No change has been made because the definition, as proposed, does not include the concept that payments of leasehold surrender interest are included in gross receipts. Item (x), renumbered (10), has not been changed as requested by the commenter. The commenter misunderstands it. The provision applies to taxes that are added to approved sale prices that are collected by the concessioner and remitted to the taxing authority. Most of the other technical suggestions made by the commenter have been considered and rejected as inappropriate. Particularly, the terms of the definition preclude the concern that gross receipts include payments to the concessioner for work the concessioner may perform for NPS. Any such payments would necessarily be under the terms of a procurement contract and not a concession contract. Another commenter requested that the definition of gross receipts be changed so as to state that the franchise fee for outfitters and guides is calculated only on activities conducted within park area boundaries pursuant to the rights granted by the contract. NPS has not made this change as it considers that it has a right and an obligation to collect franchise fees on all revenues of a concessioner derived from the rights granted by the contract regardless of where the activities occur. The commenter, however, argues that some NPS field managers attempt to calculate franchise fees based on all receipts of a concessioner, no matter how derived. If this is true, it is a management error, not a matter that requires changes to the standard contract. Section 2(h). Gross Receipts of Subconcessioners The general concessioner organization states that the gross receipts of subconcessioners should have the same exclusions as concessioner gross receipts. NPS has changed this section in the final contract to make clear that the gross receipts of subconcessioners reported to the concessioner are not subject to exclusions but that the general exclusions applicable to the concessioners' gross receipts extend to its gross receipts generated by the subconcessioner. Section 2(i). Leasehold Surrender Interest Section 2(j.) Leasehold Surrender Interest Value Section 2(k). Major Rehabilitation Section 2(l). Possessory Interest Section 2(m). Real Property Improvements Section 2(n). Superintendent Section 2(o). Visitor Services A commenter states that the words “Section 3(a)” should be removed so as to include services provided by the concessioner no matter where referenced in the contract. However, Section 3(a) is the only place in the standard contract that describes visitor services. NPS has also added a new definition, (f), to this section to clarify that the term “days” used throughout the contract refers to calendar days. This section has been re-lettered accordingly. Section 3. Services and Operations Section 3(a). Required and Authorized Visitor Services A commenter suggested that the inclusion of the instruction under this section to the effect that a concessioner may only provide unspecified visitor services “incidental” to the specified visitor services will stifle innovative concession programs and the concessioner's ability to meet the expectations of the public. NPS disagrees, and notes that this instruction has been standard in NPS concession contracts for many years. In addition, concession contracts may be amended by agreement of the parties to add additional services in certain circumstances. NPS, in the amendment to 36 CFR part 51, has addressed the scope of additional services that may be added to a concession contract by contract amendment in response to public comments. In light of 36 CFR part 51, the sentence regarding incidental services has been deleted in the final contract. Section 3(b). Operation and Quality of Operation Several commenters objected to this section on the grounds that it is too vague, i.e., operations must be conducted to the satisfaction of NPS. NPS disagrees. In the first instance, it notes that all existing NPS concession contracts contain this provision in one form or another, including the contracts of all of the members of the general concessioner organization. NPS is unaware of any litigation at least since 1965 based on the alleged vagueness of this term. A comment also suggests that the phrase “except as may be provided by the Director” be added to the second sentence of this provision. NPS has made a change to reflect this comment. Section 3(c). Operating Plan Several commenters objected to this provision as it gives the Director authority to amend the terms and conditions of a contract's Operating Plan. However, NPS notes that this circumstance is required by the obligations of NPS under law to ensure that a concessioner's operations are not detrimental to the resources of the area or to park visitors. The concept that NPS and the concessioner could agree ten or twenty years in advance as to the details of the concessioner's operations in the future is untenable. For example, circumstances may occur where, in an effort to protect the safety of park visitors, NPS needs to limit the hours that a hotel or restaurant may be open. If NPS had agreed in an Operating Plan that a hotel or restaurant would be open certain hours, and any change in the Operating Plan was subject to agreement by the concessioner, NPS could be effectively precluded from adequately and appropriately protecting park visitors to reflect the changed circumstances. Accordingly, the Operating Plan is necessarily subject to change by NPS so that it may carry out its responsibilities under law for the proper management of park areas. However, the provision expressly states that changes may not be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the main body of the contract. NPS notes that this concept is contained in the prior NPS standard concession contract. It is not a new provision. NPS has modified this provision in the final contract, in response to comments, to make clear that any changes to an operating plan must not only be consistent with the terms of the main body of the contract but must also be reasonable and in furtherance of the purposes of the contract. Section 3(d). Merchandise and Services Section 3(d)(1) The general concessioner organization states that this provision is too broad. However, this same (or similar) provision is contained in all existing concession contracts, including the contracts of all of the members of the organization. NPS does not consider it to be too broad; rather, it provides the NPS the ability to carry out its responsibilities under law for the proper management of park areas. Section 3(d)(2) A commenter objected to this provision on the grounds that it is too broad, suggesting that it applies to confirmation of reservations and other day-to-day activities of a concessioner. In response, NPS has included the word “promotional” to modify “material” in the final contract. As requested by the general concessioner organization, the phrase “in connection with the services provided under the Contract” has been included in the final contract. Section 3(d)(3) The general concessioner organization objected to the term “all” as contained in this section. NPS has deleted the word in the final contract. Section 3(e). Rates The general concessioner organization requests that the standard contract contain provisions that allow the concessioner pricing flexibility without gaining the approval of NPS. NPS does not generally include in concession contracts rate approval provisions except by way of reference to NPS rate approval guidelines. However, the NPS rate approval guidelines do provide for pricing flexibility without NPS approval in certain circumstances. Section 3(f). Impartiality as to Rates and Services NPS has added the phrase “subject to Section (f)(2) and (f)(3) below” to this provision as requested by the general concessioner organization. It also notes that Exhibit C was published for public comment on February 23, 2000. It has also changed Section 3(e)(2) to make clear that any modification of a pricing policy by NPS will be in the course of the general rate approval program. Section 4. Concessioner Personnel Section 4(a)(1) Section 4(a)(2) The general concessioner organization and others objected to this section on the grounds that Exhibit C may be unlawful as a result of a judicial decision. The Exhibit C included in the standard concession contract meets all legal requirements. Section 4(a)(3) Section 4(a)(4) Several commenters objected to this section as being too burdensome. NPS has limited its application in the final contract to persons to whom a job has been offered. It has not deleted the word “appropriate” as requested by one commenter. The word indicates that the level of effort regarding background checks is to be commensurate with the circumstances. Section 4(a)(5) Several commenters objected to this section on the grounds that it is impracticable to achieve. It has been deleted from the final contract. Section 4(a)(6) Section 4(a)(7) The general concessioner organization objected to this section on the grounds that it may require a concessioner to fire an employee. That is correct. It may be necessary to for a concessioner to fire an employee, e.g., an employee that is stealing from guestrooms, in order to correct the situation. However, the word “fully” has been deleted in the final contract as unnecessary. Section 4(a)(8) Several commenters objected to the requirement that concessioners maintain a drug free workplace to the “greatest extent possible.” NPS, however, considers that most concessioners and the American public share this goal. Section 4(a)(9) Section 4(a)(10) In response to a comment by the general concessioner organization, NPS has changed this section in the final contract to make clear that it is operative only when an employee is found to be in violation of controlled substance laws. Section 4(b). Employee Housing NPS has changed this section, in response to comments, to limit it to the reasonableness of rates a concessioner charges employees for housing. It has also changed the requirements for employee recreational activities in response to comments. Section 5. Legal, Regulatory and Policy Compliance Section 5(a) The general concessioner organization objected to this section “if it purports to give the government the right to renege on vested contract rights.” NPS considers that the section is appropriate and in accordance with existing law regarding the rights of the Congress or an executive agency to amend statutes or regulations promulgated under statutes. NPS does not consider that this section gives NPS the ability to alter vested contract rights. Section 5(b) The existing concessioner organization suggested that this section be changed to make clear that it applies to violations of law by the concessioner. NPS has made a change in the final contract in response to this comment. Section 6. Environmental and Cultural Protection On February 23, 2000, NPS published a revised proposed version of this section (and minor modifications to related sections) for public comment. Thirteen public comments were received and are responded to as follows (except for comments that were repetitive of comments received earlier on the proposed concession contract and regulations). 1. Addition of a New “Whereas Clause” One comment suggested that this introductory clause is superfluous. NPS disagrees. The clause sets forth an understanding of the environmental objectives of the contract. It is included in the final contract. 2. Modification of the Definition of “Applicable Laws” No comments discussed this definition except as a reiteration of earlier comments. 3. Addition of a Definition of “Best Management Practices” The general concessioner organization objected to the concept of “Best Management Practices” to the extent that implementation of BMPs as defined would not provide the concessioner a financial return. NPS considers that in many instances the implementation of BMP's will provide a specific return on investment. In other circumstances, NPS considers that investment in BMPs is likely to enhance the quality of the concessioner's operations and, therefore, indirectly provide financial return. Another commenter stated that it considers the definition to be vague. NPS does not consider this to be the case. The concept of BMPs is not new; it is well known in many commercial settings. The commenter also asked several specific questions regarding implementation of BMPs. However, the applicability of the BMP concept to particular circumstances cannot be done in the abstract. NPS does note, however that the BMP implementation is required only to the extent reasonable in light of the particular circumstances of the contract. Another commenter suggested a change to the definition to the effect that BMPs are practices not required by law or are used in the absence of regulatory requirements. NPS does not consider this definition to be accurate. The definition of BMPs as proposed by NPS is contained in the final contract. 4. Proposed Change to Section 5 A comment suggested that requiring notice of violation of environmental laws and taking corrective action is ambiguous and burdensome. NPS does not consider either to be the case. The provision is included in the final contract. 5. Proposed Changes to Section 6 Section 6(a). Environmental Management Objectives . A comment suggested that NPS adopt a corresponding obligation to incorporate BMPs in its activities. This is being done administratively in the form of new environmental management policies and practices being developed for management of the national park system. Section 6(b). Environmental Management Program . A comment questioned how NPS intends to take into account the costs associated with the development of an Environmental Management Program by NPS. NPS considers that the costs of environmental management activities are costs of doing business by all commercial entities that engage in activities that may affect the environment. NPS does not consider that associated costs for these purposes require any more consideration by NPS than a concessioner's other costs, e.g., insurance, maintenance, personnel, etc. A comment suggested that this subsection should be amended to allow for other methods of measuring environmental performance. NPS, however, considers that the identification of specific goals and targets is the best means to achieve the purposes of the Environmental Management Program. A commenter suggested that the goals for the Environmental Management Program should be established by NPS rather than the concessioner and that they must meet minimums set by NPS. This, however, is not the intention of NPS. The plan is to be developed by the concessioner to meet the objectives set forth in Section 6(a). Several comments objected to the term “environmental audits” as used in this section as having unintended legal implications. An environmental consulting firm suggested changing the term to environmental “self-assessments.” This change has been made in the final provision. The environmental consulting firm also suggested that the provision require environmental outreach programs to be conducted by the concessioner. NPS considers this to be an appropriate objective but believes that it should be achieved through encouragement rather than by contractual obligations. The same is true with the comment's suggestion for concessioner employee award programs for exceptional environmental performance. Section 6(c) . Environmental Performance Measures. A commenter suggested that a new provision be added to this section requiring the concessioner to comply with the NPS environmental audit program. This comment misunderstands the nature of this program. Section 6(d) . Environmental Data, Reports, Notifications, and Approvals. A commenter suggested that the responsibility for notifications of discharges should be limited to discharges on lands assigned to the concessioner. NPS disagrees. Discharges anywhere in the vicinity of the park area are of concern to NPS. The same commenter suggested that a concessioner should not have to submit private communications with counsel to NPS. However, section (d)(5) does not state such a requirement. A comment suggested that the term “waste stream” is vague. NPS disagrees and notes that the types of waste a concession operation will generate will vary from park to park. No other comments suggested that the term was vague. The same comment suggested that section (d)(3) may require notice of any type of waste, not just hazardous substances. However, the section only applies to waste that is subject to regulation under applicable law. A comment suggested that notifications be protected against public disclosure. Usual public availability rules (under the Freedom of Information Act) will apply to notifications received by NPS. A comment suggested that the requirement for a concessioner to give NPS notice of violations may be inconsistent with laws that give States environmental enforcement responsibilities in certain areas. The NPS requirement is not inconsistent with these laws. NPS has a right as owner of the property to be made aware of violations of law by a concessioner, irrespective of the law's enforcement authority. A comment stated that requiring notice of any “threatened” notice of violation is too broad. NPS has changed this section to make clear that it applies only to written communication from appropriate authorities. Section 6(f). Corrective Action. A comment, referring to comments on the initial proposed section 6, requested the deletion of the word “clean up” on the grounds that only clean up required by law or specific guidelines incorporated into the contract should be allowed. NPS disagrees. NPS has the right, as the owner of the property, to require concessioners to clean up in the event of environmental accidents. As to guidelines for clean up, they will be dealt with as necessary in operation and maintenance plans and NPS policies. The comment also requested a clarification that this section does not apply to the removal of building materials already incorporated into structures. This may generally be the case, but, if required by Applicable Laws, such removal must be undertaken. Several comments suggested that it is unclear that this section is intended to be applicable only to violations of Applicable Laws. NPS considers that the section is clear that this is the case. Another comment suggests that the phrase “response actions necessary to remediate the release is vague.” NPS disagrees and notes that only two duplicative comments made this point. This section was incorrectly numbered and is now subsection (e) in the final contract. Section 6(g). Indemnification and Cost Recovery for Concession Environmental Activities. A comment suggested that subsection (g)(2) be amended to clarify that NPS orders for environmental clean up or corrective action may not be inconsistent with requirements of enforcement authorities. NPS agrees and has made a clarification to this effect. A comment suggested that the indemnification clause of this section should be mutual. NPS, however, even if this were appropriate, does not have legal authority to enter into indemnification provisions. The same comment suggested that the indemnification clause should make clear that the indemnification does not extend to losses caused by the United States. NPS considers that the clause is clear in this respect. The comment also states that costs to be assessed must be reasonable. NPS considers that this is implicit in the provisions. Finally, the comment suggests that the provision should include a clause to the effect that it does not foreclose the concessioner's right to collect costs from a responsible third party. NPS has included such a provision in the final contract. 7. Adding a New Subsection to Section (a)(3) No express comments were received on this change. It has been included in the final contract. 8. Amendment of Proposed Section 15(b) No express comments were received on this section. It has been added to the final contract. 9. Amending Section 16 of the Proposed Contract No express comments were received in response to this proposed change. Section 7. Interpretation of Area Resources Section 7(a) The general concessioner organization objected to this section as being too vague. It has been modified in the final contract to address the concerns of the commenter. Section 7(c) This section has been deleted as unnecessary in the final contract. Section 8. Concession Facilities Used in Operations by the Concessioner Section 8(a). Assignment of Concession Facilities Several commenters objected to this section on the grounds that it permits NPS to assign additional lands or buildings to the concessioner without its consent. The section, however, does not say this. Adding additional concession facilities to the concessioner's land assignment would require mutual agreement. Section 8(b). Concession Facilities Withdrawals The general concessioner organization objected to this section on the same grounds it objected to Section 8(a). However, Section 8(b) is different. It permits NPS to withdraw land assignments without the agreement of the concessioner in limited circumstances, i.e., that withdrawal is necessary for the enhancement or protection of park area resources or visitor protection and enjoyment, the operations utilizing the land have been terminated, or the land is no longer necessary for the concession operation. NPS notes that this provision is unchanged from the prior standard contract with respect to resource and visitor concerns. The right to withdraw assignment in these circumstances is necessary in order to carry out NPS's responsibilities for management of park areas. However, in response to the comment, NPS has deleted the word “enhancing” in the final contract. NPS has not deleted the right to withdraw land when it is no longer necessary for the purposes of the concessioner's operations. Commenters objected to this right; however, it is necessary to permit NPS to carry out its statutory responsibility to only permit “necessary and appropriate” concession facilities and activities on parklands. Circumstances change over time so that land assigned to a concessioner as “necessary” may cease to be necessary at a later date. However, NPS, in response to comments, has included in Section 8(c) the provision that the concessioner may terminate the concession contract in the event of permanent land assignment withdrawals by the Director which the concessioner considers are essential for the concessioner to provide the visitor services required by the contract. Section 8(c). Effect of Withdrawal The general concessioner organization requested that the word “partial” be included before the word “termination” in the first sentence. However, the commenter apparently misunderstands this section. NPS would be obliged to pay the concessioner for any leasehold surrender interest it may have in any permanently withdrawn capital improvement. The organization also asked that provisions be included in the contract for payment to the concessioner for any personal property associated with withdrawn Concession Facilities. NPS does not consider this to be appropriate. Except in special circumstances, personal property is owned by the concessioner and may be disposed of as the concessioner sees fit. This section is unchanged in concept from the current standard concession contract. Section 8(d). Right of Entry The general concessioner organization objects to this section on the grounds that it is overbroad. NPS considers the provision necessary to properly carry out its responsibilities for administration of the park area. It also notes that the United States is the owner of all Concession Facilities within the boundaries of the park area. Section 8(e). Personal Property The general concessioner organization and others objected to this section on the grounds discussed under 8(c) and also on the grounds that this section gives NPS too much authority to withdraw improvements. However, the section by its terms only applies to personal property, not real property improvements. Section 8(f). Condition of Concession Facilities The general concessioner organization objects to this section on the grounds that a concessioner should not be responsible for deficiencies in a building assigned to it by the government. However, the responsibility for maintenance of government assigned property is discussed in Section 10 of the contract. The prospective concessioner should take steps to be aware of the condition of the facilities to be assigned to it prior to submitting a proposal for a contract. As discussed under section 8(a) above, the concessioner cannot be assigned additional lands or buildings under the contract without the concessioner's consent. NPS, in these circumstances, considers this provision to be appropriate. Section 8(g). Utilities Provided by the Director The general concessioner organization objected to this section, stating that it should be more specific about what utilities may be provided by NPS and at what cost. NPS has not made these changes as it would be difficult to describe all possible types of utilities that may be applicable to the circumstances of particular park areas. NPS also notes that it cannot commit to make utilities available to a concessioner, as NPS cannot predict to what extent it will have funds available to construct and operate utilities. This section has been changed to provide that rates for utilities shall be established in accordance with applicable laws. NPS is not in a position to establish prospectively by concession contract the rates of utility services that a concessioner may wish to purchase over the term of a concession contract. Section 8(h). Utilities Provided by the Concessioner The general concessioner organization objected to this section on the grounds that a concessioner should have a right to obtain utilities from a third party without the consent of NPS and to grant utility companies access to park property without the consent of NPS. These suggestions manifestly conflict with the responsibilities of NPS regarding protection of park areas. Section 8(h)(1) The general concessioner organization objects to this section on the grounds that it requires a concessioner to purchase water rights and turn them over to NPS. The section, however, does not say this. Rather, it states that a concessioner shall acquire necessary water rights through applicable State procedures and assign any rights obtained to NPS. The section does not require purchase of existing water rights by the concessioner. This section has been in NPS concession contracts for many years. Section 8(h)(2) The general concessioner organization objected to this section on grounds that it is unfair that the concessioner must provide utilities to the Director at cost. NPS does not consider it good business to authorize a concessioner to install utilities in a park area and make a profit on the utilities when provided to the government. This section has been in NPS concession contracts for many years. Section 8(h)(3) This section refers to appliances and machinery installed in connection with utility systems. NPS does not believe these terms to be ambiguous. However, the general concessioner organization objected to this section on the grounds that it is ambiguous. NPS has not changed this section in the final contract as NPS believes that it is not vague or ambiguous. This section has not been materially altered from previous versions of the standard contract. Section 9. Construction or Installation of Real Property Improvements Section 9(a). Construction of Real Property Improvements A comment suggested that this section should make clear that it only applies to construction on government property. NPS considers that the text of this section makes this clear. Section 9(b). Removal of Real Property Improvements The general concessioner organization objected to this section on the grounds that NPS, not the concessioner, owns salvage from demolished Capital Improvements. NPS has changed this section in the final rule in response to this comment. The organization also objects to being required to restore land it occupies during a concession contract to a natural condition. NPS disagrees. Land disturbed for the purposes of a concession operation should be subject to restoration by the concessioner. Section 9(c). Leasehold Surrender Interest Section 9(d). Concession Facilities Improvement Program Section 9(d)(1) The general concessioner organization suggests that this section be changed to reference the Department of Labor's CPI-U Index. NPS has made this change in the final contract. The organization also requests that a ceiling on improvement costs be included. NPS has not accepted this suggestion. A concessioner is able to make its own cost estimates in advance of contract award. Section 9(d)(2) Section 9(d)(3) The general concessioner organization argues that this section is too vague. NPS disagrees and notes that the substance of most of this section has been contained in NPS concession contracts for many years. The provisions clearly state the obligations of the parties regarding commencement of construction. Section 10. Maintenance Section 10(a). Maintenance Obligation Several commenters objected to this section on grounds that it is too vague. They suggest that the contract should cover in detail all aspects of maintenance. NPS disagrees with this. Maintenance needs will change from time to time and cannot possibly be fully anticipated over the life of a long-term concession contract. Section 10(b). Maintenance Plan Several commenters objected to this section for the reasons discussed above with respect to Operating Plans, i.e., that it allows NPS to revise Maintenance Plans without the agreement of the concessioner. The NPS response is the same. NPS must have the ability to specify maintenance obligations of a concessioner over the term of a contract in order to carry out its responsibilities to protect and preserve park resources and visitors. Maintenance requirements are not static. For example, it may be determined during the term of a contract that the use of a certain type of paint is detrimental to a native plant species located in the vicinity of a hotel. Unless the use of the paint was determined to be unlawful under Applicable Laws, NPS would not necessarily be in a position to effectively require that use of the paint be stopped if a change to the Maintenance Plan required the agreement of the concessioner. Accordingly, no change has been made with respect to the general ability of NPS to modify maintenance plans. However, in response to comments, NPS has changed this section in the final contract to state that changes to a Maintenance Plan must reflect reasonable requirements in furtherance of the purposes of the contract. Section 10(c). Repair and Maintenance Reserve The general concessioner organization argues that this provision is illegal for the reasons discussed in its comments on the proposed NPS concession contracting regulations. These comments are addressed in the preamble to the final regulations. NPS has made a change in this section in response to comments. This is to permit any funds left in the account at the end of the contract to remain the property of the concessioner upon the expiration or termination of the contract. However, this section has also been changed to expressly state that any failure by the concessioner to expend funds from the reserve in accordance with its purposes will be considered as a material breach of the contract. The general concessioner organization made a number of other comments regarding this section that were duly considered by NPS. To the extent that they did not repeat legal arguments made in comments on the proposed concession regulations, NPS does not consider them to be of merit. One commenter suggested that this provision constitutes an illegal taking of property. However, the provision merely requires a concessioner to maintain government property assigned to it and to escrow sufficient funds for this purpose. This is standard practice in commercial leases. Section 11. Fees Section 11(a). Franchise Fees The general concessioner organization requested deletion of the second sentence of this section on the grounds that a concessioner should have a right to request a waiver of franchise fees under section 407(b) of the 1998 Act. This is not the case. section 407(b) refers to an adjustment of franchise fees, not a waiver. Section 407(b) is reflected in the terms of Subsection 11(d) of this section. Section 11(b). Payments Due The general concessioner organization suggests that any franchise fee overpayments due a concessioner at the expiration of a concession contract should be remitted to the concessioner by NPS. NPS has made this change in the final contract. Section 11(c). Interest The general concessioner organization suggests that NPS should have discretion not to charge interest on overdue payments. NPS disagrees. In fact, it has a legal obligation to charge interest on overdue payments to the government. The commenter also objects to the last sentence as vague and overbroad. However, all the sentence states is that the Director may impose penalties for late payments in accordance with applicable law. NPS does not consider this sentence to be vague or overbroad. Section 11(d). Reconsideration of Franchise Fees NPS has made several changes to this section in response to the comments of the general concessioner organization (and has used the term “adjustment” of franchise fees to track the term used in the 1998 Act). First, NPS has made all aspects of the adjustment process (except arbitration of an appropriate adjusted fee if the parties agree that extraordinary, unanticipated changes have occurred) subject to mutual agreement so that no advantage is given NPS. This is consistent with changes in the final concession regulations. Second, it has provided for prospective adjustments only, as requested by the general concessioner organization. Third, NPS has amended the time periods in accordance with the suggestions of the commenter. Other conforming changes have been made to this section in the final contract. NPS notes that several commenters objected to the arbitration procedures to be followed. The section has been amended to state that the procedures are to be agreed to by the parties or are to be established by the arbitration panel. Section 12. Indemnification and Insurance Section 12(a). Indemnification The general concessioner organization objected to the indemnification provision as being too broad. NPS has considered the views of the commenter but believes the terms of the indemnification provision are appropriate. Nevertheless, NPS has changed the phrase “relating to” to “connected with” in this section to address this concern. Another commenter suggested that a concessioner should not be required to indemnify NPS if the injury arose from the negligence of NPS. NPS does not consider that the indemnification provision as written suggests this. Section 12(b). Insurance in General Several commenters objected to this on the grounds that it permits the Director to alter the contract's insurance requirements. However, the liabilities of a concessioner necessarily will change over time as a result of new construction, new concessioner activities or means to implement activities, or changing visitor patterns and activities. NPS must have the authority to require changes to the concessioner's insurance program to reflect changing conditions in order to properly provide for the protection of park resources and visitors. NPS, in response to comments, has added a sentence to this section in the final contract setting forth the scope of any changes that may be required. Section 12(c). Commercial Public Liability NPS has amended subsection (4) in response to public comments. However, NPS has an obligation to park visitors to make sure that concessioners carry adequate insurance. Levels and types of insurance necessarily change over time. Section 12(d). Property Insurance Several comments were made regarding this section. NPS has duly considered them and has made a change to the final contract to make clear that replacement cost coverage is the basis of required property insurance. In addition, it has changed the final contract to make clear that the concessioner may obtain additional insurance other than that required by NPS or in higher amounts. Also, it has changed the final contract to clarify that the concessioner is responsible for repair or replacement of damaged property even if insurance proceeds are not sufficient. The general concessioner organization argued that monies a concessioner spends to repair or replace property over and above insurance proceeds should result in leasehold surrender interest. NPS agrees with this to the extent that the concessioner may construct or install a capital improvement within the meaning of 36 CFR Part 51 with its own funds (not insurance proceeds). Finally, NPS has changed this section in the final contract to provide that any additional insurance NPS may require must be consistent with industry practices. Section 13. Bonds and Liens Section 13(a) The general concessioner organization states that historically NPS has not required bonds. However, NPS concession contracts for many years have contained a bond provision. NPS has changed this section in the final contract to make clear that bond amounts are to be reasonable in response to a comment. Section 13(b). Liens The general concessioner organization objects to this section only to the extent that it should not include personal property of a concessioner located outside the boundaries of the park area. NPS has amended this section in the final rule to reflect this comment. Another commenter suggested that the government's lien is unworkable in the marketplace. However, this lien provision has been included in NPS concession contracts at least since 1965. NPS considers it to be workable. Section 14. Accounting Records and Reports Section 14(a). Accounting System The general concessioner organization considers that the $250,000 threshold for accrual method accounting is too low. NPS disagrees. NPS has a direct interest in the accounting methods of concessioners that pay a franchise fee on gross receipts. NPS does not consider that the benefits of the accrual method are outweighed by any additional costs that the general concessioner organization asserts may result from use of accrual method accounting. The general concessioner organization reads subsection (3) of this section as suggesting that it is not proper for a concessioner to purchase services from an affiliate or allocate overhead. This is not the case. The provision only states that the concessioner must keep its books in such a manner that no diversion or concealment of profits may result from such arrangements. This has been a standard provision (in the General Provisions section) of concession contracts for many years. Section 14(b).—Annual Financial Report The general concessioner organization requested several changes to this section. In response, NPS has changed the time period in subsection (1) to 120 days. It has not changed the thresholds for accounting by certified independent accountants in order to protect the interests of the United States in the collection of franchise fees. Section 14(c). Other Financial Reports The general concessioner organization objected to the last sentence of subsection (1) on the grounds that the concepts of useful life and book value are irrelevant because of leasehold surrender interest. NPS has changed the section in accordance with this comment. Section 15. Other Reporting Requirements The general concessioner organization objected to this section as overbroad. NPS has considered these comments but believes that the described reporting requirements are necessary for the proper administration of the park area. Section 16. Suspension and Termination Section 16(a). Suspension The general concessioner organization objected to the circumstances in which NPS may suspend a concessioner's operations under this section. NPS notes that this provision is the same as in its current standard contract. However, NPS has modified this section in the final contract in response to this comment and to more directly track 36 CFR Part 51. Section 16(b). Termination Section 16(b)(1) A commenter suggested that there is no authority for NPS to have the ability to terminate concession contracts “nor is such power provided any government agent under general contract law.” This, however, is not the case. NPS clearly has not only the authority but the obligation to include termination provisions in concession contracts in circumstances, among others, where park area and visitor protections so require. NPS also notes that government procurement contracts almost always contain a “termination for convenience” clause which permits the government to terminate the contract for any reason whatsoever. The termination clause contained in most current NPS concession contracts and in the final new contract is significantly more restrictive (to the benefit of the concessioner) than the standard government termination for convenience clause. NPS also notes that this section is the same as contained in the current NPS standard contract. However, NPS has modified this section in the final contract in response to this comment and to more directly track 36 CFR part 51. It has also included the modifier “material” with respect to contract breaches in response to a comment. Section 16(b)(2) The general concessioner organization objected to this section on the grounds that it should not permit partial termination of a concession contract by NPS. NPS notes that this section has been contained in NPS concession contracts for many years. However, in response to this comment, NPS has deleted reference to partial termination. Section 16(b)(3) The general concessioner organization objected to this section with respect to the “sole discretion” provided to NPS. NPS has deleted this phrase in the final contract. NPS has also, in response to the comments of the general concessioner organization, defined “repeated breaches” in the final contract. Section 16(b)(3) The general concessioner organization stated that this section should permit the concessioner an appropriate time period in which to obtain the dismissal of such filings. NPS has not made this change, as termination in these circumstances is discretionary, not mandatory. Section 16(c). Bankruptcy In response to the comments of the general concessioner organization, NPS has amended this section in the final rule to provide for notification of NPS in the event of the filing of a petition in bankruptcy and to make clear that the description of a concession contract with respect to bankruptcy law is the position of NPS. Section 16(d). Requirements in the Event of Termination Section 16(d)(1) NPS has included the phrase “in accordance herewith” after the word “contract” in this section as requested by the general concessioner organization. Section 16(d)(2) Section 16(d)(3) The general concessioner organization objects to this provision which requires a concessioner, if requested by NPS, to continue to operate for a period of time after contract expiration or other termination. This has been a standard provision of concession contracts for many years. However, in light of NPS's new authorities under the 1998 Act, NPS does not consider this provision to be necessary and has deleted it from the final contract. Section 16(d)(4) NPS has considered the comments of the general concessioner organization and does not believe that this section should be changed. The provision provides adequate compensation to a prior concessioner for the temporary use by a new concessioner of the prior concessioner's personal property. NPS notes, in response to a comment, that the compensation provisions for temporary use of a concessioner's property are generally the same or even more beneficial to the concessioner than those that have been contained in NPS concession contracts at least since 1965. Section 17. Compensation Section 17(a). Just Compensation The general concessioner organization states that this provision requires the concessioner to accept the compensation provided by Section 17 even if NPS breaches the concession contract. However, the provision is only applicable to the circumstances described in the provision, which do not reference breach of contract by NPS. Section 17(b). Compensation for Contract Expiration or Termination Section 17(b) has been reworded for clarity, to reflect the deletion of subsection (c), and to delete its last sentence as unnecessary. Section 17(c). Compensation When Contract Terminated for Default The general concessioner organization objected to this provision on the grounds that NPS may not offset leasehold surrender interest payments based on damages caused by a concessioner's breach of contract. NPS does not necessarily agree with this comment but has deleted this section in the final contract as unnecessary. Section 17(d). Procedures for Establishing the Value of a Leasehold Surrender Interest This provision has been changed in accordance with the terms of the final amendment to 36 CFR part 51 and for clarity. Section 17(e). Compensation for Personal Property NPS has modified this section in response to comments from the general concessioner organization. Particularly, the contract now provides 30 days in most cases for a concessioner to remove its personal property from a park area after contract expiration or termination. This provision has been moved to Section 16(d). However, NPS does not agree that concession contracts should provide compensation for a concessioner's personal property for the reasons discussed above. Section 18. Assignment, Sale, or Encumbrance of Interests This section has been clarified in the final contract to make clear that a sale or transfer is subject to all applicable laws, including, without limitation, 36 CFR Part 51. Several commenters were concerned that this provision (and other provisions of the contract) permits NPS to change the conditions for sales and transfers by amending 36 CFR Part 51. Amendments to 36 CFR Part 51, however, or to other laws or regulations, may be made applicable to existing contracts only to the extent permissible under law. Section 19. General Provisions Section 19(a) Section 19(b) The general concessioner organization suggests that this provision requires NPS to release concessioner information. The provision, however, merely states the fact that information provided to NPS by a concessioner is subject to public release if required or authorized by law. NPS has clarified this provision in the final contract in this connection. Section 19(c) NPS has modified this section in the final contract in response to a comment from the general concessioner organization that it should be clarified to make clear that it only applies to arrangements where a third party is to provide visitor services. In addition, NPS has deleted the sentences in this section that permitted subconcessions in limited circumstances. To the extent that NPS may permit subconcessions in the circumstances of a particular concession contract, a contract amendment would be negotiated with the concessioner. Section 19(d) Section 19(e) Section 19(f) Section 19(g) Section 19(h) Section 19(i) This section has been deleted in the final contract as unnecessary. Section 19(k) Exhibits On February 23, 2000, NPS published for public comments proposed exhibits to the proposed standard concession contract. Thirteen comments were received and responded to as follows. An environmental consulting firm made a number of comments on the exhibits requesting that many references to environmental concerns be included in them. Some changes have been made in response to these comments. Exhibit A. Non-Discrimination (Exhibit C in the Final Contract) A comment suggested deleting reference to the term “permit.” This change has been made in the final contract. A comment suggested that the posting requirements of this section might be redundant with other federal requirements. The inclusion of this provision in the contract, however, is required by law. Exhibit B. Existing Facilities (Exhibit D in the Final Contract) A comment pointed out that the land assignment under this section is limited to “housekeeping purposes.” The term “housekeeping” has been deleted in the final contract. Exhibit C. Assigned Government Personal Property (Exhibit E in the Final Contract) Exhibit D. Leasehold Surrender Interest as of the Effective Date of the Contract (Exhibit G in the Final Contract) Exhibit E. Insurance Requirements (Exhibit I in the Final Contract) The general concessioner organization made a number of suggestions regarding this section. Several changes have been made in the final contract in response to these comments. However, in general, NPS notes that this Exhibit E is intended to be tailored on a case by case basis to fit the needs of particular concession operations. A comment objected to the $5,000 self-insured retention as being inconsistent with some concessioners' business practices. This may be the case, but NPS, in order to protect its interests and those of park visitors, considers this limit to be appropriate. One commenter objected to the concessioner being required to provide NPS with copies of insurance policies. However, this only occurs upon the express request of NPS. Several comments objected to the specific deductibles required by this Exhibit. NPS, however, considers that relatively low deductibles are necessary in order to assure that the concessioner will have sufficient resources to cover losses. The proposed requirement for professional liability insurance has been deleted in response to comments. A comment stated that flood and other forms of insurance are not always available. NPS notes that the insurance exhibit will be tailored to fit the needs of particular concession operations. If insurance is not obtainable, as determined by the Director, it will not be required. Exhibit F. Sample Maintenance Plan (Exhibit H in the Final Contract) The published maintenance plan was a sample only. None of its provisions (except for its introduction) are required. Rather, a maintenance plan will be developed for each concession operation on the basis of the circumstances of that operation. Accordingly, the final contract includes only the required introductory paragraph of the maintenance plan but not any of the sample provisions. A number of comments objected in general to the fact that this plan may be changed from time to time by the Superintendent. Such comments were also made in response to the initial publication of the proposed contract. They are discussed in the response to comments on Section 10(b). In addition, in response to a comment, it is noted that NPS administrative guidelines will provide an administrative appeal by the concessioner to the appropriate NPS Regional Director with respect to changes to a Maintenance Plan proposed by a superintendent of a park area. The plan has been amended to include reference to the fact that amendments to it must be reasonable and in furtherance of the purposes of the contract. Exhibit G. Operating Plan (Exhibit B in the Final Contract) The published operating plan is a sample only. None of its provisions (except for its introduction) are required. An operating plan will be developed for each concession operation on the basis of the circumstances of that operation. Accordingly, the final contract includes only the required introductory paragraph of the operating plan but not any of the sample provisions. A number of comments objected in general to the fact that this plan may be changed from time to time by the Superintendent. Such comments were also made in response to the initial publication of the proposed contract. They are discussed in the response to comments on Section 3(c). In addition, in response to a comment, it is noted that NPS administrative guidelines will provide an administrative appeal by the concessioner to the appropriate NPS Regional Director with respect to changes to an Operating Plan proposed by a superintendent of a park area. The plan has been amended to include reference to the fact that amendments to it must be reasonable and in furtherance of the purposes of the contract. Exhibit H. Concessioner Construction and Repair and Maintenance Project Procedures (Exhibit F in the Final Contract) A number of comments were made on this exhibit that duplicated comments made on the proposed contract with respect to leasehold surrender interest provisions and related matters. These comments are responded to under the leasehold surrender interest provisions. In addition, Exhibit H has been changed in the final contract to reflect the changes made to the leasehold surrender interest provisions of the final contract and regulations. A comment suggested that there is no definition of repair and maintenance projects. Further definitions have been included in the final exhibit in this connection. A comment suggested that the identification of individuals by function should permit an individual to perform more than one function. NPS considers that this ability is implicit in the terms of the Exhibit. A comment suggested that the two separate plans should be combined. NPS disagrees. There are clear distinctions between the plans. A comment suggested that the requirements for identification of projects is vague and subjective. The language has been changed in the final contract to make it more specific. A comment suggested that the procedures for conferences and review are unduly burdensome. NPS does not believe this to be the case, at least in the circumstances of construction in areas of the national park system. The comment suggested that the complete procedures only be applicable to construction projects. NPS disagrees. Repair and maintenance projects may have the same impacts as construction projects. A comment suggested that wording should be added providing compensation to the concessioner if a project is not permitted to proceed. NPS does not consider this appropriate. Concessioners are aware that a number of legal and policy considerations must be dealt with before any binding commitment to permit construction on park lands may be made. The risk that proposed construction or repair and maintenance projects may not be approved is a cost of doing business as a concessioner. A comment suggested that the terms regarding total project cost and total project price do not define what costs and expenses are included. This would be difficult and non-productive in a generic document such as Exhibit H. The expenses and costs associated with projects will be identified on a case by case, subject to the limitations of leasehold surrender interest cost as described in Exhibit A to the contract. A comment suggested that the exhibit provide for a simplified process in emergency situations. No change has been made but the Superintendent would have such authority in emergency situations. Suggestions for Additional Provisions Several commenters requested that additional provisions not mentioned in the above discussion be included in concession contracts. A commenter suggested that a dispute resolution clause be included in the contract. NPS does not consider this appropriate in light of the several arbitration requirements of the contract. In circumstances where a dispute is not subject to arbitration, the matter is subject to resolution under applicable legal procedures. A commenter also suggested that the contract contain a clause that permits the parties to agree to alternative dispute resolution procedures by mutual agreement. NPS considers that this ability exists under the terms of the contract as drafted and general contract law. A commenter suggested that the concession contract contain an exclusivity clause. NPS disagrees for the reasons discussed in response to comments on the amendment to 36 CFR part 51. A commenter suggested that performance standards should be contained in the contract or in an exhibit. NPS is considering the possibility of adding additional performance measures to concession contracts. For the present, however, NPS considers that the standard contract and its exhibits, particularly the operating and maintenance plans, are adequate for this purpose. NPS also notes that it has previously published for public comment its concessioner evaluation program currently in place. A commenter suggested that the contract include as an exhibit a standard document equivalent to a non-disturbance and attornment agreement. NPS disagrees that such a document should be included as part of the standard concession contract in light of the greatly varying circumstances of concession contracts with respect to the scopes of activities. Several commenters suggested including a provision referring to the preferential right to renewal of certain concession contracts that NPS is to grant to some concessioners under certain conditions pursuant to the terms of section 403(7) of the 1998 Act. NPS considers, however, that inclusion of a contractual provision referring to a possible preferential right to renewal under the terms of the 1998 Act would only create confusion as it is impossible to know, upon execution of any particular concession contract, whether the contract will be renewed at all or, if renewed, whether NPS is to give a preferential right of renewal to the concessioner under the terms of the 1998 Act in light of the conditions applicable to the exercise of such preference. A commenter, in response to the notice regarding the revised section 6 and exhibits, requested that the standard concession contract be republished for further public comment. NPS does not believe this to be in the public interest for the reasons discussed in the preamble to the final regulations (which are equally applicable to the standard contract). Based on the foregoing, NPS adopts the following standard form concession contract for use in its concession management program, with the understanding that it is only an internal guideline. The Director, in his discretion, may utilize any form of concession contract he/she may choose consistent with the requirements of the 1998 Act and 36 CFR part 51. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE [Name of Area] [Site] [Type of Service] CONCESSION CONTRACT NO._____ [Name of Concessioner] [Address, including email address and phone number] Doing Business As Covering the Period through____ Concession Contract Table of Contents Identification of the Parties Sec. 1. Term of Contract Sec. 2. Definitions Sec. 3. Services and Operations A. Required and Authorized Visitor Services B. Operation and Quality of Operation C. Operating Plan D. Merchandise and Services E. Rates F. Impartiality as to Rates and Services Sec. 4. Concessioner Personnel A. Employees B. Employee Housing and Recreation Sec. 5. Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Compliance A. Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Compliance B. Notice C. How and Where to Send Notice Sec. 6. Environmental and Cultural Protection A. Environmental Management Objectives B. Environmental Management Program C. Environmental Management Measurement D. Environmental Data, Reports, Notifications, and Approvals E. Corrective Action F. Indemnification and Cost Recovery for Concessioner Environmental Activities G. Weed and Pest Management H. Protection of Cultural and Archeological Resources Sec. 7. Interpretation of Area Resources A. Concessioner Obligations B. Director Review of Content Sec. 8. Concession Facilities Used in Operation by Concessioner A. Assignment of Concession Facilities B. Concession Facilities Withdrawals C. Effect of Withdrawal D. Right of Entry E. Personal Property F. Condition of Concession Facilities G. Utilities Provided by the Director H. Utilities Not Provided by the Director Sec. 9. Construction or Installation of Real Property Improvements A. Construction of Real Property Improvements B. Removal of Real Property Improvements C. Leasehold Surrender Interest D. Concession Facilities Improvement Program Sec. 10. Maintenance A. Maintenance Obligation B. Maintenance Plan C. Repair and Maintenance Reserve Sec. 11. Fees A. Franchise Fee B. Payments Due C. Interest D. Adjustment of Franchise Fee Sec. 12. Indemnification and Insurance A. Indemnification B. Insurance in General C. Commercial Public Liability D. Property Insurance Sec. 13 Bonds and Liens A. Bonds B. Lien Sec. 14. Accounting Records and Reports A. Accounting System B. Annual Financial Report C. Other Financial Reports Sec. 15. Other Reporting Requirements A. Insurance Certification B. Environmental Reporting C. Miscellaneous Reports and Data Sec. 16. Suspension, Termination, or Expiration A. Suspension B. Termination C. Notice of Bankruptcy or Insolvency D. Requirements in the Event of Termination or Expiration Sec. 17. Compensation A. Just Compensation B. Compensation for Contract Expiration or Termination C. Procedures for Establishing the Value of a Leasehold Surrender Interest D. Compensation for Personal Property Sec. 18. Assignment, Sale or Encumbrance of Interests Sec. 19. General Provisions Exhibits Exhibit A: Leasehold Surrender Interest Exhibit B: Operating Plan Exhibit C: Nondiscrimination. Exhibit D: Assigned Land, Real Property Improvements Exhibit E: Assigned Government Personal Property Exhibit F: Concessioner Construction, Major Rehabilitation, and Repair and Maintenance Project Procedures Exhibit G: Leasehold Surrender Interest Exhibit H: Maintenance Plan Exhibit I: Insurance Requirements [Corporation] THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into by and between the United States of America, acting in this matter by the Director of the National Park Service, through the Regional Director of the _ Region, (hereinafter referred to as the “Director”), and ________, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of _____ (hereinafter referred to as the “Concessioner”): [Partnership] THIS CONTRACT is made and entered into by and between the United States of America, acting in this matter by the Director of the National Park Service, through the Regional Director of the _ Region, hereinafter referred to as the “Director”, and ________ a partnership organized under the laws of the State of _____, hereinafter referred to as the “Concessioner”: [Sole Proprietorship] THIS CONTRACT made and entered into by and between the United States of America, acting in this matter by the Director of the National Park Service, through the Regional Director of the _ Region, hereinafter referred to as the “Director,” and, ________, an individual of, doing business as ________, hereinafter referred to as the “Concessioner”: Witnesseth: That Whereas , [ Name of Park, Recreation Area, etc. ] is administered by the Director as a unit of the national park system to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein, and to provide for the public enjoyment of the same in such manner as will leave such Area unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations; and Whereas , to accomplish these purposes, the Director has determined that certain visitor services are necessary and appropriate for the public use and enjoyment of the Area and should be provided for the public visiting the Area; and Whereas , the Director desires the Concessioner to establish and operate these visitor services at reasonable rates under the supervision and regulation of the Director; and Whereas , the Director desires the Concessioner to conduct these visitor services in a manner that demonstrates sound environmental management, stewardship, and leadership; Now, Therefore, pursuant to the authority contained in the Acts of August 25, 1916 (16 U.S.C. 1, 2-4), and November 13, 1998 (Pub. L. 105-391), and other laws that supplement and amend the Acts, the Director and the Concessioner agree as follows: Sec. 1. Term of Contract This Concession Contract No. ___ (“CONTRACT”) shall be effective as of _____, and shall be for the term of ___ (_) years until its expiration on _____, 20 __ [if the Concessioner satisfactorily completes the Concession Facilities Improvement Program described in Section 9(e) of this CONTRACT. If the Concessioner fails to complete this program to the satisfaction of the Director within the time specified, then this CONTRACT shall be for the term of ___ (_) years until its expiration on ________. The Director may extend this shortened term (but not beyond the original date of expiration of this CONTRACT) in circumstances where the Director determines that the delay resulted from events beyond the control of the Concessioner.] Sec. 2. Definitions The following terms used in this CONTRACT will have the following meanings, which apply to both the singular and the plural forms of the defined terms: (a) “Applicable Laws” means the laws of Congress governing the Area, including, but not limited to, the rules, regulations, requirements and policies promulgated under those laws (e.g., 36 CFR Part 51), whether now in force, or amended, enacted or promulgated in the future, including, without limitation, federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations, requirements and policies governing nondiscrimination, protection of the environment and protection of public health and safety. (b) “Area” means the property within the boundaries of [ Name of Park Unit ]. (c) “Best Management Practices” or “BMPs” are policies and practices that apply the most current and advanced means and technologies available to the Concessioner to undertake and maintain a superior level of environmental performance reasonable in light of the circumstances of the operations conducted under this CONTRACT. BMPs are expected to change from time to time as technology evolves with a goal of sustainability of the Concessioner's operations. Sustainability of operations refers to operations that have a restorative or net positive impact on the environment. (d) “Capital Improvement” shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (e) “Concession Facilities” shall mean all Area lands assigned to the Concessioner under this CONTRACT and all real property improvements assigned to or constructed by the Concessioner under this CONTRACT. The United States retains title and ownership to all Concession Facilities. (f) “Days” shall mean calendar days. (g) “Director” means the Director of the National Park Service, acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior and the United States, and his duly authorized representatives. (h) “Exhibit” or “Exhibits” shall mean the various exhibits, which are attached to this CONTRACT, each of which is hereby made a part of this CONTRACT. (i) “Gross receipts” means the total amount received or realized by, or accruing to, the Concessioner from all sales for cash or credit, of services, accommodations, materials, and other merchandise made pursuant to the rights granted by this CONTRACT, including gross receipts of subconcessioners as herein defined, commissions earned on contracts or agreements with other persons or companies operating in the Area, and gross receipts earned from electronic media sales, but excluding: (1) intracompany earnings on account of charges to other departments of the operation (such as laundry); (2) charges for employees' meals, lodgings, and transportation; (3) cash discounts on purchases; (4) cash discounts on sales; (5) returned sales and allowances; (6) interest on money loaned or in bank accounts; (7) income from investments; (8) income from subsidiary companies outside of the Area; (9) sale of property other than that purchased in the regular course of business for the purpose of resale; (10) sales and excise taxes that are added as separate charges to sales prices, gasoline taxes, fishing license fees, and postage stamps, provided that the amount excluded shall not exceed the amount actually due or paid government agencies; and (11) receipts from the sale of handicrafts that have been approved for sale by the Director as constituting authentic American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Samoan, or Native Hawaiian handicrafts. All monies paid into coin operated devices, except telephones, whether provided by the Concessioner or by others, shall be included in gross receipts. However, only revenues actually received by the Concessioner from coin-operated telephones shall be included in gross receipts. All revenues received from charges for in-room telephone or computer access shall be included in gross receipts. (j) “Gross receipts of subconcessioners” means the total amount received or realized by, or accruing to, subconcessioners from all sources, as a result of the exercise of the rights conferred by a subconcession contract. A subconcessioner will report all of its gross receipts to the Concessioner without allowances, exclusions, or deductions of any kind or nature. (k) “Leasehold Surrender Interest” shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (l) “Leasehold Surrender Interest Value” or the “value” of a Leasehold Surrender Interest shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (m) “Major Rehabilitation” shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (n) “Possessory Interest” shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (o) “Real Property Improvements” shall have the meaning set forth in Exhibit A to this CONTRACT. (p) “Subconcessioner” means a third party that, with the approval of the Director, has been granted by a concessioner rights to operate under a concession contract (or any portion thereof), whether in consideration of a percentage of revenues or otherwise. (q) “Superintendent” means the manager of the Area. (r) “Visitor services” means the accommodations, facilities and services that the Concessioner is required and/or authorized to provide by section 3(a) of this CONTRACT. Sec. 3. Services and Operations (a) Required and Authorized Visitor Services During the term of this CONTRACT, the Director requires and authorizes the Concessioner to provide the following visitor services for the public within the Area: (1) Required Visitor Services. The Concessioner is required to provide the following visitor services during the term of this CONTRACT: [Provide a detailed description of required services. Broad generalizations such as “any and all facilities and services customary in such operations” or “such additional facilities and services as may be required” are not to be used.] (2) Authorized Visitor Services. The Concessioner is authorized but not required to provide the following visitor services during the term of this CONTRACT: [Provide detailed description of authorized services. See note in subsection (a)(1) above.] (b) Operation and Quality of Operation The Concessioner shall provide, operate and maintain the required and authorized visitor services and any related support facilities and services in accordance with this CONTRACT to such an extent and in a manner considered satisfactory by the Director. Except for any such items that may be provided to the Concessioner by the Director, the Concessioner shall provide the plant, personnel, equipment, goods, and commodities necessary for providing, operating and maintaining the required and authorized visitor services in accordance with this CONTRACT. The Concessioner's authority to provide visitor services under the terms of this CONTRACT is non-exclusive. (c) Operating Plan The Director, acting through the Superintendent, shall establish and revise, as necessary, specific requirements for the operations of the Concessioner under this CONTRACT in the form of an Operating Plan (including, without limitation, a risk management program, that must be adhered to by the Concessioner). The initial Operating Plan is attached to this CONTRACT as Exhibit B. The Director in his discretion, after consultation with the Concessioner, may make reasonable modifications to the initial Operating Plan that are in furtherance of the purposes of this CONTRACT and are not inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the main body of this CONTRACT. (d) Merchandise and Services (1) The Director reserves the right to determine and control the nature, type and quality of the visitor services described in this CONTRACT, including, but not limited to, the nature, type, and quality of merchandise, if any, to be sold or provided by the Concessioner within the Area. (2) All promotional material, regardless of media format (i.e. printed, electronic, broadcast media), provided to the public by the Concessioner in connection with the services provided under this CONTRACT must be approved in writing by the Director prior to use. All such material will identify the Concessioner as an authorized Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior. (3) The Concessioner, where applicable, will develop and implement a plan satisfactory to the Director that will assure that gift merchandise, if any, to be sold or provided reflects the purpose and significance of the Area, including, but not limited to, merchandise that reflects the conservation of the Area's resources or the Area's geology, wildlife, plant life, archeology, local Native American culture, local ethnic culture, and historic significance. (e) Rates All rates and charges to the public by the Concessioner for visitor services shall be reasonable and appropriate for the type and quality of facilities and/or services required and/or authorized under this CONTRACT. The Concessioner's rates and charges to the public must be approved by the Director in accordance with Applicable Laws and guidelines promulgated by the Director from time to time. (f) Impartiality as to Rates and Services (1) Subject to Section (f)(2) and (f)(3), in providing visitor services, the Concessioner must require its employees to observe a strict impartiality as to rates and services in all circumstances. The Concessioner shall comply with all Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in providing visitor services to the public including, without limitation, those set forth in Exhibit C. (2) The Concessioner may grant complimentary or reduced rates under such circumstances as are customary in businesses of the character conducted under this CONTRACT. However, the Director reserves the right to review and modify the Concessioner's complimentary or reduced rate policies and practices as part of its rate approval process. (3) The Concessioner will provide Federal employees conducting official business reduced rates for lodging, essential transportation and other specified services necessary for conducting official business in accordance with guidelines established by the Director. Complimentary or reduced rates and charges shall otherwise not be provided to Federal employees by the Concessioner except to the extent that they are equally available to the general public. Sec. 4. Concessioner Personnel (a) Employees (1) The Concessioner shall provide all personnel necessary to provide the visitor services required and authorized by this CONTRACT. (2) The Concessioner shall comply with all Applicable Laws relating to employment and employment conditions, including, without limitation, those set forth in Exhibit C. (3) The Concessioner shall ensure that its employees are hospitable and exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public. The Concessioner shall have its employees who come in direct contact with the public, so far as practicable, wear a uniform or badge by which they may be identified as the employees of the Concessioner. (4) The Concessioner shall establish pre-employment screening, hiring, training, employment, termination and other policies and procedures for the purpose of providing visitor services through its employees in an efficient and effective manner and for the purpose of maintaining a healthful, law abiding, and safe working environment for its employees. The Concessioner shall conduct appropriate background reviews of applicants to whom an offer for employment may be extended to assure that they conform to the hiring policies established by the Concessioner. (5) The Concessioner shall ensure that its employees are provided the training needed to provide quality visitor services and to maintain up-to-date job skills. (6) The Concessioner shall review the conduct of any of its employees whose action or activities are considered by the Concessioner or the Director to be inconsistent with the proper administration of the Area and enjoyment and protection of visitors and shall take such actions as are necessary to correct the situation. (7) The Concessioner shall maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a drug free environment, both in the workplace and in any Concessioner employee housing, within the Area. (8) The Concessioner shall publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and in the Area, and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violating this prohibition. In addition, the Concessioner shall establish a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about the danger of drug abuse in the workplace and the Area, the availability of drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and the Concessioner's policy of maintaining a drug-free environment both in the workplace and in the Area. (9) The Concessioner shall take appropriate personnel action, up to and including termination or requiring satisfactory participation in a drug abuse or rehabilitation program which is approved by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency, for any employee that is found to be in violation of the prohibition on the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance. (b) Employee Housing and Recreation (1) If the Concessioner is required to provide employee housing under this CONTRACT, the Concessioner's charges to its employees for this housing must be reasonable. (2) If the visitor services required and/or authorized under this CONTRACT are located in a remote or isolated area, the Concessioner shall provide appropriate employee recreational activities. Sec. 5. Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Compliance (a) Legal, Regulatory and Policy Compliance This CONTRACT, operations thereunder by the Concessioner and the administration of it by the Director, shall be subject to all Applicable Laws. The Concessioner must comply with all Applicable Laws in fulfilling its obligations under this CONTRACT at the Concessioner's sole cost and expense. Certain Applicable Laws governing protection of the environment are further described in this CONTRACT. Certain Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in employment and providing accessible facilities and services to the public are further described in this CONTRACT. (b) Notice The Concessioner shall give the Director immediate written notice of any violation of Applicable Laws by the Concessioner, including its employees, agents or contractors, and, at its sole cost and expense, must promptly rectify any such violation. (c) How and Where to Send Notice All notices required by this CONTRACT shall be in writing and shall be served on the parties at the following addresses. The mailing of a notice by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be sufficient service. Notices sent to the Director shall be sent to the following address: Superintendent Park name Address Attention: Notices sent to the Concessioner shall be sent to the following address: Concessioner Address Attention: Sec. 6. Environmental and Cultural Protection (a) Environmental Management Objectives The Concessioner shall meet the following environmental management objectives (hereinafter “Environmental Management Objectives”) in the conduct of its operations under this CONTRACT: (1) The Concessioner, including its employees, agents and contractors, shall comply with all Applicable Laws pertaining to the protection of human health and the environment. (2) The Concessioner shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) in its operation, construction, maintenance, acquisition, provision of visitor services, and other activities under this CONTRACT. (b) Environmental Management Program (1) The Concessioner shall develop, document, implement, and comply fully with, to the satisfaction of the Director, a comprehensive written Environmental Management Program (EMP) to achieve the Environmental Management Objectives. The initial EMP shall be developed and submitted to the Director for approval within sixty days of the effective date of this CONTRACT. The Concessioner shall submit to the Director for approval a proposed updated EMP annually. (2) The EMP shall account for all activities with potential environmental impacts conducted by the Concessioner or to which the Concessioner contributes. The scope and complexity of the EMP may vary based on the type, size and number of Concessioner activities under this CONTRACT. (3) The EMP shall include, without limitation, the following elements: (i) Policy. The EMP shall provide a clear statement of the Concessioner's commitment to the Environmental Management Objectives. (ii) Goals and Targets. The EMP shall identify environmental goals established by the Concessioner consistent with all Environmental Management Objectives. The EMP shall also identify specific targets (i.e., measurable results and schedules) to achieve these goals. (iii) Responsibilities and Accountability. The EMP shall identify environmental responsibilities for Concessioner employees and contractors. The EMP shall include the designation of an environmental program manager. The EMP shall include procedures for the Concessioner to implement the evaluation of employee and contractor performance against these environmental responsibilities. (iv) Documentation. The EMP shall identify plans, procedures, manuals, and other documentation maintained by the Concessioner to meet the Environmental Management Objectives. (v) Documentation Control and Information Management System. The EMP shall describe (and implement) document control and information management systems to maintain knowledge of Applicable Laws and BMPs. In addition, the EMP shall identify how the Concessioner will manage environmental information, including without limitation, plans, permits, certifications, reports, and correspondence. (vi) Reporting. The EMP shall describe (and implement) a system for reporting environmental information on a routine and emergency basis, including providing reports to the Director under this CONTRACT. (vii) Communication. The EMP shall describe how the environmental policy, goals, targets, responsibilities and procedures will be communicated throughout the Concessioner's organization. (viii) Training. The EMP shall describe the environmental training program for the Concessioner, including identification of staff to be trained, training subjects, frequency of training and how training will be documented. (ix) Monitoring, Measurement, and Corrective Action. The EMP shall describe how the Concessioner will comply with the EMP and how the Concessioner will self-assess its performance under the EMP, at least annually, in a manner consistent with NPS protocol regarding audit of NPS operations. The self-assessment should ensure the Concessioner's conformance with the Environmental Management Objectives and measure performance against environmental goals and targets. The EMP shall also describe procedures to be taken by the Concessioner to correct any deficiencies identified by the self-assessment. (c) Environmental Performance Measurement The Concessioner shall be evaluated by the Director on its environmental performance under this CONTRACT, including, without limitation, compliance with the approved EMP, on at least an annual basis. (d) Environmental Data, Reports, Notifications, and Approvals (1) Inventory of Hazardous Substances and Inventory of Waste Streams. The Concessioner shall submit to the Director, at least annually, an inventory of federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) designated hazardous chemicals used and stored in the Area by the Concessioner. The Director may prohibit the use of any OSHA hazardous chemical by the Concessioner in operations under this CONTRACT. The Concessioner shall obtain the Director's approval prior to using any extremely hazardous substance, as defined in the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act of 1986, in operations under this CONTRACT. The Concessioner shall also submit to the Director, at least annually, an inventory of all waste streams generated by the Concessioner under this CONTRACT. Such inventory shall include any documents, reports, monitoring data, manifests, and other documentation required by Applicable Laws regarding waste streams. (2) Reports. The Concessioner shall submit to the Director copies of all documents, reports, monitoring data, manifests, and other documentation required under Applicable Laws to be submitted to regulatory agencies. The Concessioner shall also submit to the Director any environmental plans for which coordination with Area operations are necessary and appropriate, as determined by the Director in accordance with Applicable Laws. (3) Notification of Releases. The Concessioner shall give the Director immediate written notice of any discharge, release or threatened release (as these terms are defined by Applicable Laws) within or at the vicinity of the Area (whether solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous in nature), of any hazardous or toxic substance, material, or waste of any kind, including, without limitation, building materials such as asbestos, or any contaminant, pollutant, petroleum, petroleum product or petroleum by-product. (4) Notice of Violation. The Concessioner shall give the Director in writing immediate notice of any written threatened or actual notice of violation from other regulatory agencies of any Applicable Law arising out of the activities of the Concessioner, its agents or employees. (5) Communication with Regulatory Agencies. The Concessioner shall provide timely written advance notice to the Director of communications, including without limitation, meetings, audits, inspections, hearings and other proceedings, between regulatory agencies and the Concessioner related to compliance with Applicable Laws concerning operations under this CONTRACT. The Concessioner shall also provide to the Director any written materials prepared or received by the Concessioner in advance of or subsequent to any such communications. The Concessioner shall allow the Director to participate in any such communications. The Concessioner shall also provide timely notice to the Director following any unplanned communications between regulatory agencies and the Concessioner. (e) Corrective Action (1) The Concessioner, at its sole cost and expense, shall promptly control and contain any discharge, release or threatened release, as set forth in this section, or any threatened or actual violation, as set forth in this section, arising in connection with the Concessioner's operations under this CONTRACT, including, but not limited to, payment of any fines or penalties imposed by appropriate agencies. Following the prompt control or containment of any release, discharge or violation, the Concessioner shall take all response actions necessary to remediate the release, discharge or violation, and to protect human health and the environment. (2) Even if not specifically required by Applicable Laws, the Concessioner shall comply with directives of the Director to clean up or remove any materials, product or by-product used, handled, stored, disposed, or transported onto or into the Area by the Concessioner to ensure that the Area remains in good condition. (f) Indemnification and Cost Recovery for Concessioner Environmental Activities (1) The Concessioner shall indemnify the United States in accordance with section 12 of this CONTRACT from all losses, claims, damages, environmental injuries, expenses, response costs, allegations or judgments (including, without limitation, fines and penalties) and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys fees and experts' fees) arising out of the activities of the Concessioner, its employees, agents and contractors pursuant to this section. Such indemnification shall survive termination or expiration of this CONTRACT. (2) If the Concessioner does not promptly contain and remediate an unauthorized discharge or release arising out of the activities of the Concessioner, its employees, agents and contractors, as set forth in this section, or correct any environmental self- assessment finding of non-compliance, in full compliance with Applicable Laws, the Director may, in its sole discretion and after notice to the Concessioner, take any such action consistent with Applicable Laws as the Director deems necessary to abate, mitigate, remediate, or otherwise respond to such release or discharge, or take corrective action on the environmental self-assessment finding. The Concessioner shall be liable for and shall pay to the Director any costs of the Director associated with such action upon demand. Nothing in this section shall preclude the Concessioner from seeking to recover costs from a responsible third party. (g) Weed and Pest Management The Concessioner shall be responsible for managing weeds, and through an integrated pest management program, harmful insects, rats, mice and other pests on Concession Facilities assigned to the Concessioner under this CONTRACT. All such weed and pest management activities shall be in accordance with Applicable Laws and guidelines established by the Director. (h) Protection of Cultural and Archeological Resources. The Concessioner shall ensure that any protected sites and archeological resources within the Area are not disturbed or damaged by the Concessioner, including the Concessioner's employees, agents and contractors, except in accordance with Applicable Laws, and only with the prior approval of the Director. Discoveries of any archeological resources by the Concessioner shall be promptly reported to the Director. The Concessioner shall cease work or other disturbance which may impact any protected site or archeological resource until the Director grants approval, upon such terms and conditions as the Director deems necessary, to continue such work or other disturbance. Sec. 7. Interpretation of Area Resources (a) Concessioner Obligations (1) The Concessioner shall provide all visitor services in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the interpretive themes, goals and objectives of the Area as reflected in Area planning documents, mission statements and/or interpretive prospectuses. (2) The Concessioner may assist in Area interpretation at the request of the Director to enhance visitor enjoyment of the Area. Any additional visitor services that may result from this assistance must be recognized in writing through written amendment of Section 3 of this CONTRACT. (3) The Concessioner is encouraged to develop interpretive materials or means to educate visitors about environmental programs or initiatives implemented by the Concessioner. (b) Director review of content The Concessioner must submit the proposed content of any interpretive programs, exhibits, displays or materials, regardless of media format (i.e. printed, electronic, or broadcast media), to the Director for review and approval prior to offering such programs, exhibits, displays or materials to Area visitors. Sec. 8. Concession Facilities Used in Operation by the Concessioner (a) Assignment of Concession Facilities (1) The Director hereby assigns the following Concession Facilities to the Concessioner for the purposes of this CONTRACT: (i) certain parcels of Area land as described in Exhibit D upon which, among other matters, the Concessioner may be authorized to construct real property; and (ii) certain real property improvements described in Exhibit D in existence as of the effective date of this CONTRACT, as may be modified from time to time to include additional real property improvements completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this CONTRACT. (2) The Director shall from time to time amend Exhibit D to reflect changes in Concession Facilities assigned to the Concessioner, including, without limitation, amending Exhibit D to reflect the addition of real property improvements completed in accordance with the terms and conditions of this CONTRACT and to reflect the withdrawal of concession facilities as set forth below. (b) Concession Facilities Withdrawals The Director may withdraw all or portions of these Concession Facilities assignments at any time during the term of this CONTRACT if: (1) the withdrawal is necessary for the purpose of conserving, preserving or protecting Area resources or visitor enjoyment or safety; (2) the operations utilizing the assigned Concession Facilities have been terminated or suspended by the Director; or (3) land or real property improvements assigned to the Concessioner are no longer necessary for the concession operation. (c) Effect of Withdrawal Any permanent withdrawal of assigned Concession Facilities which the Director or the Concessioner considers to be essential for the Concessioner to provide the visitor services required by this CONTRACT will be treated as a termination of this CONTRACT pursuant to Section 16. The Concessioner will be compensated pursuant to Section 17 for the value of any Leasehold Surrender Interest it may have, if any, in permanently withdrawn Concession Facilities. No other compensation is due the Concessioner in these circumstances. (d) Right of Entry The Director shall have the right at any time to enter upon or into the Concession Facilities assigned to the Concessioner under this CONTRACT for any purpose he may deem necessary for the administration of the Area. (e) Personal Property (1) Personal Property Provided by the Concessioner. The Concessioner shall provide all personal property, including without limitation removable equipment, furniture and goods, necessary for its operations under this CONTRACT, unless such personal property is provided by the Director as set forth in subsection (e)(2). (2) Personal Property Provided by the Government. The Director may provide certain items of government personal property, including without limitation removable equipment, furniture and goods, for the Concessioner's use in the performance of this CONTRACT. The Director hereby assigns government personal property listed in Exhibit E to the Concessioner as of the effective date of this CONTRACT. This Exhibit E will be modified from time to time by the Director as items may be withdrawn or additional items added. The Concessioner shall be accountable to the Director for the government personal property assigned to it and shall be responsible for maintaining the property as necessary to keep it in good and operable condition. If the property ceases to be serviceable, it shall be returned to the Director for disposition. (f) Condition of Concession Facilities The Concessioner has inspected the Concession Facilities and any assigned government personal property, is thoroughly acquainted with their condition, and accepts the Concession Facilities, and any assigned government personal property, “as is.” (g) Utilities Provided by the Director The Director may provide utilities to the Concessioner for use in connection with the operations required or authorized hereunder when available and at rates to be determined in accordance with Applicable Laws. (h) Utilities Not Provided by the Director If the Director does not provide utilities to the Concessioner, the Concessioner shall, with the written approval of the Director and under any requirements that the Director shall prescribe, secure necessary utilities at its own expense from sources outside the Area or shall install the utilities within the Area with the written permission of the Director, subject to the following conditions: (1) Any water rights deemed necessary by the Concessioner for use of water on Area or other federal lands must be acquired at the Concessioner's expense in accordance with applicable State procedures and law. Upon expiration or termination of this CONTRACT for any reason, the Concessioner must assign these water rights to the United States without compensation, and these water rights will become the property of the United States; (2) If requested by the Director, the Concessioner must provide to the Director any utility service provided by the Concessioner under this section to such extent as will not unreasonably restrict anticipated use by the Concessioner. Unless otherwise agreed by the Concessioner and the Director in writing, the rate per unit charged the Director for such service shall be approximately the average cost per unit of providing such service; and (3) All appliances and machinery to be used in connection with the privileges granted in this subsection, as well as the plans for location and installation of such appliances and machinery, shall first be approved by the Director. Sec. 9. Construction or Installation of Real Property Improvements (a) Construction of Real Property Improvements The Concessioner may construct or install upon lands assigned to the Concessioner under this CONTRACT only those real property improvements that are determined by the Director to be necessary and appropriate for the conduct by the Concessioner of the visitor services required and/or authorized under this CONTRACT. Construction or installation of real property improvements may occur only after the written approval by the Director of their location, plans, and specifications. The form and content of the application and the procedures for such approvals, as may be modified by the Director from time to time, are set forth in Exhibit F. All real property improvements constructed or installed by the Concessioner will immediately become the property of the United States and be considered Concession Facilities. (b) Removal of Real Property Improvements (1) The Concessioner may not remove, dismantle, or demolish real property improvements in the Area without the prior approval of the Director. (2) Any salvage resulting from the authorized removal, severance or demolition of a real property improvement within the Area shall be the property of the United States. (3) In the event that an assigned real property improvement is removed, abandoned, demolished, or substantially destroyed and no other improvement is constructed on the site, the Concessioner, at its expense, shall promptly, upon the request of the Director, restore the site as nearly as practicable to its original condition. (c) Leasehold Surrender Interest (1) This CONTRACT hereby provides the Concessioner, subject to all applicable definitions, requirements and limitations of this CONTRACT and Exhibit A, a Leasehold Surrender Interest in Capital Improvements constructed by the Concessioner under the terms of this CONTRACT, including, but not limited to, those Capital Improvements constructed as part of the Concession Facilities Improvement Program and those Capital Improvements which result from the Major Rehabilitation of an existing real property improvement. Upon completion of a Major Rehabilitation by the Concessioner, an existing real property improvement assigned to the Concessioner in which the Concessioner had no Leasehold Surrender Interest prior to the Major Rehabilitation shall be considered as a Capital Improvement for all purposes of this CONTRACT. (2) This CONTRACT may provide the Concessioner a Leasehold Surrender Interest in real property improvements resulting from possessory interest obtained under the terms of a possessory interest concession contract. Exhibit G describes the real property improvements, if any, in which the Concessioner has such a Leasehold Surrender Interest and states the value of this Leasehold Surrender Interest as of the effective date of this CONTRACT. (3) The Concessioner shall not obtain Leasehold Surrender Interest under this CONTRACT except as may be provided in Exhibit A and Exhibit F. Among other matters, no Leasehold Surrender Interest shall be obtained as a result of expenditures from the Repair and Maintenance Reserve described in this CONTRACT, and this CONTRACT does not provide a Leasehold Surrender Interest as a result of expenditures for repair and maintenance of Concession Facilities of any nature. (d) Concession Facilities Improvement Program (1) The Concessioner shall undertake and complete an improvement program (hereinafter “Concession Facilities Improvement Program”) costing not less than $____ as adjusted for each project to reflect par value in the year of actual construction in accordance with the appropriate indexes of the Department of Labor's CPI-U Index, as published by the Department of Labor. (2) The Concession Facilities Improvement Program shall include: [Provide detailed description of the Concession Facilities Improvement Program.] (3) The Concessioner shall commence construction under the Concession Facilities Improvement Program on or before ____ in a manner that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director that the Concessioner is in good faith carrying the Concession Facilities Improvement Program forward reasonably under the circumstances. No construction may begin until the Concessioner receives written approval from the Director of plans and specifications in accordance with Exhibit F. During the period of construction, the Concessioner shall provide the Director with such evidence or documentation, as may be satisfactory to the Director, to demonstrate that the Concession Facilities Improvement Program duly is being carried forward. (4) The Concessioner shall complete and have the real property improvements available for public use on or before ____. The Director may extend this date in circumstances where the Director determines that the delay resulted from events beyond the control of the Concessioner. Sec. 10. Maintenance (a) Maintenance Obligation The Concessioner shall be solely responsible for maintenance, repairs, housekeeping, and groundskeeping for all Concession Facilities to the satisfaction of the Director. (b) Maintenance Plan For these purposes, the Director, acting through the Superintendent, shall undertake appropriate inspections, and shall establish and revise, as necessary, a Maintenance Plan consisting of specific maintenance requirements which shall be adhered to by the Concessioner. The initial Maintenance Plan is set forth in Exhibit H. The Director in his discretion may make reasonable modifications to the Maintenance Plan from time to time after consultation with the Concessioner. Such modifications shall be in furtherance of the purposes of this CONTRACT and shall not be inconsistent with the terms and conditions of the main body of this CONTRACT. (c) Repair and Maintenance Reserve [No Repair and Maintenance Reserve is included in this CONTRACT.] OR (1) The Concessioner shall establish and manage a Repair and Maintenance Reserve. The funds in this Reserve shall be used to carry out, on a project basis in accordance with Exhibits F and H, repair and maintenance of Concession Facilities that are non-recurring within a seven-year time frame. Such projects may include repair or replacement of foundations, building frames, window frames, sheathing, subfloors, drainage, rehabilitation of building systems such as electrical, plumbing, built-in heating and air conditioning, roof replacement and similar projects. Projects will be carried out by the Concessioner as the Director shall direct in writing in advance of any expenditure being made and in accordance with project proposals approved by the Director. No projects may be commenced until the Concessioner receives written approval from the Director. (2) Projects paid for with funds from the Repair and Maintenance Reserve will not include routine, operational maintenance of facilities or housekeeping and groundskeeping activities. Nothing in this section shall lessen the responsibility of the Concessioner to carry out the maintenance and repair of Concession Facilities or housekeeping and groundskeeping responsibilities as required by this CONTRACT from Concessioner funds exclusive of the funds contained in the Repair and Maintenance Reserve. (3) The Concessioner shall establish within its accounting system a Repair and Maintenance Reserve. The Concessioner shall debit to this Reserve, within fifteen (15) days after the last day of each month that the Concessioner operates a sum equal to: ___ percent (___%) of the Concessioner's gross receipts for the previous month. If the Concessioner fails to make timely debits to the Repair and Maintenance Reserve, the Director may terminate this CONTRACT for default or may require the Concessioner to post a bond in an amount equal to the estimated annual Repair and Maintenance Reserve allocation, based on the preceding year's gross receipts. (4) The balance in the Repair and Maintenance Reserve shall be available for projects in accordance with the Reserve's purpose. For all expenditures made for each project from the Repair and Maintenance Reserve, the Concessioner shall maintain auditable records including invoices, billings, canceled checks, and other documentation satisfactory to the Director. Failure to expend Repair and Maintenance Reserve Funds when directed by the Director shall be considered as a material breach of this CONTRACT for which the Director may seek monetary damages and other legal relief, including, without limitation, termination of this CONTRACT. (5) Repair and Maintenance Reserve funds shall not be used for a major rehabilitation as defined in this CONTRACT. The Concessioner shall obtain no ownership, Leasehold Surrender Interest, or other compensable interest as a consequence of the expenditure of Repair and Maintenance Reserve funds. (6) Any Repair and Maintenance Reserve funds not duly expended by the Concessioner as of the termination or expiration of this CONTRACT shall be retained by the Concessioner (subject to otherwise applicable terms and conditions of this CONTRACT). Sec. 11. Fees (a) Franchise Fee (1) For the term of this CONTRACT, the Concessioner shall pay to the Director for the privileges granted under this CONTRACT a franchise fee equal to ___ percent (___ %) of the Concessioner's gross receipts for the preceding year or portion of a year. (2) Neither the Concessioner nor the Director shall have a right to an adjustment of the fees except as provided below. The Concessioner has no right to waiver of the fee under any circumstances. (b) Payments Due (1) The franchise fee shall be due on a monthly basis at the end of each month and shall be paid by the Concessioner in such a manner that the Director shall receive payment within fifteen (15) days after the last day of each month that the Concessioner operates. This monthly payment shall include the franchise fee equal to the specified percentage of gross receipts for the preceding month. (2) The Concessioner shall pay any additional fee amounts due at the end of the operating year as a result of adjustments at the time of submission of the Concessioner's Annual Financial Report. Overpayments shall be offset against the following year's fees. In the event of termination or expiration of this CONTRACT, overpayments will first be offset against any amounts due and owing the Government, and the remainder will be paid to the Concessioner. (3) All franchise fee payments consisting of $10,000 or more, shall be deposited electronically by the Concessioner using the Treasury Financial Communic [Text truncated at 120,000 characters. The full text is on the page linked above.] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A00-10984. Public record. Not legal advice.