The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public comments on the information it collects from private contractors. NPS' current authority to collect information expires September 30 and it needs permission from the Office of Management and Budget to continue. You can send comments by May 6.
For details, see http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-03-07/html/2013-05276.htm.
NPS hires contractors to provide amenities ranging from food service to lodging to recreational activities such as whitewater rafting, tours, boating, etc. The services total more than $1 billion a year.
NPS currently uses four information collection platforms, which it wants to combine into one.
NPS requires bidders for contracts to fill out a form and provide a narrative description of how they propose to operate. They must show that they are financially sound and how they will provide quality services while preserving park resources and minimize disturbance to wildlife, etc.
NPS now wants to revise forms asking bidders about their history, investments, start-up expenses and assumptions for income and operating expenses.
Comments