Park extends bidding on concessions pact

Glacier National Park officials have again extended a deadline for submitting bids on a long-term concessions contract in the park.

Those who plan to bid on the contract to provide lodging, food and beverage, transportation, retail and other visitor services now have until April 16. The deadline previously had been extended from March 14 to April 2.

“It was just to allow more time with the modifications that were made,” said Denise Germann, public affairs specialist, referring to modified conditions for refurbishing the fleet of 33 historic red buses that have been on the park’s roads since the 1930s.

The current contract, held by Glacier Park Inc., expires at the end of this year.

The new 16-year concession contract will take effect Jan. 14, 2014.

The winning bidder will be responsible for concession operations at five lodging locations, 10 food and beverage locations and eight retail locations, plus road-based tours, red bus maintenance and other services in the park.