<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 3.2//EN"> <HTML> <HEAD> <META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> <META NAME="Generator" CONTENT="MS Exchange Server version 6.0.6603.0"> <TITLE>2 YNP concessions contract bidders</TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY>  According to today's Billings Gazette, Xanterra and Delaware North are competing for lodging concessions in the Park.  Delaware North currently runs the former Hamilton Stores properties and Xanterra, formerly Amfac, formerly TW Services, etc… has run the lodging facilities since at least the 1980's. Comments will probably not make much difference to Park administrators but I suggest sending them your opinions anyway. The Park is mainly interested in how much money they can extract from concessionaires and in turn, the general public.  If DN wins, don't expect them to pass along the inevitable price increases to employees.  I would hope they retain them, but who knows? The article follows: 2 seek park concessions contract By MIKE STARK Of The Gazette Staff The largest concessions contract in Yellowstone National Park is up for grabs and only two companies are competing for it. The five-year contract - which includes lodging, restaurants, transportation, marina services and a host of other duties - is currently held by Xanterra Parks and Resorts. When the application deadline passed this week, only two companies had submitted proposals: Xanterra, based in Greenwood Village, Colo., and Delaware North Parks Services of Buffalo, N.Y. Judy Jennings, head of concessions at Yellowstone, said she was only slightly surprised that just two companies, both with plenty of experience, offered proposals. "It's a huge contract," Jennings said. "To take on a five-year contract of this magnitude would be tough for someone new." This is the first time that the Yellowstone lodging and restaurant contract has been considered under new laws passed in 1998 that make the process more competitive. An old rule that allowed the existing contract holder to match the highest bid was cancelled. In 2002, Delaware North won a contract in Yellowstone, valued at $25 million, to operate stores and other facilities in the park. That contract had been held by Hamilton Stores for more than 80 years. Xanterra, or some form of the company, has held the lodging and restaurant contract in Yellowstone for more than 20 years, according to Jennings. The proposals will be scored on several factors, including experience, financial capabilities and percentage of gross receipts that would go the Park Service. It will take two to three months to review the proposals before a decision is made, Jennings said. The starting date on the contract is Oct. 1. Thanks, Udo Freund </BODY> </HTML>