CHATSWORTH, Ga. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Mobile District, is seeking proposals from Non-Federal Public Entities and Non-Profit Entities interested in entering into a Challenge Cost-Sharing Cooperative Management Agreement (CCSCMA) for the purpose of collaboratively managing designated recreation areas at Carters Lake. CCSCMAs may be established for an initial term of up to ten (10) years, with an additional five (5) option years available without further competition.

Recreation Areas Under Consideration

The following recreation sites at Carters Lake are included in this opportunity:

• Doll Mountain Campground – Gilmer County, GA
  • Average gross revenue: $192,067
• Harris Branch Park – Gilmer County, GA
  • Average gross revenue: $26,295
• Woodring Branch Campground – Gilmer County, GA
  • Average gross revenue: $107,548

Typical Co-Management Responsibilities

USACE is seeking a partner capable of performing operations and maintenance tasks traditionally required to support public recreation. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Gate attendant services and fee collection.
• Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, vegetation management).
• Janitorial services and facility cleaning.
• Refuse and trash removal.
• Minor facility maintenance and appearance upkeep.
• Customer service and visitor assistance.
• Reservation management, day-use access, and other administrative functions.
• Capital improvements in collaboration with USACE investment strategy.

Eligible Entities

Eligible Non-Federal Public Entities include:

• States, counties, municipalities, or local governments.
• Public institutions of higher education.
• Indian Tribes.

Eligible Non-Profit Entities include organizations defined under 26 U.S.C. §501(c) and exempt from taxation under 26 U.S.C. §501(a).

Benefits of Partnership

USACE Benefits

• Reduced cost of routine operations, maintenance, and management.
• Ability to redirect federal resources toward critical backlog maintenance and facility improvements.
• Continued eligibility for federal appropriations through cost-sharing.
• Retention of user fees collected onsite for local reinvestment.

Partner Benefits

• Sustainable funding: Partners may retain up to 100% of user fees to offset management, operations, and maintenance costs, and reinvest retained funds into the recreation site.
• Mission enhancement: Partners gain expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and outreach, public access, and quality-of-life improvements for local communities.
• Shared responsibility: Cost-sharing reduces the partner’s financial burden compared to assuming full responsibility for site operations.

Public Benefits

• Potential for longer operating seasons and enhanced recreational opportunities.
• Opportunities for improved services and enhanced customer experience.
• Reduced likelihood of recreation site closure due to limited federal resources.
• Retention of user fees onsite for reinvestment into facilities, amenities, and visitor services.

Submittal Requirements

Interested eligible entities must submit a narrative proposal addressing the following criteria, and submissions will be ranked accordingly:

1. Experience managing recreation programs, activities, parks, or facilities.
2. Technical resources available to support recreation operations and maintenance.
3. Financial capability to manage recreation programs and sustain operations.
4. Past performance demonstrating satisfactory delivery of recreation programs or similar services.