Request for Proposals to Lease the Farm Complex at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

Portion of the Farm Complex at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site.

The National Park Service is seeking proposals to lease approximately 22 acres of farmland and several farm buildings on land that was once part of the Martin Van Buren estate. Martin Van Buren National Historic Site was established in 1974, but the property and structures included in this lease were acquired by the NPS through a boundary expansion in 2009. Lessee will be authorized to use the premises for commercial farming. This may include vegetables, flowers, berries, and fruit. Terms of the lease will be informed by the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site Agricultural Management Guidelines (see below).

Terms

Terms include but are not limited to:

• Lessee will use farming techniques that promote long term soil health and fertility.
• Lessee will maintain soil nutrient levels using fertilizer while avoiding water pollution associated with overapplication and runoff.
• Lessee will use sustainable pest, invasive plant and weed management and practices.

Site Visits

Property tours may be available by appointment. Email us at e-mail us to inquire about a site visit.

Request for Proposals

To develop your proposal, download and review the Request for Proposals (RFP) document below to understand the proposal criteria.

Documents

1. Request for Proposals to Lease the Farm Complex (PDF)
2. Attachment A: Sample Lease (PDF)
3. Attachment B: Identification and Credit Information Forms
   • Form 10-352 Business History Form (PDF)
   • Form 10-352 Business History Form (Word)
   • Form 10-353 Business Organization Information (Individual or Sole Proprietors) (PDF)
   • Form 10-353 Business Organization Information (Individual or Sole Proprietors) (Word)
   • Form 10-354 Business Organization Information (Corporation-Limited Liability) (PDF)
   • Form 10-354 Business Organization Information (Corporation-Limited Liability) (Word)
4. Attachment C: Financial Information for Revenue Producing Uses Form
   • Form 10-355A Offeror Financial Statements and Projections (PDF)
   • Form 10-355A Offeror Financial Statements and Projections (Word)
5. Attachment D: Sample Offeror Transmittal Letter (Word)
6. Attachment E: Agricultural Management Guidelines (PDF)

Questions and Answers

• Would a signed lease agreement be with a business entity (LLC or other) or with an individual(s)?

  • ANSWER: The NPS can enter into leases with individuals or business entities, it is up to the offeror to determine the organizational structure they will utilize.

• What is the process for requesting rent offsets?

  • ANSWER: A lessee may request rent payment offsets for the cost of permanent improvements they make to the Lease Premises. For a project to be eligible, a lessee must submit a written project proposal which must include cost estimates. Projects must be approved in advance, in writing, prior to the start of any work. Capital improvements to structures and improvements to long term soil health and fertility, erosion control and water management will be considered.