RFB to Lease the Gowing-Clark House at Minute Man National Historical Park

A. Summary This Request for Bids (RFB) provides the opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to submit bids to the National Park Service (NPS) to lease NPS property for residential use (single family) at Minute Man National Historical Park under the following general terms and conditions. See attached “Draft Lease” for complete terms of occupancy. 1. Property Offered for Lease The Gowing-Clark House The Gowing-Clark House is a prominently situated historic home located just outside Concord Center at 663 Lexington Road. The Town of Concord is approximately 20 miles west of Boston. This historic home sits within the Battle Road Unit of Minute Man National Historical Park – just across from Meriam’s Corner and the Meriam House. Built in 1836 in the Federal style, it is situated on nearly 2 acres with mature plantings which include a 19th century stone barn foundation. The house has approximately 2,656 sq. ft. of living area. On the first floor, there are 2 gracious parlors; a large kitchen with a historic fireplace/hearth; and a smaller room leading to the back yard. On the second floor, there are 2 large bedrooms; 1 smaller bedroom or office; and 1 full bath. There is a covered deck off the kitchen. A gravel driveway offers parking for two vehicles. 2. Uses of the Leased Property This lease is most suitable for low-impact, non-transient, residential occupancy of the house. The lessee is authorized to use the property as an occupant of the house and must be willing to become a part of the National Historical Park’s relationship with the public by maintaining the historic and well-tended appearance of the structure and grounds. In accordance with the attached draft lease, the lessee is responsible for all utilities and routine maintenance. The lessor will perform basic maintenance of the property as described in the lease. 3. Term of Lease The lease will have a maximum term of three years, and a minimum term of one year. Lessee termination rights (termination without cause) will begin 90 days before the end of the first year of the lease and continue until the lease expires. Please note: 90 days’ notice is required for termination without cause. 4. Fair Market Value Rent The lessee will be required by the lease to pay at least fair market value rent to the NPS. Based on the terms included in the attached Lease (Section 5. Rent), the fair market value rent has been determined to be $40,800 annually, payable in equal monthly installments of $3,400 each month. The lessee shall pay to the United States as rent the sum of Forty-Thousand Eight-Hundred Dollars ($40,800.00) per year as the base rent payable to the National Park Service and forwarded by the lessee to the Superintendent, Minute Man National Historical Park. Rent checks will be mailed to Minute Man National Historical Park, 174 Liberty Street Concord, MA 01742, attention Superintendent. The annual rent shall be paid on the 1st day of each month in advance monthly installments of Three-Thousand Four-Hundred Dollars ($3,400.00). Payment covering the first month will be submitted with the executed lease. 5. Other Terms and Conditions None. 6. Competitive Process This lease opportunity is open to all interested persons on a competitive basis. The bidder submitting a responsive bid offering the highest monthly rent will be selected for award of the lease (subject to a determination of financial capability and reference check). A responsive bid is a bid that meets the material terms and conditions of this request for bids (see attached lease terms). The bid must offer a rental amount that is no less than fair market value ($40,800 per year). If two or more bids are equal, a drawing shall make the lease award by lot limited to the equal responsive bids received. 7. Initial and Rolling Bid Submissions Bids must be received by the date listed on the first page of this RFB and must be submitted electronically in the format provided on the following pages. A public bid...