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

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Bids (RFB) is an opportunity for interested individuals and organizations to lease the Gowing-Clark House, a historic single-family residence located at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts. The property is situated on nearly 2 acres and includes a 2,656 sq. ft. house built in 1836, mature plantings, and a 19th-century stone barn foundation. The lease is intended for low-impact, non-transient residential occupancy.

• The lessee must maintain the historic appearance of the structure and grounds.

• The lessee is responsible for all utilities and routine maintenance.

• The lessor will perform basic maintenance as described in the lease.

• Term: Maximum of three years, with a minimum term of one year.

• Fair Market Value Rent: $40,800 annually, payable in equal monthly installments of $3,400.

• Initial Payment: The first month's rent is due with the executed lease.

• RFB Release Date: February 27, 2026

• Initial Bid Submission Deadline: March 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST

• Questions Submission: To mike_mccarthy@nps.gov

• Bid Submission: Must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file via email to mike_mccarthy@nps.gov, using the subject line "BID - Gowing-Clark House – [Last Name of the Primary Contact for the Bidding Party]". The bid must include the provided Bid Sheet (Attachment B) and all requested documentation.

• Selection Criteria: The bidder submitting a responsive bid offering the highest monthly rent will be selected, subject to a determination of financial capability and reference check. Bids must be at least the fair market value rent. If bids are equal, a drawing will determine the award.

• Rolling Bids: If no winning bid is selected on the initial deadline, the NPS will open bids every following Monday at 1:00 PM until a responsive bid is selected or the solicitation is terminated.

• Anticipated Date for Selection: April 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST

• Applicants must be compliant with current lease obligations.

• Applicants with outstanding rent payments or reporting obligations on current NPS property leases are not eligible.

• Debarred, suspended, or otherwise ineligible applicants are not eligible.

• The attached "Draft Lease" (Attachment A) contains complete terms of occupancy.

• NPS reserves the right to waive, correct, modify, amend, cancel, or suspend any aspect of the RFB process.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sample Lease agreement between the United States of America (Lessor), acting through the National Park Service (NPS), and a Lessee for the Gowing-Clark House located at 663 Lexington Road, Concord, MA 01742. It outlines the terms and conditions for leasing the historic property.

• Definitions: Defines key terms such as Annual Rent, Lease Term, Hazardous Materials, Historic Property, Premises, and others.
• Lease of Premises: Describes the property being leased and reserves rights for the Lessor, including access and mineral/water rights.
• Acceptance of Premises: States the property is leased "as is" and acknowledges the Lessee's due diligence.
• Lease Term and Abandonment: Specifies a three (3) year term and outlines conditions for abandonment.
• Rent: Details net lease terms, annual rent of $40,800.00 ($3,400.00 monthly), and potential excusal of rent due to Force Majeure.
• Uses of Premises: Restricts use to low-impact, non-transient, residential occupancy and prohibits certain activities.
• Maintenance and Repair: Outlines responsibilities for both Lessor and Lessee, including housekeeping, repairs, and grounds maintenance.
• Utilities: Lessee is responsible for arranging and paying for all utilities.
• Hazardous Materials: Governs the use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Insurance and Indemnification: Requires Lessee to maintain specific insurance coverages and indemnify the Lessor.
• Damage or Destruction: Addresses procedures in case of damage or destruction to the premises.
• Defaults and Lessor's Remedies: Outlines conditions for default and the Lessor's remedies, including termination.
• Surrender and Holding Over: Specifies conditions for returning the premises at the end of the lease term.
• Exhibits: Includes references to exhibits for Inventory and Condition Report, Insurance Requirements, Land Assignment, Preservation Maintenance Plan, and Lead-Based Paint Disclosure.

This document serves as a template or sample lease agreement. Potential bidders interested in leasing the Gowing-Clark House or similar historic properties managed by the NPS should review this document to understand the standard terms, conditions, responsibilities, and financial obligations associated with such leases. It provides insight into the expected rent, maintenance duties, usage restrictions, and insurance requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ATTACHMENT B: Bid Sheet," is a form for applicants to use when applying to rent housing accommodations at Minute Man National Historical Park. It outlines the qualifying standards for applicants and includes a section for the applicant to make an offer to rent.

• Qualifying Standards: Applicants must be 18 or older, provide photo ID, have two years of verifiable rental history (from an unbiased source, or require a cosigner), demonstrate funds equivalent to at least three times the monthly rent, authorize a credit report, commit to a lease term (to be noted on the Bid Form), have a verifiable source of income for at least 90 days, and have no prior felony convictions or pending felony charges.
• Reasons for Denial: Incomplete applications, false information, inability to verify rental history, inadequate income, poor credit, or court judgments for evictions.
• Application Section: Applicants must provide the address of the housing, the proposed rent amount per month, and the required security deposit. They must also sign and date the application.

This attachment is crucial for potential bidders interested in leasing property from the National Park Service. It details the eligibility requirements and the application process, directly impacting their ability to qualify for and submit a bid. Bidders must carefully review these standards and complete the provided form accurately.