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

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Bids (RFB) is for the lease of the Gowing-Clark House, a historic single-family residence located at Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts. The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking bids for residential use of the property.

• The property is a historic home built in 1836, approximately 2,656 sq. ft., situated on nearly 2 acres.

• It features 2 parlors, a kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a covered deck. Parking is available for two vehicles.

• The lessee is responsible for all utilities and routine maintenance. The lessor will perform basic maintenance.

• The property is suitable for low-impact, non-transient, residential occupancy.

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

• Lease Term: Maximum of 3 years, with a minimum term of 1 year.

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

• Payment for the first month is due with the executed lease.

• Initial Bid Submission Deadline: July 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST/EDT.

• Bids must be submitted electronically as a single PDF file to mike_mccarthy@nps.gov.

• The subject line must be "BID - Gowing-Clark House - [Last Name of the Primary Contact for the Bidding Party]".

• Bids must include the offered rent amount and a dated signature.

• Selection will be based on the highest responsive bid offering the highest monthly rent, subject to financial capability and reference checks.

• A responsive bid must meet all terms and conditions and offer at least the fair market rental value.

• If two or more bids are equal, a drawing will determine the award.

• Public bid opening will occur the day after the initial submission deadline, and rolling submissions will be considered on subsequent Mondays if no bid is selected.

• Applicants must be compliant with current lease obligations and have no outstanding rent payments.

• Applicants who are debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from federal transactions are not eligible.

• The "Draft Lease" (Attachment A), "Bid Sheet" (Attachment B), and "Lead-Based Paint Disclosures" (Attachment C) are provided.

• Questions should be submitted to mike_mccarthy@nps.gov.

• The NPS reserves the right to waive, correct, 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 property, which is designated as Historic Property.

• Lease Term: Three (3) years, commencing on a specified date and expiring on a specified date, unless terminated earlier.
• Rent: Annual Rent of $40,800.00, payable in monthly installments of $3,400.00. The lease is a "Net Lease," meaning the Lessee pays all costs and expenses related to the Premises.
• Authorized Uses: Low-impact, non-transient, residential occupancy.
• Prohibited Uses: Any use not permissible under 36 C.F.R. Part 18, or uses that are dangerous, cause nuisance, involve substantial hazard, harm park resources/visitors, or result in hazardous material discharge. Fire pits and open fire-generating equipment are prohibited.
• Maintenance & Repair: Lessor is responsible for major repairs and maintenance, while Lessee is responsible for housekeeping, routine work, and repairs to maintain appearance. Lessee is also responsible for maintaining grounds and is prohibited from fencing.
• Hazardous Materials: Strict regulations apply to the use, management, and discharge of hazardous materials.
• Insurance & Indemnification: Lessee must maintain specific insurance coverages and indemnify the Lessor.
• Exhibits: Includes Inventory and Condition Report (Exhibit A), Insurance Requirements (Exhibit B), Land Assignment (Exhibit C), Preservation Maintenance Plan (Exhibit D), and Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Exhibit E).

This document provides a template and specific terms for leasing a historic property from the National Park Service. Potential bidders can use this to understand the typical requirements, responsibilities, and costs associated with such a lease, including rent, maintenance, insurance, and permitted uses. It highlights the importance of compliance with NPS regulations and preservation standards for historic properties.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "ATTACHMENT B: Bid Sheet," is a form for applicants to provide information and demonstrate their qualifications to rent housing accommodations managed by the National Park Service at Minute Man National Historical Park. It outlines the criteria potential renters must meet and includes sections for the applicant to complete.

• Applicant Qualifications: Requires applicants to be 18 years or older, provide photo ID, demonstrate two years of verifiable rental history or proof of home ownership, and show proof of funds equivalent to at least three times the monthly rent.
• Financial & Background Checks: Applicants authorize the National Park Service to review credit reports and must have a satisfactory credit report. A verifiable source of income/employment maintained for at least 90 days is required. Applicants must have no prior convictions or pending felony charges.
• Application Denial Reasons: Lists reasons for denial, including incomplete applications, false information, inability to verify rental history, inadequate income, or poor credit/eviction history.
• Rental Property Details: Includes fields for Property Name, Location, initial rent payment, lease term in years, and security deposit.
• Applicant Signatures: Requires signatures and dates from applicants.

This bid sheet is crucial for potential bidders (applicants) to understand the specific eligibility requirements and the information they need to provide to be considered for renting the property. It directly impacts proposal preparation by detailing financial, rental history, and background criteria that must be met.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Tenant Certification Form" required by the Massachusetts Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form. It serves to document the disclosure of known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in a dwelling built before 1978, and the lessee's acknowledgment of receiving this information and related federal and state lead poisoning prevention materials.

• Owner's Disclosure: Requires checking whether lead-based paint/hazards are present and if records/reports are available.
• Tenant's Acknowledgment: Requires tenant initials to confirm receipt of documents, or refusal to sign.
• Agent's Acknowledgment: Agent confirms informing the owner/lessor of their obligations and awareness of compliance responsibilities.
• Certification of Accuracy: Signatures and dates from Owner/Lessor and Tenant, certifying the provided information is true and accurate.
• Owner/Managing Agent Information: Contact details for the owner or managing agent.

This form is a mandatory disclosure and acknowledgment related to lead paint hazards. While not directly part of the bid submission, it indicates a requirement for compliance with lead paint laws, which may be relevant to the overall scope and compliance aspects of any construction or renovation opportunity involving older properties. It highlights the importance of lead safety regulations in the context of the property.