RFP to Lease the Farm Complex at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site

SOL #: MAVA_Farm-Complex_RFP_2025Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Interior
National Park Service
NER NORTHEAST REGION(40000)
PHILADELPHIA, PA, 19106, United States

Place of Performance

Kinderhook, NY

NAICS

No NAICS code specified

PSC

Lease/Rental Of Miscellaneous Buildings (X1JZ)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Dec 5, 2025
2
Last Updated
Dec 8, 2025
3
Submission Deadline
Feb 6, 2026, 10:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The National Park Service (NPS), through the Martin Van Buren National Historic Site, is seeking proposals to lease the Farm Complex in Kinderhook, NY. This Request for Proposals (RFP) offers approximately 22.4 acres of agricultural land and supporting structures for commercial farming. The lease aims to integrate sustainable agricultural practices with historic preservation. Initial proposals are due February 6, 2026.

Opportunity Details

This opportunity involves leasing NPS Tract 01-103, which includes agricultural land and structures such as a 50’x36’ pole barn, a 60’x26’ concrete block garage, two 30’x100’ greenhouses, and a 6,600 SF barn/office. The authorized use is commercial farming of vegetables, flowers, berries, and fruit, including bee-keeping. Raising poultry or other livestock is prohibited. The property has a rich history of cultivation, dating back thousands of years, and was part of Martin Van Buren's estate.

Lease Terms & Responsibilities

  • Lease Term: Maximum of 10 years, with a potential one-year extension. The anticipated effective date is March 1, 2026.
  • Rent: Minimum annual rent of $24,000 in Year 1, adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), payable quarterly. Offerors may propose higher rent or a percentage of revenue. Rent offsets may be considered for pre-approved improvements.
  • Utilities: Lessee is solely responsible for all utilities.
  • Maintenance: Lessee is responsible for scheduled and unscheduled repairs, routine housekeeping, grounds maintenance, and pest management within the leased premises. The Lessor (NPS) is responsible for tree maintenance.
  • Premises Condition: Delivered "As-is with all faults."
  • Insurance: Lessee must maintain General Liability, Property & Casualty, Worker’s Compensation, Employer’s Liability, and Business Interruption insurance as specified in Attachment A (Sample Lease).

Agricultural & Environmental Requirements

The lease will be informed by the Agricultural Management Guidelines: Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (Attachment E). Key requirements include:

  • Using farming techniques that promote long-term soil health and fertility (e.g., cover crops, crop rotation, minimal tillage).
  • Sustainable pest and weed management practices (organic/bio-insecticides, non-herbicide methods).
  • Proactive erosion control strategies.
  • Following organic farming guidelines (certification encouraged but not required).
  • No onsite water source for irrigation; Lessee is responsible for acquiring water access and permits.
  • Strict protocols for handling archeological artifacts and ground disturbance.
  • Commitment to ecological protection, energy conservation, and water conservation.

Submission & Evaluation

  • Submission Deadline: Initial proposals are due February 6, 2026. Rolling submissions are accepted every Friday thereafter until a selection is made.
  • Submission Method: Electronic only to NER_MAVA_Leasing@nps.gov. Proposals are limited to 60 pages (excluding attachments) and must be in PDF format.
  • Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed based on:
    1. Compatibility of proposed use with NPS values (preservation, protection, visitor enjoyment).
    2. Plans for improvements, maintenance, and preservation of historic quality.
    3. Financial capability of the Offeror.
    4. Demonstrated experience operating a similar agricultural business.
    5. Commitment to environmental enhancement.
    6. Financial and other terms offered to the NPS.
  • Eligibility: Open to all interested persons and businesses. Applicants must be compliant with existing lease obligations and not be debarred or suspended.
  • Site Tours: Available upon request via email to NER_MAVA_Leasing@nps.gov.
  • Questions: Initial questions due January 23, 2026. Rolling questions due every Wednesday thereafter.

People

Points of Contact

Megan OMalleyPRIMARY
Christopher SchubelSECONDARY

Files

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Versions

Version 3
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 8, 2025
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Version 2Viewing
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 8, 2025
Version 1
Solicitation
Posted: Dec 5, 2025
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RFP to Lease the Farm Complex at Martin Van Buren National Historic Site | GovScope