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SUMMARY OF LEASING OPPORTUNITY
This Request for Proposals (RFP) provides the opportunity for any interested individual or organization (Offeror) to submit a proposal to the NPS to lease the equestrian facility at Bergen Beach, Brooklyn, NY under the following terms and conditions. The selected Offeror will have exclusive rights to negotiate a lease with NPS based on the attached Sample Lease (Exhibit D).
In the event the NPS and a selected Offeror fail to execute a lease, or in the event any such lease is terminated resulting in a vacancy, the NPS reserves the right to negotiate a lease with the next highest ranked Offeror. Until a Lease is executed, the NPS reserves the right to reject one or all proposals, discontinue the solicitation, or terminate negotiations without penalty or liability.
Property Offered for Lease
Bergen Beach Equestrian Facility, 7000 Shore Parkway, Brooklyn, NY: The property offered for lease is an equestrian facility of approximately 11.8 acres and is depicted in the maps below. The premises include:
The premises do not include the land area west of the premises between the park area boundary and Belt Parkway that is currently used for facility access and parking, and which is owned by The City of New York.
The premises do not include, but Lessee shall have the non-exclusive right to utilize, the adjacent trail system on approximately 80 acres as depicted below.
NOTE: The Belt Parkway is generally limited to passenger vehicles. A permit for trucks and trailers may be necessary. See New York City Department of Transportation https://parkingpermits.nyc.gov/node/872.
Authorized Use of the Premises
The premises may only be used for equestrian recreation activities. Offerors will propose an Operating Plan describing program details such as hours of operation, offerings for public lessons, guided trail rides, horse boarding, light food service (optional upon prior NPS approval), and merchandise sales (optional) for tack, clothing, and equipment. The Operating Plan must also include details for safety and well-being of guests and customers, facility security, and anticipated maintenance.
The Lessee’s activities on the premises shall be subject to the general supervision and inspection of the NPS and to such rules and regulations regarding ingress, egress, safety, sanitation, and security as may be prescribed by the Park Superintendent from time to time.
The Lessee shall be responsible for all maintenance and repair of the Premises and any improvements to the Premises that may be necessary during the lease term. The facility is located in an area accessible to the public.
Key Information About This Leasing Opportunity
Jurisdiction
The lands and facilities available for use and occupancy under this RFP are located in an area subject to concurrent law enforcement jurisdiction. Under concurrent jurisdiction, the U.S. Park Police (USPP) and the Police Department of The City of New York (NYPD) share the governmental authority for law enforcement purposes, and unless otherwise stated, Federal, State, and City laws are applicable.
The Lessee must comply, at its sole cost and expense, with all Applicable Laws and Requirements (including Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, requirements, and policies) in fulfilling its obligations under the Lease. It is the responsibility of the Lessee to determine whether it is subject to specific taxes and assessments and abide by those applicable statutes. Any comments made by the NPS in this RFP do not alter those responsibilities, if any, nor should they be construed to take a position nor express a view on behalf of the Lessee.
Premises Condition
Facility will be delivered to Lessee, “As-is, with all faults.”
Term of the Lease
The term of the lease shall not exceed ten (10) years. The lease term will commence on or after January 1, 2026, following selection of the best offer pending completion of NPS resource stewardship compliance review and rent determination required by the Department of the Interior’s Appraisal Valuation Services Office or its designee.
Rent
NPS is required under 36 CFR Part 18 to receive, at a minimum, Fair Market Value Rent (FMVR). The FMVR determination will consider any restrictions on the use of the property or terms of the lease that limit the value and/or the highest and best use of the property and any requirements under the lease for the lessee to restore, rehabilitate, or otherwise improve the leased property. The amount of rent will be negotiated subsequently with the selected offeror, provided that, the final rent must at least equal the FMVR as determined by the NPS.
The appraisal process to determine the FMVR is currently underway by the Department of the Interior Appraisal and Valuation Services Office. If the FMVR has been determined before this solicitation closes the RFP will be amended to include the FMVR.
Rent will be payable monthly by electronic funds transfer. All rent will be absolutely net to the Lessor. The Lessee must pay all costs, expenses, charges, and impositions of every kind and nature relating to the premises, including all taxes and assessments.
Insurance
During the term of this Lease, the Lessee shall maintain General Liability, Property, Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability, and Business Interruption and Extra Expense insurance in amounts set by the Lessor. Further information regarding insurance requirements can be found in Attachment D (Sample Lease). Lessee’s insurance coverage amounts will be periodically reviewed by the Lessor. These reviews will ensure the Lessee has appropriate coverage in light of any changing circumstances. At Lease commencement, Lessee must provide proof of property insurance in the amount sufficient to provide loss, damage, and destruction coverage for a facility of this size, scope, and use, as well as proof of commercial general liability insurance in the amount of not less than $3,000,000 single/$5,000,000 aggregate, with additional excess liability insurance necessary to provide adequate coverage or protection consistent with industry standards.
Utilities
The Lessee is solely responsible for all utilities including water, sewer, electric, and telephone. Subject to advance written approval by the Lessor, the Lessee at its sole expense shall make all arrangements with appropriate utility providers. NPS makes no representations regarding the adequacy of any existing utilities.
Maintenance Responsibilities
Food Safety Requirements
Sale of food and beverages on the premises is not required. If approved in advance by NPS, food service shall be subject to all applicable food safety laws, regulations, and policy, as well as assessments and inspections. The NPS Office of Public Health provides oversight for food service operations through the provision of periodic food service sanitation inspections. The inspections are conducted on a frequency established by the NPS. All assessments will be completed pursuant to guidelines established by NPS Director’s Order 83A, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/policy/upload/DO_83A_4-28-2023.pdf, NPS Reference Manual 83A, https://www.nps.gov/subjects/policy/upload/RM-83A_6-20-2019.pdf, and the most recent version of the Food and Drug Administration Food Code, https://www.fda.gov/food/retail-food-protection/fda-food-code.
Animal Welfare Requirements
Lessee will register each horse stabled on premises with the New York City Office of Veterinary Public Health Services and maintain a Veterinary and Nutrition Plan, with the name, address, and phone number of the local attending veterinarian. This shall be available to the NPS immediately upon request.
Key Personnel
Lessee will maintain and provide to NPS an updated list of its qualified and experienced personnel, including a list of all contractors and subcontractors utilized in connection with the authorized activity.
Contractors
Lessee may utilize contractors to perform repairs, replacements, and improvements, and to provide event services.
Sustainability
The Park manages its sustainability program under an Environmental Management System, which sets forth goals ranging from solid waste and energy conservation to renewable energy and climate change education.
Other Terms and Conditions
The proposed terms and conditions of the offered Lease are as described in Attachment D, “Sample Lease” included in this RFP and are consistent with 36 CFR Part 18.
Competitive Process
This Lease opportunity is open on a competitive basis. The Offeror who submits the proposal judged best under the selection criteria will be provided an exclusive opportunity to negotiate a final lease with the NPS.
To be selected by the NPS, an Offeror must demonstrate the capacity to plan, carry out, and finance their proposal. Evaluation criteria and the process for selecting the Lessee are described in detail in the sections called “Proposal Content and Selection Criteria” and “Evaluation and Selection Process” in this Request for Proposals. The NPS reserves the right to reject one or all proposals or terminate lease negotiations at any time prior to executing a final lease without penalty or liability.
Site Tour and Additional Information
Site tours will be available on June 9, June 16, and July 7 at 11:00 AM. Reservations required.
Tour reservations and questions about this RFP may be sent via email to [email protected].
Questions from interested parties will be answered via Question & Answers (Q&A) or Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and will be posted, as will the RFP and attachments, at: https://www.nps.gov/gate/getinvolved/leasing-program-at-gateway.htm
Questions must be submitted by the dates provided on the first page of this RFP.
NPS reserves the right at any time, for its own convenience, and in its sole discretion, to cause or do any or all of the following:
Key Dates for this Request for Proposals: Proposals must be submitted on or before the time and date provided on the first page of this Request for Proposals.
The RFP solicitation will be open for a minimum of 60 days. Questions about this opportunity must be submitted by July 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM EDT.
Proposal Submission Protocol
Proposals must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Telephonic proposals, faxes, e-mails to other addresses, and other means of transmittal will not be considered. Proposals that are not received at the designated electronic address by the specified deadline will not be considered. NPS will not consider hardcopy proposals. Proposals are not deemed received until confirmed in writing by NPS.
Please refer to the Proposals Considered Public Documents section, in this RFP if you believe that a proposal contains trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information that you do not want to be made public.
Authority
This RFP is issued under the authority of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 18 Leasing of Properties in Park Areas (36 CFR Part 18). This RFP and the offered lease are subject to and incorporate all terms and conditions of Part 18 as applicable. In the event of any conflict between the terms of this RFP and Part 18, Part 18 controls.
The NPS has the authority to lease NPS-administered buildings and associated property pursuant to the National Park Service General Leasing Authority (54 USC Ch. 1021), and other applicable authorities.
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must be submitted electronically to: [email protected]
Proposals must be submitted on or before the time and date provided on the first page of this Request for Proposals. The subject line should include the following: Bergen Beach Equestrian Proposal - [Your name or the name of your business entity or organization].
Proposals are limited to 25 pages or fewer, not including attachments. Proposals exceeding this limit will be deemed non-responsive and will not be evaluated further.
Offerors should submit their proposal in electronic format as one document in the Adobe PDF format. The required Identification and Credit Information forms (either 10-352, 10-353, or 10-354), the required Offeror Financial Statements and Projections (10-355A), financial statements, and credit reports should be incorporated into your PDF submission as attachments. Proposals must be formatted to 8-1/2" x 11”-page size. Proposals submitted by mail, in-person delivery, telephone, fax, or other methods will not be considered.
While there is no limit on the file size of your proposal (please note the 25-page limit described herein, excluding attachments), the total file size of the email submission, including all attachments, cannot exceed 40MB. If your proposal exceeds this limit, you must separate your document into smaller files and send them in separate emails. If you do this, please separate your proposal into as few files as possible and clearly name the files so they can be reassembled in your intended order.
Effective proposals should be organized in the order of the Required Information detailed below and should contain clear, concise responses that address all the questions and requirements for each of the Selection Criterion listed in the RFP. Proposals that do not specifically answer all questions will be deemed non-responsive and not evaluated further.
PROPOSAL EVALUATION AND SELECTION GUIDELINES
NPS Leasing Regulations, as provided in 36 CFR 18.8(e), require that proposals be evaluated by the criteria below:
PROPOSAL CONTENT AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Proposals submitted in response to this RFP must follow the format described below. You are asked to answer questions or supply specific information in response to the specified items. Please label your responses correspondingly and respond fully and accurately to all questions and/or requests.
Checklist of the Components of a Responsive Proposal
Please Note: Review the credit report you provide carefully, many of the free annual credit reports that are available do not include a credit score.
Required Information
Offeror Identification
Please fully identify the person(s) associated with your proposal, by providing: Name(s), address(es), telephone number(s), e-mail address(es), and fax number(s), if applicable. Your proposal must include a signed Transmittal Letter; a sample is provided in Attachment A. If your organization consists of more than one individual, please identify the primary contact. The NPS will send all communications to that contact person.
Please complete and submit the applicable Identification and Credit Information Form contained in the Proposal Forms attached to this RFP for the entity and/or individuals that are to be the lessee and its principals. There are separate forms for individuals, sole proprietor businesses, and other business entities.
Criterion 1: Proposed Operating Plan Consistent with National Park Service Mission
This section should explain your proposed use or uses of the property and should establish your overall vision for your proposed concept. Furthermore, it should explain why such use or uses would be compatible with the preservation, protection and visitor enjoyment of the park area.
Criterion 2: Improvements, Maintenance, and Repair of the Property
This section should describe your concept for improvements to the Leased Premises, if any, and how they will enhance your proposed use. Your response must show how you plan to take full responsibility for all repairs and maintenance of the property.
Criterion 3: Financial Capability of the Offeror
This section should demonstrate that you are capable of making the financial investment required to fund what you propose. Offerors must identify the manner by which they will fund the improvements and other start-up costs proposed for the premises.
Criterion 4: Demonstrated Experience Operating a Similar Property
This section should demonstrate your qualifications to provide top quality management of the Lease Premises. To be considered qualified, responsive, and responsible, an Offeror must submit the items listed below.
Criterion 5: Environmental Enhancement
This section should explain how you plan to use and manage the Lease Premises in an environmentally enhancing manner. At a minimum describe the ways in which you will address:
Criterion 6: Financial and Other Terms Offered
This section should explain the financial and material benefit your proposed use will provide to the NPS. Due to NPS leasing regulations, no annual rent offer of an amount less than the Fair Market Value Rent (FMVR) can or shall be accepted.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS
The National Park Service will review all responses to this RFP through an evaluation panel assisted by technical consultants as appropriate.
All proposals will first be screened for adherence to the requirements of this RFP. The NPS will not consider non-responsive proposals. A non-responsive proposal is a proposal that was not timely submitted or fails to meet the material terms and conditions of this RFP as determined by the NPS. A non-responsive proposal is also one which information is not included in the correct or relevant section. The NPS will only use information provided in the appropriate section of a proposal during the evaluation process; please organize your proposal carefully.
It is the intention of the NPS to select the best responsive proposal as determined under the selection criteria without further submittals or presentations. If this cannot be done, the NPS will select those proposals that appear most suitable under the selection criteria and will request additional information or presentations from that group so that the best responsive proposal can be selected.
NPS will negotiate the terms of the final Lease with the selected Offeror. Award of a Lease to that Offeror is not guaranteed and is dependent on successful negotiation of the final terms of the lease. If negotiations fail, NPS may negotiate with other Offerors for award of the Lease or terminate this solicitation without liability to any person or organization.
The NPS reserves the right to reject one or all proposals, terminate lease negotiations, or cancel this RFP Solicitation at any time prior to executing a final lease without penalty or liability.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND MODIFICATION OF PROPOSALS
The NPS may request from any Offeror additional information or written clarification of a proposal after the submission date. However, proposals may not be amended after the submission date unless permitted by the NPS. The NPS may not permit amendment of a proposal unless all Offerors that submitted responsive proposals are given an opportunity to amend their respective proposals.
LEASE TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Term of Lease
The Lease to be awarded under this RFP shall not exceed a term of ten (10) years.
Conditions
Selection of a proposal does not guarantee a lease for the Offeror. The Offeror who submits a responsive proposal judged best under the proposal selection criteria will be given an opportunity to negotiate a final lease with NPS.
Lease Provisions
The Lease to be awarded under this RFP will contain the provisions required by 36 CFR Part 18 as well as other provisions determined by the NPS to be necessary to assure use of the leased property in a manner consistent with the purposes of the park area, and where applicable, to assure the preservation of historic property. Required provisions include, without limitation:
A Sample Lease is attached to this RFP and incorporates these terms.
PROPOSALS CONSIDERED PUBLIC DOCUMENTS
All proposals submitted in response to this Prospectus may be disclosed by the Service to any person, upon request, to the extent required or authorized by the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C.§ 552). If you believe that your proposal contains trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, mark the cover page of each copy of the proposal with the following legend:
“The information specifically identified on pages of this proposal constitutes trade secrets or confidential commercial or financial information that the Offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act. The Offeror requests that this information not be disclosed to the public, except as may be required by law.”
You must specifically identify what you consider to be trade secret information or confidential commercial or financial information on the page of the proposal on which it appears, and you must mark each such page with the following legend:
“This page contains trade secrets or confidential commercial and financial information that the Offeror believes to be exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, and which is subject to the legend contained on the cover page of this proposal.”
Information so identified will not be made public by the NPS except in accordance with law. The NPS does not warrant and assumes no liability for the accuracy of the information provided in this RFP.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants subject to existing legal authorizations must be compliant with current lease obligations in order to be eligible for this opportunity. Current lessees who have not satisfied reporting obligations, outstanding rent payments, or other lease obligations will not be considered eligible for this opportunity.
Applicants who are presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from a public transaction by a federal department or agency, or whose legal authorizations to undertake operations on park lands or to use and occupy park lands and facilities have been revoked, suspended, or terminated, or whose obligations for payments have been deemed delinquent and have been deferred to the United States Treasury, are not eligible for consideration.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND ITS MISSION
America’s National Park System was created by Congress “to conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife” therein, and “to provide for the enjoyment” of the same “in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” 54 U.S.C. 100101(a).
Additionally, Congress declared the National Park System should be “preserved and managed for the benefit and inspiration of all the people of the United States.” 54 U.S.C. 100101(b)(1)(C). The National Park Service (NPS) has as its overall mission the preservation and public enjoyment of significant aspects of the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.
54 U.S.C. 102102 allows the NPS to lease certain federally owned or administered property located within the boundaries of park areas. The leasing process is regulated pursuant to 36 C.F.R. Part 18.
To learn more about the NPS, visit our website at www.nps.gov. This site includes information about who we are, our mission, NPS policies, and individual parks.
Gateway National Recreation Area
Established in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area provides a national park experience in the country’s largest metropolitan area. The park preserves a mosaic of coastal ecosystems and natural areas interwoven with historic coastal defense and maritime sites around New York’s Outer Harbor. Beaches, marshes, waters, scenic views and open space offer resource-based recreational opportunities to the public. It is a getaway for millions of visitors every year. https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm
The park includes 26,000 acres of land and water, spanning locations in New York and New Jersey. It has three distinct, non-contiguous areas: Staten Island, Sandy Hook and Jamaica Bay. Except for Sandy Hook, which forms the northern tip of the New Jersey shore, the Area occupies coastal land in the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island in the City of New York.
Additional information and downloadable documents can be found at Gateway National Recreation Area's website linked below.