The National Park Service (NPS) is requesting expressions of interest in developing the historic Bailly Homestead within Indiana Dunes National Park. The RFEI allows interested parties an opportunity to review the property, facilities, and park area and to submit their concept(s) of potential future use of the facility, taking into account the park’s purpose and building’s significance. The NPS may choose all or part of the content of one or more responses to the RFEI for further consideration and possible development into a public solicitation that the NPS then would advertise to the public, inviting all qualified candidates to submit proposals for the operation.

The site is located on the south-central edge of the 23.54 square miles of the national park. Although these buildings were historically used as a home and trading post, established in 1822 by fur trade pioneer Joseph Bailly, the NPS seeks concepts and ideas for adaptive reuse of the buildings. The NPS particularly believes that a Bed and Breakfast, Boutique hotel, Vacation Rental, canoe or boat rental, Outdoor Wedding Space or Small Weddings in main house front parlor or chapel, Educational Facility, Library/Research Center, Administrative/Offices (NPS or Private Vendor Use) or Residential/Rental would be potential uses.

The two instruments most commonly used by the NPS for a facility such as the one under consideration in this RFEI are a concession contract and a lease. These instruments are governed by 36 CFR 51 (concession contracts) and 36 CFR 18 (leasing). Financial requirements vary based on the legal instrument under which the proposal is issued and may be based on fair market lease value or a financial analysis of the business opportunity. Only long-term tenancy arrangements will be considered. Term length will be determined by the NPS. Depending upon the instrument used, the shortest term may be 10 years, and the longest could be up to 60 years.

Use of federal land must be authorized by law and comply with the law under which the use is authorized. Use of federal land under National Park Service management must meet certain criteria. For the Bailly Homestead structures, this means that the proposed use must:

• not degrade or unduly impair the park’s resources and values;
• be compatible with the programs of the NPS;
• be consistent with the purposes established by law for the park area in which it is located; and
• ensure the preservation of any historic property involved with the proposed use.

Additionally, the proposed use must follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws, such as health, safety, food handling, and labor and employment law. Proposed uses may, if implemented, be subject to compliance with environmental and historical laws.

The NPS will hold site visits by appointment only on February 12th, 16th, and 23rd, 2024, between 10:00am and 2:00pm Central Time. Respondents interested in submitting a proposal are encouraged to visit Indiana Dunes National Park on their own to become familiar with the surrounding area and communities and Park environment.

Respondents are encouraged to provide input that demonstrates how their concept will support the parks purpose. Responses should not exceed 15 pages total. The NPS is particularly interested in receiving:

• Transmittal letter indicating the name of the submitting company or organization, legal structure, and contact information for the person(s) authorized to represent the submitting company or organization.
• Description of the reuse concept for the assigned property at the Bailly Homestead, including anticipated site improvements, type, and estimated square feet of all uses, estimated parking requirements in addition to the space provided, and a description of the type of visitor experience.
• Conceptual-level description of financial structure for proposed use. This may be stated in broad terms and may include desired instrument for occupancy (e.g., lease, concession, etc.), general design for compensation to the NPS (e.g., ratio of capital investments vs. cash payments) and anticipated requirements such as lease term in years.
• Any other pertinent points or conditions.

Please indicate in your submission whether you would like the NPS to retain your contact information and notify you of future Requests for Proposals concerning other historic properties at the historic site.

Please submit two (2) original copies of your response to the Request for Expression of Interest by 11:59pm (central time) on Sunday, March 31st, 2024. In addition, respondents are encouraged to submit an electronic copy of their proposal to steven_m_rossi@nps.gov.

All submittals become the property of the National Park Service. The NPS may choose all or part of the content of one or more responses to the RFEI for further consideration and possible development into a public solicitation that the NPS then would advertise to the public, inviting all qualified candidates to submit proposals for the operation.

Any questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing to Steven Rossi, Concessions Management Specialist, via email (steven_m_rossi@nps.gov) no later than 2:00 p.m. Central Time on March 1st, 2024. The NPS will provide written responses to all questions received by 4:00 p.m. March 15, 2024.  Responses will be posted to this solicitation.

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