Lease Opportunity - City Owned Commercial Property ( View PDF )

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
FOR
Lease Opportunity - City-Owned Commercial Property
115 5th Ave NE, Devils Lake
RFP Release Date: 07/22/2026
Proposal Due Date: 08/27/2026
4:00pm CST
PROPOSALS MUST BE DELIVERED TO
City of Devils Lake
423 6th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
By 4:00 PM, August 27, 2026

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Request for Proposals is to solicit proposals from qualified individuals,
businesses, nonprofit organizations, or other entities interested in leasing the City-owned
property located at 115 5th Avenue NE, Devils Lake, North Dakota. The City seeks a tenant
that demonstrates the ability to responsibly lease, maintain, and occupy the property in
accordance with the terms of a negotiated lease agreement.
Because the property has historically operated as a licensed child care facility, proposals
that continue that use may benefit the community by preserving existing infrastructure and
meeting an identified local need. However, the City welcomes proposals for any lawful use
that complies with applicable zoning regulations and is determined to be in the best
interests of the City.
1.2 Background
The property has historically served as a licensed child care facility and remains well suited
for that purpose. The City recognizes the community's need for additional childcare
capacity; however, the City's purpose in issuing this RFP is to identify a qualified tenant for
the property while encouraging proposals that make effective use of the existing facility.
1.3 Facility Information
The city-owned facility may include, but not limited to, multiple classroom areas, office
space, kitchen facilities, restrooms, outdoor play area, parking, existing furnishings and
equipment.
The size of the facility is 4,784 square feet. This facility has received various updates in
recent years. Such updates include improvements to the air conditioning system, windows,
fire alarm system, and more. Maintenance history is deemed to be considered regular with
the previous tenant, apart from City-called service requests.
Interested parties are encouraged to schedule a site visit before submitting a proposal.
The facility will be made available through a negotiated lease agreement with the City of
Devils Lake. Final lease terms and conditions will be negotiated with the finalist selected by
the selection committee.
1.4 Project Objectives
The City's objective is to identify a responsible tenant that will occupy and maintain the
property under the terms of a negotiated lease agreement. The City encourages proposals
that make productive use of the facility, preserve the condition of the property, and
contribute positively to the Devils Lake community.

Because the building has historically functioned as a licensed child care facility and
contains improvements that support that use, proposals that continue childcare
operations may provide additional community benefit. However, proposals for other lawful
uses will also be considered.
1.5 Minimum Qualifications
Respondents should demonstrate their ability to successfully lease and occupy the
property. Proposals should identify the intended use of the facility, describe the
respondent's experience managing similar operations or commercial property, provide
references, and demonstrate the ability to comply with the terms of a lease agreement,
including maintaining required insurance and fulfilling lease obligations.
1.6 Tenant Responsibilities
The selected respondent will be responsible for obtaining any licenses, permits, or
approvals required for its proposed use of the property, complying with all applicable
federal, state, and local laws and regulations, maintaining the leased premises in
accordance with the terms of the lease agreement, carrying any insurance required under
the lease, and coordinating with the City regarding maintenance responsibilities assigned
to the landlord or tenant under the final lease agreement.
If the respondent proposes to operate a licensed child care facility, the respondent will be
responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required childcare licenses and approvals
through the appropriate regulatory agencies.
1.7 Proposal Requirements
Each proposal should include the following:
A. Cover Letter
Please include the respondent's name, business or organization name (if applicable),
primary contact information, and a brief statement expressing interest in leasing the
property. The cover letter should also identify the primary contact person who will
represent the respondent throughout the proposal process.
B. Organizational Information
Provide an overview of the respondent, including the type of organization or business,
ownership structure, years in operation, and any experience managing commercial
property or operating a business. If applicable, include any current business locations
and describe the organization's overall mission or purpose.

C. Description of Proposed Use
Describe how you plan to use the property. Include what the building will be used for,
what services or activities will take place there, how many employees or occupants you
expect, and any other details that would help the City understand your proposal. If you
plan to operate a licensed childcare facility, you may include that here, but childcare is
not required.
D. References
Provide at least three (3) professional references who can speak to the respondent's
business practices, reliability, or previous leasing experience. Include the reference's
name, organization, title, telephone number, email address, and a brief description of
the relationship.
E. Previous Leasing or Property Management Experience
If you have leased commercial space before, tell us about that experience. Include the
property location, roughly when you occupied it, the landlord or property owner if you
know it, and anything that shows you were a reliable tenant. If you have not leased
property before, you may describe other experience that shows you can responsibly use
and care for the building.
F. Occupancy Timeline
Provide an estimated timeline for when the respondent expects to sign a lease, take
possession of the property, complete any needed preparations, and begin occupancy
or operations.
G. Proposed Improvements
Describe any anticipated improvements, renovations, or modifications the respondent
would like to make to the property. Please identify whether the improvements would
require City approval and explain how they would enhance or support the proposed use
of the facility.
H. Requested Lease Terms
Identify any lease terms or conditions the respondent would like the City to consider
during lease negotiations. This may include the desired lease length, renewal options,
maintenance responsibilities, utility arrangements, parking needs, signage, or any other
lease-related requests or assumptions. Submission of requested lease terms does not
guarantee acceptance by the City and will be subject to negotiation.

1.8 Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated using, but not limited to, the following criteria:
Evaluation Category Points
Compatibility of Proposed Use 25
Ability to Meet Lease Obligations 25
Experience & References 20
Building Maintenance / Improvements 20
Proposed Occupancy Timeline 10
Total 100
The City will appoint a selection committee and reserves the right to conduct interviews
with selected applicants before making a final decision.
1.9 Lease Terms
The successful respondent will enter into a negotiated lease agreement with the City of
Devils Lake. As part of their proposal, respondents should describe the lease terms and
expectations they would like the City to consider, including any assumptions or requests
related to rental rate, maintenance responsibilities, utilities, insurance requirements,
length of lease, renewal options, and any improvements to the property.
Final lease terms will be negotiated between the City and the selected respondent.
Selection through this RFP does not guarantee that a lease will be signed. If lease terms
cannot be agreed upon, the City may work with another respondent.
1.10 Incentives
If the proposed use of the property may qualify for financial assistance or other economic
development programs offered by Forward Devils Lake or the Jobs Development Authority,
the respondent may choose to apply through the normal application process. Any requests
for assistance will be considered separately from this RFP and are subject to the policies
and approval requirements of those programs. Receiving a lease through this RFP does not
guarantee eligibility for or approval of any financial assistance.

1.11 Timeline
Timeline for this process from anticipated start date to finish.
Milestone Date
RFP Issued July 22, 2026
Building Tours August 2026
Questions Due August 21, 2026
Proposals Due August 27, 2026 (4:00pm CST)
Interviews September 2026
Recommendation September 2026
Lease Negotiation September/October 2026
Lease Execution Fall 2026
1.12 Reservation of Rights
The City may reject any or all proposals, waive minor informalities, request additional
information, conduct interviews, negotiate with one or more respondents, or cancel this
Request for Proposals at any time. The City will select the proposal that best serves its
interests, which may not be the lowest-cost option.
1.13 Proposal Submission
Proposals may be submitted electronically or in sealed envelopes marked:
"Proposal - Lease Opportunity - City-Owned Commercial Property"
Submit proposals to:
City of Devils Lake
Attn: Brady Ash, Forward Devils Lake
423 6th St NE
Devils Lake, ND 58301
Or, via email at director@forwarddevilslakend.com

1.13 Questions
Questions regarding this Request for Proposals shall be directed to:
Brady Ash
Executive Director
Forward Devils Lake
(O): (701) 662-4933
(E): director@forwarddevilslakend.com
Responses to questions may be distributed to all interested parties to ensure fairness
throughout the proposal process.