Countryside Initiative Request for Proposals

The Countryside Initiative RFP is the most comprehensive description available that introduces and defines the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's innovative program for managing rural landscapes.

Purpose of the RFP

The RFP is addressed first to persons who already know (or suspect) they would like to lease the farm property available. For potential proposers, the RFP provides guidelines necessary to prepare a strong proposal. More importantly, it gives sufficient detail and perspective to understand that taking responsibility for an Initiative farm could significantly change their lives. And for others — interested parties who hope to support and promote the Countryside Initiative in various ways, or who hope to apply its concepts elsewhere — this RFP offers a thorough description of how the program actually works.

How to Submit a Proposal

Interested parties who wish to submit a proposal for a Countryside Initiative farm may only do so during an RFP process. The following steps provide an example of the process:

A Countryside Initiative Request for Proposals is released (it is made available here on our website, as well as hard copies sent to our mailing list). Contact us to be added to the list;
Group farm tours (of the available farms) will take place approximately two weeks after the release of the RFP;
Proposals are due no later than 60 days after the RFP is released (specific information regarding dates, and where to send the proposal will be included in the official RFP cover letter);
Proposal evaluations and reviews will take place approximately 60-90 days after proposals have been submitted.
Upon completion of the review/evaluation process — proposals can expect to be notified of their proposal status (approximately 60-120 days after proposal deadline).