Fort Belknap Agency - NOTICE OF SALE 2026-01

Bid Submission & Opening

Sealed bids for leasing tracts with leases expired in 2025 and 2026 will be accepted until 10:00 AM MST on October 1, 2026. Bids will be opened to the public at the Ft. Belknap Agency.

Bid Packets & Contact Information

Bid packets for the 2026-01 Pasture/Grazing Lease are available at the Fort Belknap Agency, 158 Tribal Way, Suite B, 100 BIA Road, Harlem, MT 59526. To request a packet, email IA_FortBelknap_Agency@bia.gov or call 406-353-2903. To view the bid packet, click on the applicable link below.

For information about tract locations, land classification maps, and more, contact the Branch of Real Estate Services, Rocky Mountain Regional Office at IA_RMRO_RealEstateServices@bia.gov or (406) 247-7946.

Advertisement Rules

This advertisement follows 25 CFR Part 162.

Bid Instructions

1. Bids are considered for pasture/grazing leases on tracts and terms listed in the schedule, starting January 1, 2027. Each bid must be shown as a total cash sum based on price per acre for each land use type. If discrepancies are found in acreage or amount, the sum will be adjusted based on actual acreage.
2. Bid envelopes submitted on October 1, 2026 will be time-stamped at the Agency.
3. All bids must be addressed to: Superintendent, Ft. Belknap Agency, 158 Tribal Way, Suite B, 100 BIA Road, Harlem, MT 59526
4. Bids must be received by 10:00 AM MST, October 1, 2026.
5. Bidders must use the attached bid form and complete all required sections. Address information must be legible and complete. The Agency reserves the right to reject any bid with discrepancies between price per acre and total annual rental. Additional bid forms are available at the Agency or Tribal Land Management. Bid forms can also be downloaded from the above link.
6. Successful bidders must submit:
   1. Operator Management Plan
   2. Farm Plan and/or Common Use Agreement (if applicable)
   3. Brand Certifications
   4. Recent Trichomoniasis Foetus Test Certification for bulls

Bond

Unless otherwise provided by a tribe under § 162.203, or waived by BIA at the request of the owners of a majority interest in an agricultural lease tract, the lessee must provide a bond is required to secure leases, per 25 CFR 162.234(A).

Lease Terms & Fees

Lease agreements in this sale are for ten years. Terms may be adjusted for consistency across all Agency contracts. An administrative fee, payable by the lessee, will be specified in the lease packet.

Owner’s Use Requests

Owners of trust or restricted land may request use of portions of their land during the lease term. The Agency will review these requests, which may result in adjustments to lease terms, acreage, or rent. Lessees will be notified in writing of any approved changes.

Undivided Fee Interests

Lessees must secure agreements with owners of undivided fee interests. The Agency does not guarantee lease rights or access to these lands. Written approval from fee owners is required for use of their portion.

Livestock & Pasture Restrictions

Only livestock owned by the lessee may be grazed on leased tracts unless the Agency gives written approval. Outside cattle may not be pastured without permission.

Aftermath Grazing

After harvest, aftermath grazing may be permitted based on the Agency’s evaluation of land conditions and resources. Approval must be requested and permitted use will be documented in the lease agreement.

Federal Debt Notice

If you have outstanding federal debt on Indian Agricultural Land, no leases or permits will be issued until debts are paid per 25 CFR 166.421.

Superintendent Rights & Lease Mediation

The Superintendent may reject any or all bids and waive informalities or technical defects if it serves the interests of the Fort Belknap Indian Community and the United States. With consent from the Fort Belknap Indian Community and subject to payment of reasonable damages, rights-of-way and prospecting permits may be granted during the lease term. The Superintendent may mediate and clarify lease errors and will document modifications in writing with the FBIC Land Management Department.

Ingress & Egress

Neither the BIA nor the Ft. Belknap Indian Community guarantee access to or from trust property listed in this advertisement. Successful bidders must secure their own access as needed.