§ 162.235 What form of bond can be accepted under an agricultural lease?

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a bond must be deposited with us and made payable only to us, and such a bond may not be modified or withdrawn without our approval. We will only accept a bond in one of the following forms: (1) Cash; (2) Negotiable Treasury securities that: (i) Have a market value at least equal to the bond amount; and (ii) Are accompanied by a statement granting full authority to us to sell such securities in case of a violation of the terms of the lease. (3) Certificates of deposit that indicate on their face that our approval is required prior to redemption by any party; (4) Irrevocable letters of credit issued by federally-insured financial institutions authorized to do business in the United States. A letter of credit must: (i) Contain a clause that grants us the authority to demand immediate payment if the tenant violates the lease or fails to replace the letter of credit at least 30 days prior to its expiration date; (ii) Be payable to us; (iii) Be irrevocable during its term and have an initial expiration date of not less than one year following the date of issuance; and (iv) Be automatically renewable for a period of not less than one year, unless the issuing financial institution provides us with written notice that it will not be renewed, at least 90 calendar days before the letter of credit's expiration date. (5) A surety bond issued by a company approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury; or (6) Any other form of highly liquid, non-volatile security that is easily convertible to cash and for which our approval is required prior to redemption by any party. (b) A tribe may accept and hold any form of bond described in paragraph (a) of this section, to secure performance under an agricultural lease of tribal land.