23AL2004 Wayne Fitzgerrell SP Farm Lease 2004

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property located within Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park. The Invitation for Bid (IFB) requests bids for farming services on approximately 1,000 acres of land across four parcels within the state park. Responses to the IFB are due on December 30, 2022, with a public bid opening scheduled for January 6, 2023. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on December 13, 2022 for prospective bidders. The resulting contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder and will have an initial term of 1 year, with the option to renew for up to 4 additional 1-year terms. The successful bidder will be required to pay the state a fixed per-acre cash rent for the farming rights.

No set-asides or preferences are noted in the provided documents. The current farming services are provided by an incumbent contractor, but the details of the incumbent's performance or pricing are not included. The IFB states that the farming activities will be funded through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' operating budget, but does not provide specific funding amounts or sources. Bidders must complete the required Forms A and Forms B certifications and disclosures, as well as register with the Illinois State Board of Elections, before submitting a response to this opportunity.