24AL2106 Horseshoe Lake S. P. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property located within Horseshoe Lake State Park in Madison County, Illinois. The contract opportunity, identified as 24AL2106 Horseshoe Lake S.P. Farm Lease, covers approximately 306 to 375 acres of land for cropping and wildlife habitat from March 2024 through July 2028. The successful bidder will be responsible for providing all seed, fertilizer, labor, and equipment, as well as paying rent and leasehold taxes. The lessee may also be required to perform additional services, such as applying chemicals, maintaining access roads, and implementing conservation practices, which can be used to offset the lease payments. Bids are due by November 1, 2023, and a pre-bid conference is scheduled for October 19, 2023.

The IFB does not indicate any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. There is also no mention of an incumbent vendor or any existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The current contract value is $220,350 per year, with a per-acre rate of $187.50, and the estimated annual taxes for the site are $11,304.16. The IFB states that the successful bidder must guarantee the lease payment either through prepayment or by providing an irrevocable letter of credit.