25AL2193 Johnson Sauk Trail S. P. - Farm Lease - Sole Source

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is pursuing a sole source agricultural lease for 118.20 acres at Johnson Sauk Trail State Park located in Henry County, with the intent to award the contract to Duane Miller. The procurement involves 70.80 acres of corn and 47.40 acres of soybeans for the 2025 farm season, with a lease term from March 20, 2025, to February 28, 2026. After two unsuccessful competitive bidding attempts on November 13, 2024, and December 18, 2024, where no vendors submitted bids, IDNR opted for a sole source procurement. The key objectives include supporting wildlife populations, promoting ecological agricultural practices, and generating income to support habitat and recreational opportunities. Interested parties have until March 21, 2025, at 4:00 PM to submit written comments or request a public hearing, with a potential hearing scheduled for March 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The procurement process requires vendors to demonstrate agricultural management capabilities and willingness to work within the state park's ecological management guidelines.

There are no specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types for this procurement. The sole source contract is being awarded directly to Duane Miller, who was the only interested vendor after multiple competitive bidding attempts. The total estimated lease value is $106,115.10, with approximately $95,477.10 going to the vendor and $10,638.00 to the state. IDNR plans to re-evaluate the cropping requirements and competitively bid a five-year term after the 2025 season. No incumbent vendors are mentioned beyond Duane Miller, and no specific infrastructure or technology integration requirements are outlined. The lease is structured as a revenue-generating contract, with the vendor responsible for agricultural production on the state park land while adhering to ecological management principles. The negotiated price is within the historical range for similar farm leases in the area.