26AL2135 Morrison-Rockwood S. P. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking agricultural farming services for a farm lease opportunity at Morrison-Rockwood State Park in Washington County, Illinois. The procurement, identified as project 26AL2135, involves leasing approximately 123.90 acres of agricultural land for a five-year term from March 1, 2026, to July 31, 2031. Key objectives include supporting wildlife populations, improving soil health, minimizing erosion, and enhancing water quality through strategic agricultural management. The successful vendor will be required to follow specific cropping and conservation guidelines, including restrictions on chemical usage such as prohibiting neonicotinoid-treated seeds and Dicamba, and implementing cover crop plantings. Bidders must participate in a non-mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with electronic bid submissions due on November 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The IDNR will evaluate and award the contract to the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder, with proposals required to remain valid for 90 days from the opening date.

The procurement appears open to all qualified agricultural vendors, with no specific set-aside designations mentioned. Bidders must complete comprehensive vendor disclosure forms, including the Illinois Procurement Gateway Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, and provide proof of insurance with a minimum $1,000,000 occurrence limit for commercial general liability. Potential bidders must be current on any existing IDNR agricultural lease leasehold taxes and submit detailed documentation of agricultural activities. The lease requires the vendor to personally farm the lands, follow specific crop rotation plans including corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers, and maintain close collaboration with the site superintendent and wildlife biologist. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the contract will be priced on an annual per-acre basis, with payment terms requiring half the annual lease payment by July 15th and the balance by December 15th each year. Vendors must also provide either prepayment or an irrevocable letter of credit and demonstrate compliance with extensive ecological and agricultural management requirements.