26AL2198 Washington County S. R. A. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is soliciting bids for an agricultural farm lease opportunity in Washington County, specifically at the Washington County State Recreation Area. The contract, numbered 26AL2198, will cover 67.40 acres in 2026 and 111.30 acres for subsequent years from 2027-2030, with a contract term running from March 1, 2026, to February 28, 2031. The primary objective is to utilize agricultural leases as a tool for supporting wildlife populations and recreational opportunities through ecologically sound agricultural practices that improve soil health, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality. Bidders must provide all necessary farming operations, including labor, machinery, seeds, fertilizer, and insurance, while adhering to specific conservation requirements such as prohibitions on neonicotinoid-treated soybean seeds and Dicamba. The bid submission deadline is November 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with an optional pre-bid conference scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM via WebEx. The IDNR will award the contract to the highest-priced responsive and responsible bidder based on meeting specified criteria and submitting required documentation.

The procurement opportunity appears open to all qualified vendors, with no specific set-aside designations explicitly noted in the documentation. Potential bidders must complete various vendor disclosure forms, including the Illinois State Board of Elections Business Entity Registration and vendor disclosure documents that require detailed information about business ownership, financial standing, and compliance with state procurement regulations. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the contract involves annual per-acre lease payments, with half due by July 15th and the balance by December 15th each year. Bidders must provide a comprehensive equipment list and comply with state terms and conditions, including potential tax credits for hiring qualified veterans and ex-offenders. The contract emphasizes conservation practices and aims to develop an agricultural lease program that can serve as a model for producers throughout the state, with income generated supporting wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. Vendors must also provide a certificate of liability insurance with minimum coverage limits, including $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate liability.