27AL2101 Clinton Lake State Recreation Area Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property within Clinton Lake State Recreation Area under IFB 27AL2101, with bids due November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A mandatory pre-submission conference is scheduled for October 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the site office (7251 Ranger Road, DeWitt, Illinois) with remote WebEx participation available.

The scope covers farming lease operations across multiple parcels with varying acreage: 167.07 acres in 2027, 183.27 acres in 2028, 167.07 acres in 2029, 183.27 acres in 2030, 167.07 acres in 2031, and 33.70 acres in 2032. The lessee must provide all labor, machinery, equipment, seed, fertilizer, and insurance; comply with specified cropping plans and cover crop requirements; and implement conservation practices designed to support wildlife, improve soil health, minimize erosion, and enhance water quality. Prohibited practices include neonicotinoid-treated seed, Dicamba, bio-solids application, and fall tillage unless Site Superintendent-approved. The lessee must maintain detailed records of chemical, fertilizer, and seed applications and comply with USDA Conservation Plan Standards and all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The property is owned by Exelon Corporation and managed by IDNR; leasehold taxes are exempt.

The contract term runs March 1, 2027 (or upon IDNR Director signature, whichever is later) through July 30, 2032 with no renewal option. Pricing shall be submitted per acre for each contract year; award is based on the total sum of all years. The lessee must guarantee annual lease payments through prepayment by March 1 or via irrevocable letter of credit (with split payments by July 15 and December 15). General Commercial Liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence ($2 million aggregate), Auto Liability of $1 million per occurrence, and Workers' Compensation as required by law are mandatory.

Bidders with delinquent leasehold taxes on current IDNR agricultural leases must provide proof of payment or non-delinquency to be deemed responsible; failure to remedy disqualifies the bid. A $15 Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative fee applies for contracts valued at $1,000 or more, deducted from the vendor's first payment. The contract may be partially or fully funded with federal funds; funding percentage and dollar amount will be disclosed upon notice of award. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Questions are due in writing no later than seven days after the pre-submission conference, directed to Melanie Dodd at Melanie.N.Dodd@Illinois.gov or 217/524-1308. Bids are accepted electronically via BidBuy or in sealed paper format to IDNR, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, Illinois 62702, Attn: Melanie Dodd. Public bid opening occurs in person and via WebEx on November 18 at 2:00 p.m. The State awards to the highest priced responsive and responsible bidder meeting specified criteria; no bid or performance bonds are required.