27AL2242 Jim Edgar Panther Creek S. F. W. A. Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is soliciting bids for agricultural farming services on state-owned property within Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County under IFB 27AL2242, with bids due October 28, 2026 and a mandatory pre-bid conference on October 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (via WebEx).

The scope spans approximately 457.75 to 501.65 acres across a five-year term (March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2032) with no renewal option. The lessee must manage all farming operations, including labor, machinery, equipment, seed, and fertilizer, while adhering to wildlife habitat and conservation objectives. A detailed seven-year cropping plan (2026–2032) governs field management. Key operational constraints include mandatory cover crops on designated fields, 33-foot field borders and 66-foot wildlife corridors, prohibition on double cropping, neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed, and Dicamba herbicide, and compliance with USDA Risk Management Agency crop insurance final planting dates. The lessee may be required to leave crops standing unharvested as determined by IDNR. Soil testing and maintenance of minimum phosphorus and potassium levels per IDNR Agronomy Handbook standards are mandatory. IDNR encourages participation in USDA NRCS conservation programs (EQIP and CSP) and state or nonprofit cover crop assistance.

Bidders must submit pricing on a per-acre basis for each contract year, with award based on total five-year sum. Payment options include full prepayment by March 1 annually or an irrevocable letter of credit with half due by July 15 and balance by December 15. The lessee pays all leasehold property taxes (2025 obligation was $20,138.62 on 494 acres) and maintains $1 million general commercial liability and workers' compensation insurance with IDNR as additional insured. A $15 Minority Contractor Initiative fee applies to the first payment. Lease payments may be satisfied through cash rent or approved services (chemical/fertilizer application, field preparation, mowing, clearing, timber stand improvement, wetland development) at University of Illinois or Iowa State University Extension custom rates, subject to prior approval by Site Superintendent, District Wildlife Biologist, and Agricultural Lease Program Manager. Vendors must complete Illinois Vendor Disclosure Form A (if unregistered in Illinois Procurement Gateway) or Form B (if IPG-registered) and comply with 33 standard Illinois certifications addressing drug-free workplace, debarment, environmental compliance, tax obligations, equal employment opportunity, political contributions, and cybersecurity.