27AL2316 Frank Holten S.R.A. Farm Lease SS

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) intends to award a sole source five-year farm lease, 27AL2316, for approximately 42.20 acres at Frank Holten State Recreation Area to incumbent Dan Trost. Written comments or hearing requests were due October 16, 2026, and the public hearing was scheduled for October 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. via WebEx. The sole-source basis is Illinois Administrative Code Title 17, Chapter 1, Part 150, Section 150.20(c)(3), which permits negotiated agricultural leases for tracts of 50 acres or less. No competitive alternatives were evaluated.

The tract is in St. Clair County, Illinois, and the lease runs from March 1, 2027, through February 28, 2032, with no renewal options. The lessee must supply all labor, machinery, tools, seed, fertilizer, equipment, and insurance to farm the parcel in accordance with IDNR requirements and prescribed timeframes, using practices that support wildlife populations and recreational use.

The estimated initial-term value is $120,630.40, with $7,385.00 paid to IDNR and $113,245.40 retained by the vendor. The lease is revenue-generating and funded through lease revenues rather than state or federal appropriations. The fair and reasonable price was determined through negotiation between the IDNR Ag Lease Manager and Site Superintendent. Dan Trost (Vendor ID V00014592) previously held the lease at $35.00 per acre per year, or approximately $5,908 annually. IDNR states that failure to approve the sole source would reduce annual revenue by approximately $1,477 and increase site maintenance costs.

The notice of intent was preceded by approvals from the Agency Bureau/Division Head on August 12, 2026, and the State Purchasing Officer on August 18, 2026. The hearing will be cancelled unless an interested party submits written comments or a written hearing request to Dianne Richman at the Chief Procurement Office for General Services by 4:00 p.m. on October 16, 2026. At the hearing, IDNR will present testimony justifying the sole-source method, and interested parties may testify for or against the award. Written comments carry equal weight to oral testimony. The Chief Procurement Officer may then approve the sole-source procurement.