27AL2332 Pyramid State Park - East Conant Unit Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking bids for agricultural farming services on 229.50 acres at Pyramid State Park's East Conant Unit in Perry County, with bids due November 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Denmark Multipurpose Building in Cutler, Illinois.

Award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest price offer that meets all stated requirements — a critical inversion from typical procurement scoring. The lessee must farm designated fields while promoting ecologically sound agricultural practices that benefit wildlife populations, soil health, and water quality. The scope includes all labor, machinery, equipment, seed, fertilizer, and insurance necessary for farming operations in accordance with a detailed cropping plan and field specifications. The lessee must conduct soil testing in specified years, submit chemical and seed application logs, collect yield monitor data, adhere to conservation practices, and avoid neonicotinoids and Dicamba. General commercial liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, plus auto liability and worker's compensation coverage, are required. The lessee is responsible for all leasehold property taxes, which have ranged from $3,651 to $4,717 annually in recent years.

The lease commences March 1, 2027, or upon signature by the IDNR Director, whichever is later, for a five-year term ending February 28, 2032, with no renewal options. Bidders submit a per-acre annual rate for each of the five contract years; the award is based on total contract value across all years. Lease payments must be guaranteed either by prepaying full annual rent by March 1st or by providing an irrevocable letter of credit, with payments split 50/50 due July 15th and December 15th under the letter-of-credit option. The contract is contingent upon appropriation availability and may be terminated for cause, convenience, or failure to cure material breaches. Bidders liable for leasehold taxes on current IDNR Agricultural Leases must provide proof of paid taxes or documentation showing they are not delinquent. A $15 minority contractor initiative fee applies to any awarded contract of $1,000 or more. Written questions are due no later than seven days after the October 13 pre-submission conference. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Contact Melanie Dodd at 217/524-1308 or Melanie.N.Dodd@Illinois.gov.