27AL2337 Pyramid State Park - Captain Unit Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for agricultural farming services on approximately 496.76 acres (2027–2028, 2030) and 466.00 acres (2029, 2031) at the Captain Unit of Pyramid State Park in Perry County under IFB 27AL2337, with bids due November 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Cutler, Illinois (virtual attendance via WebEx available).

The lessee must personally farm the designated lands without assignment or subcontracting (except cover crop planting, termination, and hay baling) and comply with ecologically sound agricultural practices that improve soil health, minimize erosion, improve water quality, and reduce chemical impacts to benefit wildlife. Key operational requirements include obtaining prior approval from the Site Superintendent and District Wildlife Biologist for all fieldwork, pesticide applications, and cover crop planting; prohibiting neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed and Dicamba products; maintaining detailed chemical, fertilizer, and seed application documentation submitted by December 15 annually; performing soil testing at specified intervals; and retaining standing crop rows (12 rows minimum) for wildlife habitat. The cropping plan specifies corn, soybeans, cover crops (48–51 percent coverage annually), and specialty crops including sunflowers and millet. The State provides seed and herbicide for designated dove fields.

The lessee must provide all labor, machinery, equipment, seed, fertilizer, and insurance; assume responsibility for leasehold property taxes (currently approximately $10,009.44 annually based on recent Perry County assessments); and guarantee annual lease payments via prepayment by March 1 or irrevocable letter of credit, with payments due in two installments (50 percent by July 15, 50 percent by December 15). A Certificate of Liability Insurance naming the State as additionally insured is required within 30 days of execution and annually thereafter, with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 General Commercial Liability per occurrence and $2,000,000 Annual Aggregate. The contract term runs March 1, 2027, through February 28, 2032, with no renewal option.

Pricing shall be submitted on a per-acre basis for each contract year, with award to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest price. Bids must remain firm for 90 days from opening. Bidders must submit vendor disclosures, a signed contract, equipment lists, and applicable utilization plans and comply with Illinois domestic product preferences. A $15 administrative fee applies to contracts valued at $1,000 or more. Questions are due seven days after the pre-submission conference. The contract is contingent on appropriated funds and may be terminated by the State for convenience with 30 days' notice or for cause immediately upon material breach.