27AL2558 Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area Farm Lease

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is requesting bids for agricultural farming services on 84.38 acres at Chauncey Marsh State Natural Area—Cox Addition near Sumner, Illinois under IFB 27AL2558, with bids due November 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. and a mandatory pre-submission conference on October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Red Hills State Park. The State will award the contract to the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the highest price.

The lessee must conduct farming operations consistent with IDNR conservation agriculture practices, including soil health improvement, erosion minimization, water quality protection, and wildlife habitat enhancement. The scope includes a six-year cropping plan (2026–2031) with mandatory soybean and corn rotations and designated cover crop programs. The lessee must obtain prior approval for pesticide and herbicide applications, comply with federal and state environmental regulations, prohibit use of neonicotinoid-treated soybean seed and Dicamba, and maintain detailed records of chemical and seed applications plus yield monitor data.

The contract term runs March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2032, with no renewal options. The lessee is responsible for all labor, machinery, equipment, and insurance and must maintain general commercial liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate, along with auto liability and worker's compensation coverage. Pricing is submitted on a per-acre basis annually; rent is due in two installments (half by July 15, balance by December 15, or full prepayment by March 1). The lessee must also pay leasehold taxes on the property and provide proof of payment by December 15 annually. An irrevocable letter of credit covering annual cash rent and real estate taxes is required, with expiration January 31 of the respective tax year.

Bidders must submit a Vendor Disclosure or IPG Active Registered Vendor Disclosure, an Offer to the State of Illinois, the Contract, Attachment G (Equipment List), and applicable Business Enterprise Program or Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plans. Written questions are due no later than seven days after the pre-submission conference. Bidders currently delinquent on leasehold taxes for existing IDNR agricultural leases must remedy such debt before award. A $15 Minority Contractor Opportunity Initiative fee applies. Bid prices must remain firm for 90 days from opening. IDNR retains the right to terminate immediately for failure to meet payment obligations, maintain insurance, submit documentation, or comply with chemical restrictions, and may terminate for convenience with 30 days' written notice.