300 FW Glendale FWA Farm Lease IIIBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a farm tenant for the Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area in Montgomery, Indiana, through a competitive bidding process for a two-year agricultural lease. The contract covers approximately 250 acres of farmland, with the primary requirement being the annual planting of field corn while leaving three rows unharvested in each field to support wildlife. The successful bidder must adhere to specific agricultural practices, including using neonicotinoid-free seed, establishing approved cover crops, and avoiding restricted-use pesticides. The solicitation, identified as RFQ Event 86345, requires interested farm operators to submit a comprehensive bid package that includes a completed Farm Land Bid form specifying the annual compensation for lease and services. The response deadline is Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT, with bids to be submitted via email to Nicholas Ramsey or by mail to the Indiana DNR headquarters in Indianapolis. The contract may be renewed by mutual consent, with a potential total lease term not exceeding four years, and will be awarded to the highest qualified bidder based on the bid amount and proposed services.

The procurement includes specific set-aside goals for minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), with targets of 8% minority and 11% women participation, as well as a 3% goal for Indiana Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprises (IVOSB) if applicable. Bidders must comply with standard State of Indiana contracting terms, including certifications for drug-free workplace, employment eligibility verification, and ethical requirements. The successful contractor will be required to register with the State Procurement Division within five days of notification and maintain comprehensive general public liability insurance with minimum limits of $700,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence. While no specific incumbent vendor is mentioned, the contract is funded through the Indiana DNR's operating budget for the Glendale Fish & Wildlife Area. The bid documents do not specify a precise award value, but the lease requires the tenant to provide annual compensation for the use of the farmland and implementation of specific agricultural and wildlife management practices.