300 FW Goose Creek Farm LeaseBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is requesting quotations for farm lease services at Goose Creek Gamebird Habitat, approximately 91 acres in Montgomery County near Morocco, Indiana, with bids due August 31, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The RFQ establishes diversity goals of 8% Minority Business Enterprise participation, 11% Women Business Enterprise participation, and 3% Indiana Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise participation; respondents claiming any preference must submit commitment forms and documentation if utilizing certified subcontractors.

The scope includes comprehensive farm management across all 91 acres: sunflower cultivation on 25 acres annually, winter wheat planting on approximately 10 acres, crop rotation plantings of corn and beans per a field-by-field schedule (Exhibit B) from 2027 through 2030, and mowing of boundaries and access lanes at three gamebird areas (Goose Creek, Geswein, and Mud Pine). The tenant must furnish seed, fertilizer, herbicides, soil analysis, labor, materials, and equipment; comply with neonicotinoid-free seed requirements (except corn in the first year); preserve wildlife habitat; and leave an unspecified percentage of crops unharvested for wildlife management. The tenant must provide general public liability insurance with minimum limits of $700,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence and name the state as additional insured.

Bidders must submit annual pricing on a per-year basis for farm services contracted through a vendor (minimum $20,000 per year) plus an additional bid amount for supplemental agricultural services. The state awards to the bidder offering all required services with the highest farm services bid amount, also considering past performance and prior IDNR lease compliance. Quoted prices must remain valid for thirty days following the response due date and include all applicable charges and fees.

The contract term runs January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030 (four years), with renewal by mutual consent prohibited beyond four years total. Questions must be submitted to Jen Reeves at JReeves@dnr.in.gov no less than seven days before bidding ends. Bids must be emailed or faxed; electronic submission through the Supplier Portal is not available for this event. All required forms must be completed, signed, and dated; sections not applicable must be marked "N/A."