300 NP Brewer Tract 2-Yr Farmland LeaseBid Documents

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is requesting quotations for a two-year farmland lease on 44 acres in Bainbridge, Indiana, with bids due August 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. EDT under RFQ 0000087897. MWBE participation goals of 8% for minority-owned and 11% for women-owned enterprises apply, with an additional Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business Enterprise goal of 3%.

The lease covers Tracts 5 and 6 on the south side of CR 950 N in Porter County and runs from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028, or for two years from the State's final signature, with renewal by mutual consent up to a four-year total term. The tenant is responsible for all crop cultivation, harvesting, and associated operations in accordance with USDA-recommended practices. Bidders must specify crops to be planted and any related services as part of their proposal. Use of Restricted Use Pesticides requires prior approval from the Property Manager, and neonicotinoid seed treatments are prohibited after the first lease year. Wildlife habitat preservation is mandatory throughout the term.

The successful bidder is determined by highest bid amount. All quoted prices must remain valid for thirty calendar days after the response due date and be inclusive of all applicable charges. Bidders must submit a security deposit of 100%, 50%, or 10% of the total bid amount in the form of a certified or cashier's check, cash, or money order. The tenant must maintain comprehensive general public liability insurance with minimum limits of $700,000 per person and $1,000,000 per occurrence, plus automobile liability insurance at the same limits. The tenant bears all property taxes during the lease term.

Questions must be submitted at least seven days prior to the due date to Nicholas Ramsey at nrramsey@dnr.in.gov. Completed bids must be emailed to the same address or faxed to 317-972-3275; manual signatures are required for bids exceeding $75,000. Responses must include drug-free workplace certification, E-Verify employment eligibility verification, nondiscrimination certifications, and ethics compliance per Indiana Code.