Ag Services - Council Grove

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, in collaboration with the Kansas Department of Administration's Office of Procurement and Contracts, is soliciting agricultural production permits for three distinct areas within the Council Grove Wildlife Area: the Neosho River Agricultural Permit Area (187 acres), the Munkers Creek Agricultural Permit Area (138 acres), and the Short Creek Agricultural Permit Area (25 acres). This Invitation for Bid (IFB) seeks qualified agricultural producers to manage and cultivate these designated lands with specific wildlife-supportive agricultural practices. The contract term runs from the date of execution through December 31, 2026, with the option to renew for three additional twenty-four-month periods. For the 2025 crop year, proposed crop plans include corn, soybeans, milo, and special wildlife food plots like sunflowers, with bidders required to leave portions of crops unharvested to support wildlife benefits. The bid evaluation will primarily consider the highest dollar amount offered per acre, with bids due by April 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST. Potential bidders must submit an initial production payment of at least 50% of the annual payment before field work begins or by April 1, with the final production payment due by December 1.

The procurement allows for flexible participation, with bidders able to submit offers for one or all agricultural permit areas. The state provides opportunities for various business types, including preferences for Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses and Certified Businesses. Bidders must obtain a current Tax Clearance Certificate and comply with state requirements, including immigration reform and anti-discrimination policies. Additional mandatory submissions include forms related to boycott of Israel, sexual harassment, and immigration reform. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the bid process allows political subdivisions to potentially utilize the contract. Bidders should be aware of potential site challenges, such as weed infestations and flood risks in the permitted areas. The state reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, emphasizing competition while maintaining procurement flexibility. Interested parties must be officially invited to participate in the bidding process and must demonstrate compliance with state tax laws and immigration regulations, with potential consequences for non-compliance including contract termination.