Agricultural Services - Cheney Wildlife Area

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is seeking agricultural services for the Cheney Wildlife Area, located in southeastern Reno County, through an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with bid responses due by March 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM CDT. The procurement involves managing approximately 143 acres of river tract land, with contractors required to use no-till farming methods and incorporate cool and warm season cover crops. Acceptable crops include corn, sunflowers, wheat, milo, soybeans, and various cover crops, with a specific requirement that contractors leave 50% of cover crops standing. The contract term spans from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, with potential renewal options for three additional 36-month periods, totaling a possible nine-year engagement. Bidders must submit pricing on a per-acre basis and will be responsible for all production costs and inputs. Questions seeking clarification must be submitted via email to the Procurement Officer by March 12, 2025, and bidders must obtain a current Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue to be included with their bid submission.

The solicitation includes several preference and qualification provisions, specifically offering bidder preferences for Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses and other qualified enterprise categories. Bidders must complete and submit additional forms including a Boycott of Israel form, Sexual Harassment form, and Immigration Reform and Control form. Political subdivisions such as cities, counties, and school districts are permitted to utilize the resulting contract. While no specific monetary bid guarantee is required, the primary objectives of the agricultural services are to enhance wildlife habitat, improve soil health, and control erosion. The procurement allows for flexible payment terms, with contractors able to pay either the full amount at the Annual Permit meeting before March 1 each year or half payment at that time with the remainder due by July 15. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reserves the right to buy back certain amounts of row crops for wildlife benefit, indicating a collaborative approach to land management and conservation goals.