Agricultural Services for Dove Flats Wildlife Area

The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, administered by the Kansas Department of Administration Procurement and Contracts, is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for agricultural services at the Dove Flats Wildlife Area located north of Elk City Reservoir in Montgomery County, Kansas. The procurement seeks bids for cropland production and farming rights on approximately 105 acres, with the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks reserving 10-15 acres annually for sunflower cultivation, leaving approximately 90-95 acres available for tenant farming each year. Bidders are required to submit pricing in dollars per production acre for cash rent rates, with the highest bidder selected as the primary award criterion. The contract term extends from the award date through December 31, 2030, with an option for one additional five-year renewal period potentially extending through 2035. All farming operations must comply with minimum tillage practices with fall tilling prohibited unless approved by the wildlife area manager, and crops are determined annually through discussion between the tenant and manager. Qualified bidders must demonstrate a minimum of three years of continuous experience in comparable agricultural operations, provide three references from the previous three years, obtain a current Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, and complete certifications regarding immigration reform compliance, sexual harassment policy acknowledgment, and Israel boycott certification. Written questions must be submitted via email in Microsoft Word format to Procurement Officer Bridget K Martinez no later than close of business on March 2, 2026, with bids due electronically to procurement@ks.gov or via mail/hand delivery by 2:00 PM Central Standard Time on March 17, 2026.

Bidders may claim applicable preferences including Disabled Veteran Owned Business status or Certified Business designations, with supporting documentation required for preference consideration. The solicitation does not identify any incumbent vendors or current contractors, indicating this may be a new procurement or replacement of existing arrangements. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents; instead, the contract value will be determined by the highest responsive bid submitted for the per-acre cash rent rate. Payment terms are net 30 days with pricing to be F.O.B. destination prepaid and included in the bid amount. The State accepts payment via Procurement Card with no additional charges permitted and requires acceptance of electronic funds transfer upon award. Pricing is available to political subdivisions under the same contract conditions, though the State assumes no responsibility for payments owed by political subdivisions. The State reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive minor deviations, with all bid responses becoming property of the State of Kansas and subject to disclosure under the Kansas Open Records Act.