Elk City Wildlife Area Ag Services

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, through the Kansas Department of Administration Office of Procurement and Contracts, is seeking agricultural services for the Elk City Wildlife Area in Marion County. The invitation for bid (IFB) solicits farmers to lease and farm three distinct parcels totaling 1,419.73 acres: North Elk City (235 acres), West of Elk City North of the Blacktop (580.81 acres), and West of Elk City South of the Blacktop (603.92 acres). Contractors will be required to submit a per-acre cash rent bid plus 10% of the crop yield for each tract, with payments divided into two annual installments - 50% due March 31 and 50% due at harvest. The contract period spans from the award date through December 31, 2027, with an option to renew for two additional 36-month periods. Bidders must maintain Farmer's General Liability insurance of $500,000 or more and be prepared for the state to designate crops annually and determine placement of unharvested crop portions. Key dates include a March 13, 2025 deadline for written questions and a bid submission deadline of April 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM CST.

The procurement offers preferences for Certified Businesses and Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses, with additional requirements for bidders to submit specific documentation including a Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, Boycott of Israel form, Sexual Harassment form, and Immigration Reform and Control form. Political subdivisions are allowed to utilize the contract under the same terms and conditions. Contractors will be responsible for delivering the state's harvested share to market at no additional cost, and no bid guarantee is required for participation. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the agricultural services and the significant acreage involved suggest a potentially substantial contract value. The state reserves the right to make final determinations on contract awards and crop management, providing flexibility in the procurement process.