Hay Harvesting Lease at Milford State Park

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is requesting bids for a hay harvesting lease at Milford State Park, with bids due October 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM CST. Bidders must request an official invitation to participate at least 24 hours before closing and submit questions to Michelle R. Brown, Procurement Officer, by close of business September 17, 2026.

The scope covers approximately 176 acres of prairie hay harvesting in designated areas throughout the park located 7 miles northwest of Junction City or 6 miles southwest of Milford, Kansas. All harvesting must occur between June 25 and July 31 annually, Monday through Thursday only. Permittees retain 100% of harvested hay and bear all costs for swathing, baling, removal, and farm operations including mechanical and chemical weed control. Only one cutting per year is permitted, and hay bales must be removed within 10 days of bailing unless otherwise authorized. Permittees must provide certified scale weight tickets and bale counts to verify tonnage harvested.

Compensation is structured as a per-ton rate paid to the Department, with estimated annual hay tonnage of approximately 271.76 tons for the 176-acre area, though actual quantities vary based on environmental conditions and State Park Manager determination. Compensation checks must be mailed or delivered to the Public Lands Manager by August 31st annually. Award will be made to the lowest responsible bidder.

The contract term runs from award date through December 31, 2027, with an option to renew for three additional 36-month periods subject to mutual consent. Performance completion is expected by June 30, 2027.

Bidders must submit a current Tax Clearance Certificate from the Kansas Department of Revenue, completed Certification Regarding Immigration Reform and Control form, and completed Boycott of Israel form. Electronic bid submission is preferred to procurement@ks.gov; mailed or hand-delivered bids must arrive by the closing time. Electronic Funds Transfer is the required payment method. No pre-bid conference is scheduled. Bidders may claim applicable preferences including Disabled Veteran Owned Business or Certified Business with supporting documentation.