RFB 07072022 production and harvesting HAY military affairs

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Military Affairs, is seeking bids for a one-year agricultural lease to produce and harvest hay on approximately 120 acres of state-owned land located at Hidden Valley in Powell County, Kentucky. The successful bidder will be responsible for cutting and removing hay at least twice annually, with the first cutting due on or before July 1 and the second cutting by the second weekend in September each year. Any acreage not allocated for hay production must be mowed between the second weekend of September and the last weekend of September, and all hay—including damaged and partial bales—must be removed from the site within two weeks of baling. The bidder must provide all equipment, labor, and supplies at their own expense and maintain public liability insurance with minimum coverage of $250,000 per person, $450,000 aggregate for personal injury, and $1,000,000 for property damage, with the Commonwealth named as an additional insured. The sealed bid opening is scheduled for July 7, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. EDT at the Division of Real Properties office in Frankfort, Kentucky, with bids submitted in person only; prospective bidders are urged to conduct site visits and may participate in a conference call at bid opening. The Commonwealth will award the lease to the highest responsible and responsive bidder whose offer is most advantageous to the state, with preference given to bids proposing monetary payment over bids offering only mowing and cutting services.

A good faith deposit of $100, made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer via certified or cashier check, is required with each bid submission. The minimum bid is $100 per year, and the rental rate quoted must remain firm for the initial lease term, with any revisions after the initial period requiring mutual written agreement. The resulting lease will continue for one year with an option to renew for five additional automatic one-year renewal periods at the discretion of both parties, and either party may cancel with 30 days' written notice. The lessee is responsible for indemnifying the Commonwealth against claims arising from use of the premises and must comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations. No equipment storage on Department property or hay storage in structures is permitted. The solicitation does not indicate specific set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, incumbent contractors, or award value ranges beyond the minimum bid requirement of $100 per year.