RFB 12152020 west KY WMA HAY lease

The Commonwealth of Kentucky, Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, through the Finance and Administration Cabinet's Division of Real Properties, is soliciting bids for the lease of approximately 207 acres of agricultural land designated for hay production at the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area located in McCracken County, Kentucky. This Request for Bid (RFB 785 2100000260) seeks to maintain open lands, enhance public recreational opportunities, and support habitat management for fish and wildlife populations through annual hay harvesting operations. The lease term runs from March 15 to November 15 annually, with an initial one-year agreement renewable annually for up to four additional years, covering crop years 2021-2025. Bidders must submit sealed bids on a per-bale basis with a minimum bid of $0.25 per bale produced annually, in addition to providing $1,200 worth of white gravel annually to be spread on designated roads, with transportation costs deductible at $7.15 per ton if the lessee provides haulage. A non-refundable good faith deposit of $100.00, payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer, must accompany each bid submission. The bid closing date was December 15, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., with bids required in hard copy format submitted to the Finance Division of Real Properties at The Bush Building, 403 Wapping Street, 3rd Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601; online bidding is prohibited. Required qualifications include property inspection prior to bid submission, compliance with conservation plans and soil testing requirements, maintenance of detailed records and harvest reports, and adherence to a July 16 commencement date for haying activities without written WMA Biologist approval. The award will be made to the highest share bidder deemed most advantageous to the Commonwealth.

The solicitation documents do not specify any set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises or restrictions limiting eligible bidders to particular organizational categories. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement materials. The lessee assumes full responsibility for all crop maintenance, equipment, labor, supplies, and expenses, and bears all risk from flooding and natural disasters; prohibited activities include subleasing, livestock grazing, erection of permanent structures, placement of land in federal retirement programs, and use of restricted herbicides. The lessee must maintain 50-foot riparian vegetation and buffer zones along streams and wetlands and keep the premises in clean condition. While specific award values are not provided in the solicitation documents, the Commonwealth reserves the right to reject any and all bids and will make the final award determination based on what is deemed in the best interest of Kentucky. For additional information, interested parties were directed to contact Holly Thompson at 502-564-2243.