RFB10292025 Lease 251 Acres for Crop Production

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is soliciting a competitive bid (RFB10292025) for leasing 251 acres of agricultural land at the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area in Paducah, McCracken County. The procurement seeks a crop production lease for the 2026-2030 crop years, with an annual renewable one-year contract. Bidders must propose a percentage of crop sales to be paid to KDFWR and adhere to specific agricultural requirements, including planting yellow corn on at least one-third of the acres annually and leaving 5% of crop acreage standing as a food source for wildlife. The land is divided into two units: Unit 2-4 (111.6 acres comprising Tracts 2, 3, and 4) and Tract 6 (139.8 acres). The bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET, with bidders invited to participate via conference call. Evaluation criteria include the proposed crop sale percentage and ability to meet specified agricultural and wildlife habitat management requirements.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must submit a $100 good faith deposit and complete mandatory documentation, including an Authentication of Bid and Affidavit of Non-Collusion. Successful bidders will be required to provide $7,000 of in-kind services for Units 2-4 and demonstrate capability to manage agricultural production while supporting wildlife habitat management. While specific award values are not explicitly detailed, the lease is designed to generate income to offset operational expenses of the wildlife management area. Bidders must be prepared to enter into a renewable annual lease for five years, with performance contingent on meeting the specified agricultural and wildlife conservation objectives. The procurement aims to balance agricultural production with wildlife habitat preservation, offering an opportunity for agricultural producers to lease land while supporting conservation efforts.