RFS 26-87589 ISDA Soil Sampling ProgramBid Documents

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil Conservation (ISDA-DSC) is requesting proposals for agricultural retailers, independent crop consultants, and Certified Crop Advisors to conduct soil sampling services for Indiana growers under RFS 26-87589, with proposals due July 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. A mandatory pre-proposal conference was held June 24, 2026; written questions are due July 1, 2026 by 3:00 PM ET with responses posted by July 8. The solicitation carries set-aside goals for Minority Business Enterprise (8% of total bid amount), Women's Business Enterprise (11% of total bid amount), and Indiana Veteran Owned Small Business (3% of total bid amount). A Buy Indiana Initiative preference of 5 points applies to Indiana-certified companies.

Vendors will conduct grid, random, or zone soil sampling on up to 400 acres per farm operation and develop lite nutrient management plans based on soil test results. The program targets Indiana growers within the Mississippi River Basin who have never soil tested or have not tested within the past three or more years. Deliverables include soil sample collection and handling per industry standards, nutrient management plans with field boundary maps showing sample collection points, two-year crop plans, recommended nutrient application maps, and identification of sensitive areas. Vendors must be registered with the Secretary of State and maintain a bidder profile with the Indiana Department of Administration. Soil samples and nutrient recommendations must remain product-neutral and consistent with recognized agronomic standards; vendors are prohibited from using program participation to market or sell commercial products or services.

The contract term is three years with a not-to-exceed amount of $50,000 per vendor, subject to change based on ISDA funding availability. Vendors receive reimbursement at a fixed rate of $12.00 per acre for a maximum of 400 acres per landowner or renter per sampling season, contingent upon full compliance with program guidelines. Two optional one-year extensions are available, allowing a potential five-year total. All required deliverables and invoices must be submitted within 30 calendar days of completing sampling activities, with reimbursement processed only after ISDA-DSC review and approval. Evaluation criteria weigh management assessment and quality at 50 points maximum, with adherence to mandatory requirements as pass/fail. Oral presentations are scheduled for August 10, 2026, with award recommendation targeted for August 25, 2026.