Wyandot Dove Field Preparation, Planting, Tending, & Manipulation (Updated) - FY26

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife is soliciting bids for a specialized agricultural contract to prepare and maintain a 7.8-acre dove field at the Wyandot Wildlife Area in Wyandot County. The project requires the selected contractor to perform fall field tillage, field preparations, spraying, planting, tending, and manipulation of the field to support dove hunting activities. Specific deliverables include planting black-oil peredovik sunflowers for hunter cover and lure crops, with the remaining area to be planted in winter wheat or millet. Key objectives include achieving at least 90% crop germination across 90% of the field, fertilizing crops, and manipulating lure crops to create more than 25% bare ground with scattered seeds by August 20th, 2026. A mandatory site visit is required prior to bidding, and all proposals must be submitted through Ohio Buys by August 12th, 2025 at noon. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with a contract term spanning two fiscal years and ending on August 30th, 2026. Partial payment may be issued based on crop yield and weed-control specifications, with a minimum 50% payment guaranteed for completed field preparation and planting.

The procurement appears to be open to all qualified contractors, with no specific set-aside designations explicitly mentioned in the documentation. However, the standard terms and conditions recommend encouraging diversity by preferring Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Executive Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) vendors. Contractors must complete and submit several mandatory forms, including the Standard Affirmation & Disclosure Form, which requires confirmation that all services and data management will be performed within the United States. Additional required documentation includes an OPERS Independent Contractor Form and compliance with state ethics, trade, and employment regulations. While a specific budget range is not provided, the contract involves detailed agricultural work with specific performance requirements. Contractors must also be prepared to comply with strict geographic restrictions, with the state retaining the right to terminate the contract if services are performed outside the United States without a signed waiver. The contract emphasizes precise crop management, herbicide application, and field manipulation techniques to support wildlife management objectives.