Description
The State of Illinois Department of Natural Resources is leasing approximately 350‑506 acres of agricultural land within the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area for a five‑year, revenue‑generating farm lease. Bids are evaluated on the highest total price (firm‑price lease) and must include all required vendor disclosures, an equipment list, and compliance certifications. The lease requires adherence to strict agronomic practices (no neonicotinoid‑treated soybeans, no Dicamba, no bio‑solids) and detailed annual reporting on chemical, seed, and yield data. A non‑mandatory pre‑bid conference is scheduled for 2 PM on October 6, 2026, and the bid submission deadline is 2 PM on November 4, 2026.
• Lease term: March 1 2027 – July 30 2032 (≈ 5 years 5 months).
• Acreage: 350.6 acres in 2027; 506.6 acres each year 2028‑2031; 58.32 acres in 2032.
• Award basis: Highest responsive and responsible bid; no set price ceiling.
• Required attachments: Vendor Disclosure (or IPG active disclosure), Offer to the State, Contract, Equipment List, and any applicable BEP/VBP utilization plans.
• Compliance: Must meet Illinois “Buy‑American” steel preferences, maintain general liability & auto insurance, and submit annual soil‑test results, chemical/seed logs, and lease‑payment guarantees.