Bid guide
How to bid on the Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area Farm Lease from DNR - Natural Resources
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for bids to lease about 385 acres of land at the Rice Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area. This land, located in Fulton County, is for agricultural farming during the 2028 crop year.
This is a revenue-generating farm lease for the state. The estimated annual value to the state is $39,655, which is about $103 per acre. Vendors will submit a total value per acre in their bids. This opportunity allows a farming business to lease state-owned land for agricultural purposes.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This solicitation was published on September 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting your bid is November 12, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. All bids must be submitted before this time.
It is important to complete your submission well in advance of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Bids received after the deadline will likely not be considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for agricultural farming businesses, particularly those with experience in crop farming. Firms that operate in or near Fulton County, Illinois, may find this lease especially relevant.
The solicitation falls under the food and agriculture category, specifically for land leasing for farming purposes. Businesses with the necessary equipment and expertise for large-scale agricultural operations would be a good fit.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full details and instructions for this bid, you need to go to the State of Illinois procurement portal, BidBuy. The solicitation number is 27-422DNR-REALT-B-54122.
You can view the bid's detail page and download the documents without needing to sign in. If you wish to submit your quote electronically, you will need to register a free vendor account on the portal. Otherwise, follow the specific submission directions provided within the bid documents. Ensure your submission is complete before the deadline.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all attached documents, especially the Invitation for Bid (IFB), for detailed locations, acreage information, and any specific farming requirements or restrictions. Understand the exact terms of the lease.
When preparing your bid, focus on clearly stating your proposed total value per acre. Ensure your financial offer is competitive and reflects your understanding of the land's agricultural potential. Double-check all calculations before submission. If you plan to submit electronically, familiarize yourself with the BidBuy portal's submission process ahead of time to prevent any issues on the deadline day.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DNR - Natural Resources; the original posting controls.