Retz Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease Bid No. 27S-202
New Castle County Procurement Opportunity
Retz Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease
Bid No. 27S-202
New Castle County, Delaware, is seeking competitive sealed bids and priced proposals from qualified agricultural operators and farming businesses for the Retz Farm Agricultural Tillage Lease.
This opportunity is intended for applicants with farming experience, agricultural management capabilities, and the qualifications necessary to operate a farming enterprise under the County's lease requirements.
Scope of Opportunity
New Castle County is seeking proposals for agricultural tillage operations at Retz Farm.
1. Agricultural Operations: Identify the proposed farming enterprise, types of crops to be cultivated, and anticipated scale of production.
2. Farm Management Experience: Demonstrate relevant farming experience, farmland leasing experience, and qualifications of key personnel.
3. Financial Planning: Provide a financial plan, including a proposed budget and pricing information in accordance with the solicitation requirements.
4. Agricultural Qualifications: Include a resume with references, nutrient management certification information, and applicable licenses.
5. Sustainability: Describe the business's environmental and sustainability practices, including energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible waste management.
Applicants must review the separately posted Attachment A – Scope of Work for the complete agricultural lease requirements.
Important Dates
Vendor Questions Deadline: Friday, October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET
Proposal Submission Deadline: Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET
Anticipated Contract Start: January 1, 2027
Contract Period: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2031 (five years)
Proposal Requirements
1. Submission Format: Submit one printed hard copy of the proposal in a sealed envelope. Proposals must not exceed 30 pages, excluding required procurement forms.
2. Required Documentation: Include a cover letter, completed Non-Collusion Statement/Signature Page, Authorized Representative Procurement Affidavit, and all applicable licenses.
3. Agricultural Experience: Provide information about the proposed farming enterprise, crop types, production scale, financial plan, farming experience, farmland leasing experience, and nutrient management certification.
4. Additional Documentation: Address the County's green initiative expectations and complete the AI Usage in Proposal Preparation form.
5. Subcontracting: Subcontracting is not permitted under this solicitation.
How to Respond
All proposals must be received before November 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Submission Address:
New Castle County Purchasing Division
New Castle County Government Center
87 Reads Way
New Castle, DE 19720
Proposals may be mailed using a trackable delivery service or delivered in person during designated business hours. Fax submissions will not be accepted.
Clearly mark the lower-left portion of the sealed envelope:
Bid #27S-202 – Retz Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease
Procurement Contact
Susan Smith
Procurement Agent
New Castle County Purchasing Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 302-395-5250 (Purchasing Division)
Questions must be submitted in writing by October 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Supplier Diversity
New Castle County encourages participation from minority-owned, women-owned, small, and other diverse businesses. Certified small or diverse businesses may receive additional consideration during proposal evaluation.
Review Full RFP & Supporting Documents
Visit the New Castle County Bid Opportunities website:
https://www.newcastlede.gov/Bids.aspx
Search for Bid 27S-202 – Retz Farm Agricultural Tillage Lease.
Interested applicants should download and review the complete solicitation, including the separately posted Attachment A – Scope of Work, Attachment B – Pricing Information, Attachment C – Evaluation Criteria, and any addenda.
AACC members are encouraged to review the complete solicitation and all addenda carefully before responding. This opportunity will remain available in InfoHub through the submission deadline.