Rouke Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease Bid No. 27S-201
New Castle County Procurement Opportunity
Rouke Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease
Bid No. 27S-201
New Castle County, Delaware, is accepting competitive sealed bids and priced proposals from qualified agricultural operators and farming businesses for the Rouke Farm Agricultural Tillage Lease.
This opportunity is intended for businesses with agricultural operations experience, farmland 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 Rouke Farm.
1. Agricultural Operations: Describe the proposed farming enterprise, types of crops to be cultivated, and anticipated scale of production.
2. Farming Experience: Provide information about previous farming operations, years of farming experience, farmland leasing experience, and relevant qualifications.
3. Financial Planning: Submit 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. Environmental Sustainability: Describe efforts to support environmental responsibility, including water and energy efficiency, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainable operations.
Applicants must review the separately posted Attachment A – Scope of Work for the complete requirements specific to Rouke Farm.
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 Term: The RFP describes a five-year lease beginning January 1, 2027. Applicants should confirm the end date with the County because the stated December 31, 2032 end date is inconsistent with a five-year term.
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 applicable licenses.
3. Farming Qualifications: Provide the proposed farm enterprise, crop types, financial plan and budget, resume with references, scale of production, nutrient management certification, farming experience, and farmland leasing experience.
4. Additional Documentation: Include applicable supplier diversity certifications, green initiative information, and the completed AI Usage in Proposal Preparation form.
5. Subcontracting: Subcontracting is not permitted under this solicitation.
How to Respond
Sealed proposals must be received before Wednesday, 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 identify the sealed envelope with:
Bid #27S-201 – Rouke Farm – Agricultural Tillage Lease
Procurement Contact
Susan Smith
Procurement Agent
New Castle County Purchasing Division
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 302-395-5250
All 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-201 – Rouke Farm Agricultural Tillage Lease.
Interested applicants should download and review the complete solicitation, including Attachment A – Scope of Work, Attachment B – Pricing Information, Attachment C – Evaluation Criteria, and any official 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.