Agricultural Ground Space Available At Wasco State Prison

Background
The California Department of General Services (DGS) on the behalf of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), collectively referred to as 'State', welcomes farming and land management lease proposals for approximately 353 acres at Wasco State Prison (WSP). The current land use includes a farming operation utilizing approximately 273 acres to grow, rotate, maintain, and harvest sellable fodder crops. The opportunity requires Bidders to submit a 'Sustainable Land Management Plan' (SLMP), the terms of which are negotiable provided the plan includes farming and land management activities on all WSP open space.

The CDCR identified State-owned land available for farming activities at WSP.

Work Details
The purpose of this RFP is to enter into a ground lease with a Lessee who will grow, rotate, maintain, and harvest crops on the WSP Farmable Land that comply with the water quality available to the Lessee. Previous farming activities at WSP include fodder crops such as hay and alfalfa crops. Onsite secured space is available for farm equipment storage. The lease terms will include parameters outlining the Lessee’s sustainable land management activities as outlined in the SLMP in the entirety of the WSP Farmable Land and Open Space, whether farmed or not, and other ancillary operations indicated by the winning Bidder in their bid, such as grazing.

Period of Performance
The Lease Term is negotiable for up to twenty (20) years, beginning with a five (5) year term, and includes three five (5) year options to renew with rights by either party to terminate for cause. The State will retain a right to early termination without cause. Exercise of the State’s early termination right will take Lessee’s crop activities, including growing and harvesting into consideration. This lease is expected to commence on or about June 1, 2024.

Place of Performance
Wasco State Prison (WSP), located at 701 Scofield Avenue, Wasco, CA 93280