Public Bid Notices

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is seeking proposals from qualified parties interested in the use of a greenhouse facility located within a 10-mile radius of the Muscatine Community College campus (152 Colorado Street, Muscatine, IA 52761) in Muscatine, Iowa. The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to identify a partner willing to allow EICC students and faculty to cultivate a hemp crop, operate under the appropriate state of Iowa hemp license, provide oversight for the property, allow EICC students to engage in educational activities on-site, and grant access to farm equipment for the specified agricultural program.

EICC is committed to enhancing the educational experiences of its students through hands-on learning opportunities. The college recognizes the potential of hemp cultivation as an educational and economic driver within the region and seeks a partner to collaborate on this endeavor.

The selected partner will be responsible for the following activities:

Greenhouse Usage: Provide access and usage of a greenhouse facility within a 10-mile radius of the Muscatine Community College campus in compliance with all local zoning regulations.

Dates of Operation: The greenhouse will be available for the college to use from August 1 – May 30 each year.

Times of Operation: The greenhouse will be available for the college to use from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Water Access: There must be water access in the greenhouse with water costs included in the cost of the monthly base rent on the proposal.

Electricity: Provide needed electricity.  The college will pay for the monthly cost of electricity to run grow lights for the plants.  This cost should be excluded from the monthly base rent and listed as a separate line item on the proposal.  All other electricity costs should be included in the monthly base rent on the proposal.

Restrooms: The greenhouse must have access to restrooms within a 3-minute walking distance.

Parking: The available lot must hold up to 10-15 vehicles for student and staff parking who travel to the greenhouse.

Climate Control: The greenhouse must include heat to keep the greenhouse at the optimal growing temperature. The LP or natural gas should be excluded from the monthly base rent and listed as a separate line item on the proposal.

Hemp Cultivation: Allow the cultivation of hemp crops in accordance with the state of Iowa hemp licensing requirements and regulations. EICC will hold the hemp license.

Oversight and Maintenance: Oversee and maintain the greenhouse and its equipment to ensure it is in proper working condition.

Educational Access: Allow EICC students to access the greenhouse for educational purposes, including hands-on learning, research, and training.

Farm Equipment: Grant the program access to necessary farm equipment for hemp cultivation and related educational activities. Any cost for equipment usage should be excluded from the monthly base rent and listed on a separate line item on the proposal.

Insurance:  Will provide proof of property and general liability insurance and keep the policies in full force and effect during the term of the agreement.

Interested parties are invited to submit proposals that include the following information:

Organizational Information: Provide details about your organization, including its name, address, contact information, and a brief description of your expertise in greenhouse management and hemp cultivation.

Location: Describe the location of the greenhouse facility, including its proximity to the MCC campus.

Hemp Licensing: Provide evidence of your willingness to be a location for the state of Iowa hemp licensing requirements and regulations.

Management Plan: Present a detailed plan for overseeing and maintaining the greenhouse facility.

Educational Collaboration: Explain how you intend to support EICC students and their educational needs within the greenhouse.

Equipment Access: Describe how you will provide access to necessary farm equipment for the program.

Budget: Include a budget outlining any financial requirements for the partnership.

Lease Terms: Provide lease term with a 60-day option to terminate by either party.

Payment: include conditions for payment of the rental agreement (for example: annually, quarterly, or monthly)

References: Provide references from past projects or clients related to greenhouse management and hemp cultivation.

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Location
• Size of Greenhouse
• Condition of Greenhouse
• Compliance with Hemp Licensing and Regulations
• Experience and Expertise
• Management Plan
• Commitment to Education
• Budget and Cost-effectiveness
• Budget for Base Rent should not exceed $11K for 11 month period
• Equipment
• References

All proposals must be submitted by May 13, 2024 to the following contact:

Janet Foutch
Purchasing Specialist
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
101 W. 3^rd Street Davenport, IA 52801
jkfoutch@eicc.edu 
563-336-3345

For any questions or clarifications related to this RFP, please contact Janet Foutch at jkfoutch@eicc.edu or (563) 336-3345.

EICC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive minor informalities, and to accept the proposal that is deemed to be in the best interest of the college.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and potentially collaborating on this exciting project that benefits both EICC students and the local community.