Department of Agricultural Resources - FY26 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program - AGR-SC-2026 (2026)
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of MassachusettsState · Suite 500 Boston, MA- Due
- Apr 3, 2026
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Feb 23, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Keri Cornman
- (857) 505-0874
The 30-second brief
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is soliciting proposals for the FY26 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops. The overall goal is to leverage efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assist producers with research and development, expand access and availability, and address local, regional, and national challenges. MDAR intends to fund approximately $320,000 in projects, with a suggested dollar value between $40,000 and $90,000 per project. Projects can be 1-3 years in length, with grant periods beginning on or after October 1, 2026, and ending by September 29, 2029. Proposals must be received by 2:00 PM on April 3, 2026, submitted via email to [email protected]. Informational webinars are scheduled for March 12 and March 17, 2026.
Project purpose and need [15 points], Objectives and project approach [10 points], Expected Measurable Outcomes and indicators [10 points], Data collection plan [10 points], Timeline and task accountability [10 points], New knowledge and expertise [5 points], Replicable practices and results [5 points], Well-constructed and detailed budget [10 points], New applicant or no prior funding [10 points], Previous reporting and invoicing history [-10 to 0 points], Community support and positive impact [10 points]
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Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is soliciting proposals for the FY26 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, including fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops.
The overall goal is to leverage efforts to market and promote specialty crops, assist producers with research and development, expand access and availability, and address local, regional, and national challenges. MDAR intends to fund approximately $320,000 in projects, with a suggested dollar value between $40,000 and $90,000 per project. Projects can be 1-3 years in length, with grant periods beginning on or after October 1, 2026, and ending by September 29, 2029. Proposals must be received by 2:00 PM on April 3, 2026, submitted via email to [email protected]. Informational webinars are scheduled for March 12 and March 17, 2026.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
11- Project purpose and need [15 points]
- Objectives and project approach [10 points]
- Expected Measurable Outcomes and indicators [10 points]
- Data collection plan [10 points]
- Timeline and task accountability [10 points]
- New knowledge and expertise [5 points]
- Replicable practices and results [5 points]
- Well-constructed and detailed budget [10 points]
- New applicant or no prior funding [10 points]
- Previous reporting and invoicing history [-10 to 0 points]
- Community support and positive impact [10 points]
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
9- Application Form C
- Commonwealth Standard Contract Form
- Commonwealth Terms and Conditions
- Scope and Budget Form
- Commonwealth W-9 tax information form
- Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form
- Completed Electronic Funds Transfer Form
- Proof of entity good standing in Massachusetts
- IRS letter of Determination as 501 entity
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 36 months
- Scope location
- Boston, MA
- Reported agency
- Department of Agricultural Resources
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFP from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is April 3, 2026. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Keri Cornman.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFP?
Most government agencies, including Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts in MA, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFP submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Keri Cornman at (857) 505-0874. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
Show 5 more questions
What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Project purpose and need [15 points], Objectives and project approach [10 points], Expected Measurable Outcomes and indicators [10 points], Data collection plan [10 points], Timeline and task accounta..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts?
All active and historical solicitations from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts are tracked and searchable. As a state agency, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
What documents are required to bid on this RFP?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Application Form C, Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, Commonwealth Terms and Conditions, Scope and Budget Form, Commonwealth W-9 tax information form, Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Veri. Review the full document from Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of Massachusetts for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Boston, MA. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.
