Department of Agricultural Resources Local Food Policy Council Program RFP 2026 - AGR-LocalFoodPolicy-FY26
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources | Commonwealth of MassachusettsState · Suite 500 Boston, MA- Due
- Dec 9, 2025
- Deadline passed
- Posted
- Nov 11, 2025
- Contract term
- 1 year
- Primary contact
- Bonita Oehlke
- (857) 505-0874
The 30-second brief
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is soliciting grant proposals for the FY26 Local Food Policy Council Program to enhance the work of existing and newly forming local food policy councils and food working groups across Massachusetts. The program provides financial resources to cover costs including development, capacity building, food system assessments, evaluations, and education to support the Massachusetts local food system and the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. The maximum award is up to $20,000 per project from a total funding pool of $250,000, with contracts ending no later than June 30, 2026. Proposals are due by December 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM and must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Questions are due by December 1, 2025.
Project Explanation (up to 30 points), Project Timeline and Budget (up to 25 points), Project Team and Community Support (up to 20 points), Introduction (up to 15 points), Project Sustainability Plan (up to 5 points), Application Prioritization (up to 5 points), SDP Plan submissions (at least 25% of total evaluation points)
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Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is soliciting grant proposals for the FY26 Local Food Policy Council Program to enhance the work of existing and newly forming local food policy councils and food working groups across Massachusetts.
The program provides financial resources to cover costs including development, capacity building, food system assessments, evaluations, and education to support the Massachusetts local food system and the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. The maximum award is up to $20,000 per project from a total funding pool of $250,000, with contracts ending no later than June 30, 2026. Proposals are due by December 9, 2025, at 5:00 PM and must be submitted electronically to [email protected]. Questions are due by December 1, 2025.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Project Explanation (up to 30 points), Project Timeline and Budget (up to 25 points), Project Team and Community Support (up to 20 points), Introduction (up to 15 points), Project Sustainability Plan (up to 5 points), Application Prioritization (up to 5 points), SDP Plan submissions (at least 25% of total evaluation points)
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
8- Commonwealth Standard Contract Form
- Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form
- Commonwealth W-9 tax information form
- Completed Electronic Funds Transfer Form
- IRS letter of Determination as 501 entity
- Budget Narrative Table
- RFR Required Specifications
- SDP Plan Form
- Submit to
- [email protected]
- Duration
- 5 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 December 9, 2025. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: [email protected]. For questions, contact Bonita Oehlke.
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 Bonita Oehlke 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 Explanation (up to 30 points), Project Timeline and Budget (up to 25 points), Project Team and Community Support (up to 20 points), Introduction (up to 15 points), Project Sustainability Plan..." 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 1 year. 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: Commonwealth Standard Contract Form, Completed Contractor Authorized Signature Verification Form, Commonwealth W-9 tax information form, Completed Electronic Funds Transfer Form, IRS letter of Determi. 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.
