Specifications include, but are not limited to: The State is requesting proposals for the provision of support to assist Historically Underserved Producers to enroll in the Vermont Pay For Performance (VPFP) Program. Task 1: Outreach to Historically Underserved Producers. Under this Task Contractor(s) will provide outreach to Historically Underserved Producers and to associations or organizations who represent Historically Underserved Producers to inform them of the existence of the VPFP program and other state and federal conservation payment programs and to educate them about the opportunities for funding and technical assistance support for conservation improvements that these programs provide. This outreach is particularly useful in the month of January each year (e.g. January 2023 and January 2024). Bidder may propose one-on-one outreach to Historically Underserved Producers or shared outreach to groups of Historically Underserved Producers. Bidder may propose outreach that will be delivered in-person or via webinars, email, social media, print, or other media. Bidder’s proposed outreach plan and methodology should be described in bid under Scope of Services. Task 2: Eligibility Support for Historically Underserved Producers. To be eligible for the VPFP Program, producers, including Historically Underserved Producers, must meet state and federal eligibility requirements. Under this Task Contractor(s) will provide no-cost direct support to Historically Underserved Producers to help them meet state and federal eligibility requirements and to enroll in the VPFP program. This support can occur at any point but should prepare producers to apply to the VPFP program in January 2024 and/or January 2025.
