Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department of Marine Resources is seeking an economist as defined in this Request for Proposal (RFP) document. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Bidder will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Bidder. Given recent and ongoing market fluctuations in the seafood industry, including Maine’s wild clam fisheries, the Shellfish Advisory Council (ShAC), in collaboration with the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) have identified the need for economic research. This research will be used to address economic questions related to Maine’s shellfish fishery, specifically soft-shell and hard-shell (quahogs) clams. This RFP is based on a knowledge co-production approach where the topics below were identified through existing collaborations and consultation with shellfish industry stakeholders. The priority topics identified are listed in Part II. In addition to preparing a written report, the awarded bidder will be expected to communicate their findings to the DMR and shellfish industry through a final technical report and presentations to the ShAC and at Shellfish Focus Day at the Maine Fishermen’s Forum.
