Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Corporation is seeking a consultant to prepare a State-level feasibility and needs assessment of second stage food businesses, which shall be comprised of the following components: Economic Analysis - 1. Define and assess the Rhode Island 2nd stage food business cluster by: a. Developing a clear, regional definition of "2nd stage" food businesses through interviews with the Advisory Council and key stakeholders. b. Conducting a comprehensive baseline economic assessment of the cluster, including demographics, size, market potential, job creation, and overall economic impact. c. Analyzing current federal and State funding for cluster support and identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. 2. Identify growth opportunities and target investments by: a. Forecasting economic trends and growth opportunities for the targeted food cluster, considering market size, labor pool, and potential job creation. b. Estimating the economic impact of potential targeted investments in the cluster, including job creation and economic contribution to Rhode Island and the Northeast region. c. Determining targeted investments prioritize historically marginalized and underserved communities, quantifying the specific benefits for these businesses. d. Identifying high margin, low output food products and potential growth and needs of businesses with these products. 3. Bolster effectiveness of funding support by: a. Analyzing current federal and State spending on cluster business support and identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for streamlining. b. Developing recommendations for improving the effectiveness of funding, ensuring that it reaches the intended businesses and maximizes economic impact...