The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Department) is seeking consultant services, applicant, and administrative support services for the execution of the NRDRA as defined in this Request for Proposals (RFP) document. This document provides instructions for submitting proposals, the procedure and criteria by which the awarded Bidder(s) will be selected, and the contractual terms which will govern the relationship between the State of Maine (State) and the awarded Bidder(s). The Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Division B of the American Relief Act, 2025 (the Act; P.L. 118-158)) provided federal financial assistance to agricultural producers. The Act further states that the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture may provide assistance “in the form of block grants to eligible States to provide compensation to producers for necessary expenses related to crop, timber, and livestock losses, including on-farm infrastructure, as a consequence of any weather event in 2023 or 2024.” The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing approximately $60 million in funding to the Department for distribution to Maine producers who suffered eligible losses as a consequence of weather events occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024 not covered by other existing USDA disaster programs. The Department intends to provide this funding across several loss categories. The Department requires assistance in designing and administering NRDRA to ensure: 1) clear eligibility parameters; 2) effective outreach to eligible applicants; 3) a simple and secure process for producers to apply for payments that includes quality customer service and effective technical assistance; 4) organized tracking of applications; 5) vetting of submitted materials for accuracy and completeness; and 6) calculation of producer loss payments. These professional services are essential to allow the Department to disburse the funds to qualifying producers as quickly and efficiently as possible.
