1. RFI- AGR-AgMagInfo-FY27~1.pdf

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

100 Cambridge St., 9th floor Boston, MA 02114

Request for Information (RFI)

Document Title: Input for the 2027 Massachusetts Agriculture Magazine

Bid ID: AGR-AgMagInput-FY27

Bid #: Bid BD-27-1002-1003-001-131390

Input on the request for specific information from the Massachusetts food and farming community/sectors, agricultural and agricultural commodity organizations, stakeholders, and others for feature and secondary story ideas to be contained in the 2027 Massachusetts Agriculture Magazine.

Responses will be received online via COMMBUYS submission by:

Friday, August 7, 2026, by 5 PM

Contact: Mary Jordan Email: mary.jordan@mass.gov mailto:mary.jordan@mass.gov

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources- MDAR Request for Information

Issue Date: July 15, 2026 Inquiring Department Department of Agricultural Resources Contact Person Mary Jordan Mary.jordan@mass.gov COMMBUYS BID # Bid BD-27-1002-1003-001-131390 RFR Name/Title Story Input for the 2027 Massachusetts Agriculture Magazine RFR Number AGR-AgMagInput-FY27 Responses Due/Opening Date August 7, 2026 by 5:00 PM

1. Description or Purpose of Procurement:

The purpose of this Request for Information (“RFI”) is to elicit input, feedback, and gather information from individuals, stakeholders, and interested organizations who may be interested in participating in providing information for possible inclusion in a publication of an agriculturally focused magazine (“Publication”).

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR” or “Department”) has contracted with a publication company ("Contractor") to identify and develop possible stories for inclusion in the Publication. The Publication aims to provide an informative overview of the Massachusetts agricultural industry by giving the reader a good perspective on how agriculture is thriving through viable and sustainable initiatives. MDAR and the contractor are now seeking individuals or entities who may want to be included in stories in the Publication.

MDAR and the Contractor reserve the right to select those who may be included in the Publication.

Responding to this RFI does not guarantee inclusion in the Publication. Selected responders may be contacted by MDAR or the Contractor for additional information. No contracts shall be entered into as a result of this RFI, and no fee shall be paid to anyone who responds or is selected to be included in the Publication.

Information, including photos, may be used by MDAR and Contractor in the Publication. Selected responses may be required to sign additional acknowledgment and release forms before Publication.

Specific requests for information may be used in the suggested feature story articles, as determined by MDAR and the Contractor.

mailto:Mary.jordan@mass.gov

MDAR seeks input, feedback, and information on the following (stories are subject to change).

A. Pick-Your-Own

Massachusetts is home to numerous farms that provide pick-your-own opportunities throughout the seasons. The harvest cycle begins with strawberries, followed by summer blueberries, raspberries, and peaches. As autumn arrives, the state embraces its premier tradition of apple picking, which leads into pumpkin harvesting in October. The year concludes with the seasonal selection of fresh Christmas trees.

Contribution to Story Content (examples of eligible content):

• Reflections from farmers and/ or producers that grow for the pick-your-own opportunities within their own operation and can provide an understanding of both the growing and harvesting methods.

B. Apiary: Bees, Pollinators & Growing Wild

Massachusetts maintains a vital apiary industry, with 6,000 to 6,500 beekeepers managing 40,000 to 45,000 colonies. These pollinators are essential for over 45% of the state's agricultural commodities.

Beyond pollination, bees provide valuable products like propolis, royal jelly, wax, and honey, with local beekeepers producing approximately 1.5 million pounds of honey annually.

• Reflections on the importance of a healthy apiary industry.

• The importance of pollinators to the agricultural industry and the environment.

C. Massachusetts Maple Massachusetts maple syrup is a native, high-quality sweetener with a unique flavor. Visiting local "sugar shacks," particularly in central and Western Massachusetts, offers family-friendly Agri-tourism through tours, pancake breakfasts, and specialty treats like maple candy. The state's 300+ producers, mostly west of Worcester, yield 50,000 to 60,000 gallons of syrup annually. This local staple is prominent in farm communities, restaurants, and inns across the Commonwealth.

• Reflections from maple producers on the history, the process and seasonality of production.

• Reflections on the the challenges and benefits of producing the first agricultural crop of the year?

D. Farmers Markets This story looks behind the scenes of starting and managing a farmers’ market. Across the Commonwealth, more than 200 farmers markets ensure that fresh produce is accessible to residents in both urban and suburban areas. From the onset of spring through the conclusion of autumn, local producers gather in public squares and parks to present vibrant displays of seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Contribution to Story Content (examples of eligible content):

• Reflections from farmers and producers that sell at Farmers Markets.

• Reflections from Market Managers – roles and responsibilities.

• Reflections from the support services/ organizations that provide technical assistance and promotional support to farmers market managers as well as farmers and producers that sell at markets.

E. 1,000th Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) As of late 2023, the Massachusetts Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program had protected nearly 1,000 farms. The voluntary program, which began in 1980, has secured over 977 farms totaling over 76,000 acres, offering farmers the chance to sell development rights to the state to keep the land in agricultural use.

Contribution to Story Content (examples of eligible content):

• Reflections from a farmer with land in the APR program.

• Reflections from a second-generation APR owner – the benefits and opportunities.

F. Anti-Hunger Task Force The Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force advises on sustainable, long-term solutions to food insecurity and economic hardship in Massachusetts communities. Co-chaired by Allison Bovell-Ammon (EOHHS), Commissioner Ashley Randle (MDAR), and Alana Davidson (EOE), this public-private partnership reports directly to the Governor. The Task Force unites government leaders, food banks, non-profits, and businesses with those directly affected by federal cuts including SNAP recipients and farmers to end hunger for current and future generations.

Contribution to Story Content (examples of eligible content:

• Reflections from the farming community that have provided the fresh produce to the program over the years.

G. Fiber in MA and New England This story focuses on the history and cultural preservation of securing a fiber industry in Massachusetts and New England through generations with new opportunities.

Contribution of Story Content (examples of eligible content):

• Reflections from farmers raising sheep and other fiber producing animals for the opportunity to make fine fiber products for the public.

• Reflections from generational farm families preserving the raising of various breeds to continue a viable fiber industry.

• Reflections on events that promote and educate the public on preservation of the fiber industry.

2. Applicable Procurement Law

This is an RFI. There shall be no expectation to share or provide goods or services. There is no fee or payment associated with a response to this RFI, nor shall a contract be developed as a response to this RFI. The Department may engage in future procurement if needed. Additional procurement, including issuing a Request for Responses (“RFR”), may be necessary before engaging further with anyone responding to this RFI.

Information provided to the Department under this RFI will be considered a public record unless otherwise exempt by law.

3. Acquisition Method:

Check All Applicable: Category

☐ Fee-For-Service ☐ Outright Purchase ☐ Rental (not to exceed 6 months) ☐ Term Lease ☐ License ☒ Other: Request For Information: No acquisition required – but please see

Section. 8. Submission Requirements for how to respond

4. Calendar Type:

Check Type Description

☒ Standard Procurement will not be reopened after the Bid Opening Date (Response deadline date)

☐ Rolling Submissions will be accepted during the entire information solicitation period.

5. Entities Eligible to Submit Information

1. Local food and farming community/sectors, agricultural and agricultural commodity organizations, stakeholders, and individual or organizations engaged in those activities identified in the proposed story ideas.

2. Non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, individuals, private industry organizations, agricultural interest groups, and agricultural collaboratives may submit a response to this RFI.

3. Other groups/organizations may submit at the Department’s discretion.

6. Anticipated Expenditures, Funding, or Compensation:

This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals and will not result in a funded contract award for these provided in response to this request. Also, as noted above, submission of a response does not guarantee that your information will be used as part of the publication.

Please note that this RFI is issued solely to obtain information and input. Nothing in this RFI shall be interpreted as a commitment by MDAR to procure or enter a contract with any respondent.

This RFI will be distributed electronically by posting it on COMMBUYS. COMMBUYS offers an optional, value-added automated COMMBUYS Subscription Service on an annual fee basis. All vendors are responsible for checking COMMBUYS for any addenda or modifications made to the RFI after the initial posting on COMMBUYS. The Commonwealth and MDAR will accept no liability and provide no accommodation to vendors who fail to check for amended RFIs or any other procurement opportunities and subsequently submit inadequate or incorrect responses.

Vendors are advised to check the Last Changed Date field on the Summary page or the Amendment History within the Other Information tab of the RFI for which they intend to submit a response to ensure they have the most recent files.

Vendors may not alter (manually or electronically) the RFI language or any of its component files.

7. Environmental Justice Policy

For the purposes of this RFI, “Environmental Justice” includes the equal protection and meaningful involvement of all people and communities in the development, implementation, and enforcement of energy, climate change, and environmental laws, regulations, and policies, as well as the equitable distribution of environmental and energy benefits and burdens. MDAR is committed to Environmental Justice and, in doing so, we are working to ensure communities across the state have the capacity to advance environmental, energy, and food justice, engage in meaningful ways, and help shape policies and programs with equity at the center. Through our programs and services, we aim to support applicants working directly with communities most impacted by environmental, energy, and food injustice, and the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

For more information, please refer to EEA’s Environmental Justice Program Webpage.

8. Submission Requirements

Organizations that wish to respond to this RFI must upload their response document and submit information via COMMBUYS and input utilizing the following outline:

1. Organization Profile: Include

• Individual or Company Name

• Address

• URL or Company Website

• Contact Name, Title, Email, Phone

• Brief background/history of your organization/ business.

• Primary Interest in Providing Information

2. Provide information or input on appropriate story content ideas as relevant, at the organization’s discretion, understanding that information provided to the Department under this RFI will be considered a public record unless otherwise exempt by law.

9. Instructions for Submission of Responses:

Responses must be submitted electronically through COMMBUYS. Any submission that fails to meet the submission requirements of the RFI will be found non-responsive without further review unless the review team, at its discretion, determines that the non-compliance is insubstantial and can be corrected.

In these cases, the review team may allow the vendor to make minor corrections to the submission.

For Submissions via COMMBUYS: Bid BD-27-1002-1003-001-131390 COMMBUYS is the official procurement record system for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Departments. COMMBUYS offers free internet-based access to all public procurement information posted here to promote transparency. It allows for online submissions for procurements and grant applications.

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-environmental-justice-equity-oeje https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-environmental-justice-equity-oeje

Bidders may submit Quotes using online using tools available only to Sellers registered in COMMBUYS.

COMMBUYS provides Seller registration functionality at no charge. To register, go to www.COMMBUYS.com and click the “Register” link on the front page.

COMMBUYS Quote Submission Instructions

To fully view and respond to this RFI, you must:

1. FIRST- Login to COMMBUYS, or Create and Account and then Login

a. If you are not logged in, you will not be able to respond, only view.

2. Once logged in, Locate the Bid number Bid BD-27-1002-1003-001-131390

3. Follow the Job Aid instructions for creating a Quote and uploading your response document and submitting.

The following links are additional resources provided to assist Vendors in submitting Quotes:

1. Step 1: If you are a New Vendor to COMMBUYS

a. Completing a New Vendor Registration in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

2. Step 2: Once you have a Login for COMMBUYS

a. COMMBUYS Login Assistance for Vendors | Mass.gov

i. If you need to update your Organizations Existing Users or Information:

1. Maintain Existing Organization Information

2. Maintain and Add Users to an Existing Vendor Account

3. Step 3: Locating and Responding to Bid Solicitations in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

a. This Bid # is: Bid BD-27-1002-1003-001-131390

You will receive an automated email confirmation from COMMBUYS <notifications@commbuys.com> that your quote has been accepted: That is when you know your Quote went through. Check your Junk Email folder as well.

If you do not receive a confirmation email, your submission was not successful. Retrace the steps in the instructions or contact the COMMBUYS help desk.

COMMBUYS Support

Technical assistance is available during the procurement process. Every effort is made to respond to inquiries within one business day.

• Website: Go to www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys and select the COMMBUYS Resource Center link offered under Key Resources.

• Email: Send inquiries to the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov

• Telephone: Call the OSD Help Desk at 1-888-MA-STATE (1-888-627-8283). The Help Desk is staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday Eastern Standard or Daylight time, as applicable, except on federal and state holidays.

All Bids must be received by the Operational Services Division before the specified date, month, year and time displayed as the Bid Opening Date/Time in the Header Information section of the Bid in COMMBUYS. Times are Eastern Standard/Daylight Savings (US), as applicable.

http://www.commbuys.com/ https://www.mass.gov/info-details/completing-vendor-registration-in-commbuys https://www.mass.gov/info-details/commbuys-login-assistance-for-buyers-and-vendors https://www.mass.gov/doc/maintain-organization-information-for-commbuys-vendor-account/download https://www.mass.gov/doc/maintain-and-add-users-to-commbuys-vendor-account/download https://www.mass.gov/info-details/locating-and-responding-to-bid-solicitations-in-commbuys http://www.mass.gov/osd/commbuys mailto:OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov

All Bidders are advised to allow adequate time for submission by considering potential online submission impediments like Internet traffic, Internet connection speed, file size, and file volume. OSD or MDAR is not responsible for delays encountered by Bidders or their agents, or for a Bidder’s local hardware failures, such as computers or related networks, associated with bid compilation or submission. Bids submitted via COMMBUYS are time stamped by the COMMBUYS system clock which is considered the official time of record.

10. Estimated Calendar

Procurement Activity Date Original Release of this RFI: July 15, 2026 Q&A Deadline: July 24, 2026 by 5:00 PM Amended RFI Document Released: NA Submission Due Date: (COMMBUYS Bid Opening Date) August 7,2026 by 5:00 PM Estimated Notification of Selected Vendors: Est. August 31, 2026

*Bidders are required to monitor COMMBUYS for changes to the procurement calendar for this Bid.

a. COMMBUYS Online Questions (Bid Q&A):

Written Questions must be entered using the “Bid Q&A” tab for the Bid in COMMBUYS no later than the “Online Questions Due” date and time indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above). The issuing department reserves the right to not respond to questions submitted after this date. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to verify receipt of questions.

It is the responsibility of the prospective Bidder and awarded Contractor to maintain an active registration in COMMBUYS to keep current the email address of the Bidder’s contact person and prospective contract manager, if awarded a contract, and to monitor that email inbox for communications from the Purchasing Department, including requests for clarification. The Purchasing Department and the Commonwealth assume no responsibility if a prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s designated email address is not current or if technical problems, including those with the prospective Bidder’s/awarded Contractor’s computer, network, or internet service provider (ISP) cause email communications sent to/from the prospective Bidder/Awarded contractor and the Purchasing Department to be lost or rejected by any means including email or spam filtering.

b. Written Responses to Questions will be released on or about the “Responses to Questions Posted Online” date indicated in the Estimated Procurement Calendar (above). Written questions and responses will be posted on the Bid Q&A Tab for this Bid in COMMBUYS.)

11. Required Forms

Responses to this RFI must contain the following document(s) and uploaded as Attachments to your COMMBUYS Quote submission:

Submission Documents The following documents should be uploaded with your COMMBUYS response.

☒ Respondent’s Submission Documents: See Section 8 for all details to include.

12. RFR Included Attachments

The following are included in the COMMBUYS Bid posting page in the Attachment section:

Appendix A: MDAR Abbreviated How to Submit a COMMBUYS Quote Instructions

Appendix B: Locating & Responding to Bid Solicitations in COMMBUYS-OSD

Appendix C: Required Specifications