ARVA - Bid Response.pdf

124065 O5 ARVA File 1 of 4 (Corp Overview, Technical Response and Contractual Agreement Form)

ARVA’s ONE RED RFP RESPONSE

Section: Corporate Overview and Technical Response

Cost Sheet - attached separately (File 3 of 4)

A. SOLICITATION RESPONSE SUBMISSION

1. CORPORATE OVERVIEW

ARVA combines predictive AI with a deep-rooted cooperative network to de-risk agricultural supply chains. We view farmer-cooperatives as our 'forward-deployed' partners, allowing us to embed deeply in local operations without the unscalable overhead of a services firm. This allows ARVA to maintain a high-margin software core while delivering the high-touch agronomic support required to transition 5 million+ acres to regenerative practices

a. BIDDER IDENTIFICATION AND INFORMATION

ARVA Intelligence 4400 Post Oak Parkway Suite 1400 Houston, TX 77027

DE Corporation Est. 2018

b. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ARVA Intelligence is a privately held corporation established in 2018 and operating continuously since formation. The company is profitable and maintains positive operating margins, supported by recurring program administration and technology licensing revenue across multiple multi-year engagements.

Over the past three years, ARVA has administered approximately $100 million in verified incentive payments to agricultural producers and channel partners through structured, audit-ready workflows. This operational scale reflects both financial capacity and disciplined financial controls.

ARVA maintains strong banking relationships, appropriate working capital reserves, and internal financial governance processes overseen by executive leadership and finance personnel. The company carries appropriate insurance coverage and maintains financial controls aligned with public-sector program administration requirements.

A banking reference will be provided upon request. ARVA Intelligence has not experienced any contract terminations for default and has demonstrated consistent operational and financial stability in support of large-scale agricultural initiatives.

c. CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP N/A

d. NE OFFICE LOCATION -

ARVA Intelligence 14301 FNB Parkway, Suite 100, Omaha, Nebraska, 68154, United States of America Mobile Phone: 402-800-8941 Receptionist: 402-507-5000

e. RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE STATE

ARVA Intelligence has not held a contract with the State of Nebraska within the previous three (3) years. ARVA has engaged with Nebraska stakeholders through industry collaboration and program development discussions related to farmer enrollment, agronomic support, and data workflows for regenerative and climate-smart agriculture initiatives.

Separately, ARVA supports producers and channel partners operating in Nebraska and the broader Midwest through programs designed to enable on-farm data collection, verification, and incentive payment operations, including initiatives supporting corporate supply chain reporting readiness (e.g., Scope 3) and regenerative practice adoption.

These efforts provide relevant experience for ONE RED in stakeholder coordination, producer support, data integrity controls, and operational grant/payment workflows. We have paid out ~$100m in farmer and channel partner incentives over the last three years.

In 2025 alone, ARVA supports nearly 94,000 acres across Nebraska producers through 13 Channel Partners, demonstrating established regional infrastructure and active field-level data governance within the state.

If awarded, ARVA will formalize coordination through NDWEE-approved governance, documentation, and reporting procedures.

f. BIDDER’S EMPLOYEE RELATIONS TO STATE To the best of our knowledge, no Party named in ARVA Intelligence’s solicitation response is or was an employee of the State of Nebraska within the past six (6) months. Additionally, as of the solicitation response due date, no employee of any agency of the State of Nebraska is employed by ARVA Intelligence or proposed as a subcontractor to ARVA Intelligence for this project. If any such relationship is identified prior to award, ARVA Intelligence will disclose it promptly to the State for review.

g. CONTRACT PERFORMANCE

ARVA Intelligence has not had any contract terminated for default during the past five (5) years. ARVA Intelligence has also not had any contract terminated for convenience, non-performance, non-allocation of funds, or any other reason during the past five (5) years.

h. SUMMARY OF BIDDER’S CORPORATE EXPERIENCE

Project Example: Multi-State Carbon Intensity and Incentive Payment Program

Over the past three years, ARVA Intelligence has served as prime program operator for multi-state regenerative agriculture initiatives involving Carbon Intensity (CI) calculation, producer enrollment, verified data collection, and incentive disbursement. These programs required development of secure data infrastructure, automation of ACH-based payments, 1099 reporting support, and integration of third-party agronomic service providers into a governed workflow environment.

ARVA implemented a “Sovereign Data” framework ensuring producer ownership of farm-level data while enabling validated CI score reporting for downstream market use. The program incorporated GREET-aligned modeling logic, structured review workflows, and tiered incentive payments tied to verified agronomic practices.

These engagements are directly comparable to ONE RED in terms of governance complexity, multi-party coordination, secure data handling, and defensible documentation across verification and payment cycles.

i. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

a) Experience working with government agencies or large-scale grant programs, ensuring familiarity with public-sector requirements, regulatory standards, and reporting protocols.

Experience Working with Government Agencies and Large-Scale Grant Programs ARVA Intelligence has direct experience supporting federally funded and government-aligned programs, including work associated with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and USDA Climate-Smart Commodities initiatives. Our work has required compliance with public-sector reporting standards, structured documentation protocols, financial accountability controls, and audit-readiness expectations consistent with federal grant administration frameworks.

ARVA’s operational model incorporates governance cadence, approval gates, traceable documentation, and reporting workflows aligned to public-sector oversight requirements.

We are familiar with agency review processes, data validation expectations, payment documentation standards, and multi-year performance reporting obligations typical of federally funded agricultural programs.

b) Expertise implementing secure platforms to handle sensitive data, encryption protocols, cybersecurity best practices, and compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, or other applicable state/federal standards.

Secure Platform Implementation and Data Protection ARVA designs and operates secure, cloud-based infrastructure to manage sensitive agricultural data, including farm-level production data, carbon intensity calculations, agronomic inputs, and financial transaction records.

Our security architecture includes:

● Encryption of data in transit (TLS 1.2+) and at rest (AES-256 or equivalent)

● Role-based access controls and least-privilege permissioning

● Multi-factor authentication for administrative users

● Segregation of duties across intake, review, and payment workflows

● System logging, timestamped audit trails, and traceable modification history

● Periodic vulnerability assessments and security review practices aligned with

NIST and industry cybersecurity standards

ARVA’s controls are designed to align with public-sector data protection expectations and relevant privacy regulations, including GDPR and CCPA principles where applicable.

c) A record of building systems to handle digital payment systems and integrating automated payment solutions, such as ACH transfers, digital wallets, and other direct payment methods that streamline financial disbursements.

Digital Payment Systems and Automated Disbursement Infrastructure ARVA has built and operated systems that administer financial incentives and payments to agricultural producers at scale. Our platform integrates secure ACH-based payment workflows, automated eligibility validation, rule-based payment authorization triggers, transaction reconciliation tracking, and exception management queues.

We have experience supporting incentive disbursements tied to verified agronomic data submissions and program compliance requirements. Payment workflows are supported by:

● Documented approval gates

● Audit-preserving transaction logs

● Duplicate-payment detection controls

● Reconciliation reporting suitable for agency oversight

This experience directly aligns with ONE RED’s requirement for automated, defensible incentive payment operations.

d) A strong background in user experience and interface design to ensure the platform is intuitive, especially for non-technical users.

User Experience and Interface Design for Agricultural Producers ARVA’s platform is designed for producers, agronomists, and channel partners who may not be technical users. Our approach emphasizes:

● Clear, guided workflows

● Simplified dashboards

● Status visibility for submissions and payments

● Reduced administrative friction

● Structured intake support with assisted pathways where necessary

We incorporate producer and channel partner feedback into interface updates to ensure clarity, adoption, and operational efficiency across diverse farm operations.

e) Experience with mobile-friendly design to ensure the platform is accessible across devices, particularly for users in rural or remote areas.

Mobile-Friendly and Rural Accessibility Design Recognizing that agricultural users often operate in field environments with variable connectivity, ARVA designs mobile-responsive interfaces optimized for tablets and smartphones. Key design features include:

● Responsive layouts for low-bandwidth environments

● Simplified submission workflows

● Save-and-return functionality

● Minimal reliance on high-speed broadband

● Compatibility across modern mobile browsers

This design philosophy supports accessibility across rural and remote regions consistent with Nebraska’s agricultural landscape.

f) An established track record of providing customer support through multiple channels, ensuring real-time help with system navigation or technical issues

Multi-Channel Customer Support and Producer Assistance ARVA provides structured, multi-channel support including:

● Named account rep per Channel Partner

● Email-based intake

● Web-based ticketing

● Phone support

● Escalation pathways for technical and data issues

● Tiered support routing (participant support, operations review, technical escalation)

Our support model is built to reduce friction for producers while preserving documented workflows and escalation procedures aligned with program governance requirements.

i. SUMMARY OF BIDDER’S PROPOSED PERSONNEL/MANAGEMENT

APPROACH

SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY

ARVA Intelligence operates as a multi-disciplinary agricultural data and program operations company structured to support large-scale, compliance-driven initiatives involving producer enrollment, secure data management, incentive payments, and audit-ready reporting. Our organization integrates executive leadership, agronomy and soil science expertise, sustainability and environmental asset accounting, AI and data engineering, grant operations, compliance oversight, and customer support within a coordinated operating model.

This integrated structure enables ARVA to execute programs requiring both advanced technical infrastructure and disciplined public-sector operational controls.

Executive Leadership and Governance ARVA’s executive leadership team provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and operational governance across all major programs. Executive leadership includes:

● Chief Executive Officer

● Chief Operating Officer

● Chief Technology Officer

● Chief Financial Officer

● Chief Revenue Officer

Executive leadership maintains structured governance cadence, escalation protocols, performance reporting oversight, and financial controls consistent with federally funded and state-administered programs. The Chief Financial Officer and compliance leadership oversee financial integrity, audit support, and reporting controls.

Grant Operations, Compliance, and Financial Controls ARVA maintains an internal compliance and sustainability solutions function with experience in:

● Carbon accounting and environmental asset quantification

● Audit preparation and documentation readiness

● Financial controls and reconciliation procedures

● Reporting compliance aligned with public-sector program expectations

The finance and compliance teams operate documented approval gates, segregation-of-duties controls, and transaction traceability workflows suitable for incentive payment administration and grant program oversight.

Soil Science and Agronomy Expertise ARVA’s agronomy and soil science team includes PhD-level soil scientists, modeling scientists, and agronomic specialists with experience in:

● Carbon intensity modeling

● Agricultural systems modeling

● Regenerative practice assessment

● Field-level data validation and interpretation

This expertise supports credible CI calculations, verification workflows, and technical program support functions necessary for statewide agricultural initiatives.

AI, Data Engineering, and Secure Platform Infrastructure ARVA operates a dedicated AI and data engineering organization responsible for:

● Cloud-based infrastructure management (AWS-hosted environment)

● Secure data ingestion and processing pipelines

● CI modeling and analytics workflows

● Role-based access controls and system logging

● Payment workflow integrations

● API and data integration capabilities

The data engineering team includes specialists in secure application development, automation systems, cloud architecture, and data governance. Platform controls are designed to support encryption in transit and at rest, audit-preserving logs, access traceability, and scalable system performance.

Operations and Business Intelligence ARVA maintains a structured operations and business intelligence team responsible for:

● Program management

● Workflow administration

● Performance reporting

● KPI monitoring

● Enrollment tracking

● Payment reconciliation support

● Stakeholder reporting dashboards

This team translates farm-level data into structured performance reporting suitable for agency oversight and executive review.

Channel Partner and Producer Support Infrastructure ARVA operates a distributed channel partner engagement model that enables localized producer support while maintaining centralized workflow controls. Dedicated relationship managers and customer success personnel support:

● Producer onboarding

● Application assistance

● Data submission guidance

● Status tracking and inquiries

● Issue escalation

This hybrid model enables statewide reach without requiring duplicative field office infrastructure.

Research and Development Capacity ARVA maintains an internal research and development function focused on:

● Continuous improvement of CI modeling methodologies

● Integration of updated regulatory and scientific guidance

● Enhancement of validation and verification workflows

● Adaptation to evolving carbon market and sustainability reporting standards

This capability supports long-term program adaptability and compliance with evolving regulatory expectations.

Organizational Depth and Scalability

A detailed organizational chart identifying our leadership team, reporting relationships, and primary functional responsibilities for the ONE RED program is included with this submission. ARVA has identified key personnel for executive oversight, program management, grants administration, compliance, technology, and producer support functions. (Denise Leleux, Andrew Baskin, Ron Osborne, Greg Ladeveze, and many others!)

Resumes for proposed personnel are available upon request and will be provided in accordance with Solicitation requirements. Any changes to proposed personnel will be submitted to NDWEE for written approval prior to implementation.

j. SUBCONTRACTORS

ARVA Intelligence does not anticipate reliance on subcontractors to execute the core technical, data, security, grant administration, or payment processing requirements of the ONE RED program. These functions will be performed by ARVA personnel under NDWEE oversight.

ARVA operates through an established network of agricultural channel partners that support producer engagement and onboarding within their existing relationships. These channel partners function as outreach and enrollment collaborators rather than subcontractors performing State-funded technical deliverables. ARVA remains fully responsible for all contract performance, compliance, and reporting obligations.

Should limited, specialized services (e.g., targeted communications or advisory support) require formal subcontracting during program implementation, ARVA will seek NDWEE approval prior to engagement and ensure all such arrangements comply with contract requirements.

We have budgeted $1.5m for financial and data audits as well as to assist us with farmer outreach and marketing. No specific vendors have been confirmed at this time.

2. TECHNICAL RESPONSE

The Technical Response section of the solicitation response should consist of the following subsections:

a. Understanding of the project requirements.

b. Proposed development approach;

c. Technical requirements (see Attachment A);

d. Detailed project work plan; including milestones and associated timeframes

ARVA’S ONE RED RFP RESPONSE

Executive Summary

Nebraska Ag Data Bank and Grants Program (ONE RED) RFP No. 124065 O5

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (NDWEE) is advancing the landmark, producer-centered Opportunity for Nebraska: Reducing Emissions and Decarbonization (ONE RED) program. This initiative positions Nebraska agriculture for global competitiveness while strengthening soil health, water stewardship, and long-term farm resilience. The Nebraska Ag Data Bank and Grants Program is foundational to this effort, demanding a trusted, secure, and permanent digital infrastructure capable of serving as public program infrastructure through 2029 and beyond.

ARVA proposes to design, implement, and operate the Nebraska Ag Data Bank and associated Precision and Regenerative Agriculture Grants Digital Interface as a uniquely qualified partner. We are a world leader in Scope 3 emissions accounting and 45Z-aligned technology and program development. Our expertise includes delivering systems that integrate Carbon Intensity (CI) measurement, financial incentive disbursements to farmers globally, producer and Approved Service Provider (ASP) data governance, and compliance requirements.

This proposal is grounded in a clear executive philosophy: the Nebraska Ag Data Bank and Grants Program must be trusted and durable public infrastructure, not merely a software application. It must be built to last. Our solution builds producer trust, withstands federal and state audit scrutiny, and can adapt to evolving agricultural practices, carbon intensity accounting methodologies, and regulatory guidance.

Producer Trust and Data Ownership

The global success of ARVA in managing emission quantification programs for companies like Nestle, Pepsi, and Mondelez rests on our technical and operational systems that protect producer data and ownership. The proposed Data Bank architecture puts this experience into action through transparent digital consent mechanisms, auditable access controls, and a clear separation between data ownership, data access, and data use. We reinforce the deliberate use of the term “Data Bank,” not “Registry,” throughout the system design, user experience, and governance workflows to ensure producers retain confidence and control over their information.

Scientific Integrity and Market Credibility

The CI Data Bank is designed to serve as the definitive performance measurement and reporting platform. We verify all third-party CI submissions using the Argonne National Laboratory GREET model, guiding our compliance with nationally recognized and regulated standards. This verification framework ensures Nebraska producers can confidently engage with market participants and incentive programs while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.

Secure, Scalable, Government-Grade Technology for the Public Sector

All production systems will be deployed on Amazon Web Services, selected for its proven reliability supporting top-secret federal and state government workloads, global agribusinesses, and the world’s largest financial services firms. The proposed architecture employs serverless computing, encrypted data storage, automated scaling to support exponential growth, continuous monitoring to detect, alert, and prevent threats and bad-actors, and immutable audit logging. This approach ensures ARVA meets and exceeds NDWEE’s requirements for security, privacy, resilience, and 99.5% system uptime.

AWS’s extensive compliance investments including SOC, ISO, and NIST-aligned frameworks, combined with ARVA’s annual third-party cybersecurity audits, ensures the platform remains audit-ready, defensible, and resilient against emerging threats throughout the life of the program.

Integrated Carbon Intensity Producer Management and Grants Administration

Our solution, which includes CI data processing, payment processing, and administration and Agriculture grant administration, exists within a unified digital platform with consistent and globally trusted technologies. Ongoing producer application management, automated data processing and verification, policy-driven payment processing, and real-time permission-based participant visibility tools for administrators are all designed to reduce administrative burden while increasing transparency and accountability.

Federal Accountability and Long-Term Stewardship

The platform’s reporting and analytics capabilities are designed to simultaneously serve NDWEE leadership, federal agency oversight such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and public accountability requirements. Quarterly and annual reports, monitoring and evaluation dashboards, and centralized audit documentation ensure alignment with NDWEE governance expectations.

ARVA approaches post-launch operations as a tier-1 responsibility, committing to continuous maintenance, continuous security updates and patching, vulnerability monitoring, performance monitoring, and program support through September 2029 and any subsequent contract renewals. ARVA will function as an embedded IT partner to NDWEE that also supports stakeholder engagement, Approved Service Provider oversight, risk management, and documentation; all while ensuring NDWEE’s policy authority and strategic infrastructure control.

Conclusion

This proposal delivers a secure, producer-centric, and future-proof Nebraska Ag Data Bank and Grants Program. By combining AWS-backed infrastructure, GREET-aligned scientific verification, disciplined IT and infrastructure governance, and long-term operational commitment, ARVA is prepared to support NDWEE’s ONE RED objectives and position Nebraska as a national leader in agricultural data stewardship, incentive program integrity, and climate-smart agricultural innovation.

Item # DELIVERABLES Preferred Timeline

1. DATA BANK: Design, Develop, and maintain a secure data management and reporting platform for a Nebraska-Based Carbon Intensity (CI) Score Data Bank tailored around Nebraska’s specific agricultural, economic, and environmental landscape.

a. Maintain control over data to reassure participants the data will be maintained and used in a way that protects a participants’ privacy. (See below and Section E)

b. Support data management via an approved API

c. Establish a process for producer consent for 3rd party vendor logging of CI scores and data within the Data Bank.

d. Readily customizable to allow for changes in Nebraska agricultural sector demands.

e. Confirmation of vendor estimations utilizing Argonne Laboratory’s GREET model

f. Compatibility with established national and international registries to allow Nebraska’s participants the ability to transition between products is preferred.

Thru Sep 2029

System Design and Development

a. Develop a secure, scalable, and user-friendly digital platform that allows third-party approved service providers to upload verified CI scores for participating participants.

1.1

b. Create an intuitive interface where participants can access their CI scores, track payment status, and monitor their historical data.

c. Design a backend system capable of storing and organizing large volumes of CI score data, with advanced search, filtering, and reporting capabilities.

d. Integrate a payment system that automates the issuance of incentive payments once a valid CI score has been received, verified, and confirmed.

e. Ensure API integration with third-party vendors who will upload CI scores, including verification of authorized vendors and standardizing data formats for seamless input.

ARVA RESPONSE:

From an executive perspective, the CI Data Bank is the foundational trust layer of the ONE RED agricultural strategy. ARVA will design the platform to ensure that CI scores are not only technically valid, but institutionally credible to producers, regulators, and downstream market participants including refineries and ASP agribusiness stakeholders.

Key executive design principles include:

● Producer Sovereignty Over Data

○ Explicit, auditable consent mechanisms for all third-party data submissions

○ Clear separation between data ownership, data access, and data use

○ Terminology and user experience aligned with NDWEE’s deliberate choice of “Data Bank,” not “Registry”

● Institutional Reliability

○ Cloud-native architecture using AWS to ensure security, resilience, elasticity, and ongoing infrastructure price efficiency

○ Architecture designed to support growth in both participation and data complexity without re-platforming

● Policy-Driven Automation

○ CI incentive payments executed only after NDWEE-defined validation and approval thresholds are met

○ Rules engines that allow NDWEE to modify program parameters without system redevelopment

By

Jun 2026

● Scientific Integrity

○ Verification of CI scores using Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, ensuring alignment with nationally recognized methodologies

○ Structured workflows to flag, review, and resolve anomalous submissions

This approach ensures the CI Data Bank functions as a credible performance metric platform, not merely a data repository.

1.2

Data Security and Privacy (See Section V.E for additional background)

a. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, including encryption of both in-transit and at-rest data.

b. Ensure data privacy compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, or applicable federal/state regulations) to protect participants’ confidential information.

c. Authenticate and verify third-party approved service providers to ensure only approved, verified entities can upload CI scores, minimizing the risk of fraudulent or erroneous data entries.

d. Conduct and report on an annual cybersecurity audit whose team includes Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA), Certified Information Security Managers (CISM), or Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP).

i. The entity should have expertise in SOC 2 (System and Organization

Controls), ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management Systems), and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) cybersecurity frameworks to ensure a high level of technical scrutiny.

Data security is treated as a governance obligation, not a technical afterthought.

ARVA’s security posture is designed to withstand regulatory audits, public records scrutiny, and evolving cybersecurity threats.

Executive security commitments include:

● Defense-in-Depth Architecture

○ Encryption of all sensitive data in transit and at rest using AWS Key

Management Service

○ Identity and access management via AWS Cognito with strict role-based access controls

○ Mandatory multi-factor authentication for all privileged users

● Continuous Oversight and Auditability

○ System monitoring, alerting, and reporting via AWS CloudWatch

○ Immutable audit trails via AWS CloudTrail

○ Full traceability of user access, CI score submissions, and financial transactions

● Compliance Readiness

○ AWS environments supporting the platform maintain certifications including:

■ SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3

■ ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, and 27018

■ Alignment with NIST cybersecurity frameworks

Annual third-party cybersecurity audits involving CISA, CISM, or CISSP-certified professionals will be conducted and shared with NDWEE, reinforcing transparency and accountability.

1.3

Payment Processing Integration

a. Automate incentive payments to participants based on predefined rules and thresholds determined by NDWEE once a valid CI score is confirmed.

b. Integrate with banking or payment systems (e.g., ACH, digital wallets, or direct deposit platforms) to facilitate timely and accurate payments to participants.

c. Track and report payments in real-time, offering participants a clear view of payment status and transaction history.

From a program integrity standpoint, incentive and grant payments represent both a critical trust signal to producers and a financial control obligation to the State and federal funding partners. ARVA treats payment processing as a regulated program function that must balance compliance, transparency, operational efficiency, and producer expectations.

ARVA will ensure that all payment processing workflows are fully compliant with NDWEE requirements, applicable State of Nebraska financial controls, and federal grant management and audit standards, including requirements associated with EPA-funded programs. Payment logic will be policy-driven, configurable, and governed by

NDWEE-defined rules to ensure that no funds are disbursed without appropriate verification, approval, and documentation.

Key executive commitments include:

● Policy-Driven and Compliant Disbursement

○ Incentive and grant payments will be executed only after CI scores or cropping data are received, verified, confirmed, and approved in accordance with NDWEE-defined thresholds and program rules.

○ Payment workflows will be aligned with applicable state fiscal controls, segregation-of-duties requirements, and federal grant compliance obligations.

○ All payment events will be fully traceable from submission through approval and disbursement, supporting internal review and external audit.

● Flexible and Producer-Centered Payment Options

○ The platform will support flexible electronic payment options, including

ACH and direct deposit, and will be designed to accommodate additional electronic payment mechanisms as approved by NDWEE.

○ Payment configuration will balance regulatory compliance with producer expectations for timeliness, reliability, and clarity.

○ The system will be adaptable to evolving payment requirements, banking standards, or policy changes over the life of the program without requiring system redesign.

● Transparency and Participant Visibility

○ Participants will have real-time visibility into payment status, payment history, and supporting documentation through secure dashboards.

○ Clear status indicators and notifications will reduce uncertainty and administrative inquiries, reinforcing producer confidence in the program.

● Auditability and Financial Oversight

○ Comprehensive financial records, payment logs, and audit trails will be maintained for all disbursements.

○ Payment data will be available for NDWEE review, reconciliation, and reporting to federal oversight entities.

○ The system will support routine audits, ad hoc reviews, and public accountability requirements without additional manual intervention.

This approach ensures that payment processing is secure, compliant, flexible, and transparent, reinforcing producer trust while protecting NDWEE and the State of Nebraska from financial, regulatory, and reputational risk.

1.4

System Validation and Quality Assurance

a. Test the platform thoroughly for functionality, scalability, security, and usability before launch.

b. Perform continuous quality assurance (QA) and updates to ensure system stability and performance as usage scales up.

c. Review and conform to NDWEE’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for this project. See Attachment B

d. Provide support for future upgrades, including the ability to adapt to changing requirements or integration with additional functionalities (e.g., integration with carbon markets).

Quality assurance is treated as a continuous operational discipline, not a one-time launch activity.

ARVA will:

● Align all validation activities with NDWEE’s Quality Assurance Project Plan

(QAPP)

● Maintain sandbox environments for testing updates prior to production deployment

● Support future integrations, including evolving carbon market mechanisms, without destabilizing core operations

1.5

User Training and Support

a. Develop training materials (e.g., user manuals, video tutorials) to help both participants and third-party service providers navigate the platform.

b. Provide ongoing customer support for technical issues, including troubleshooting and real-time problem resolution.

c. Set up a help desk or support center with multiple communication channels

(e.g., phone, email, chat) to handle queries from participants, vendors, and administrators.

Aug 2026

Executive success of the program depends on adoption and confidence, not merely availability.

ARVA will provide:

● Role-specific training for producers, ASPs, and administrators

● Clear, accessible documentation that supports varying levels of technical sophistication

● A responsive, multi-channel support model that reinforces trust and program continuity

1.6

Data Reporting, Analytics, and Evaluation

a. Build robust data reporting features that allow program administrators to track submissions, analyze CI score trends, and generate customized reports.

b. Enable advanced analytics that can monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), such as average CI reductions across the state, incentive payout totals, and farm-level improvements.

c. Integrate data export functionalities for ease of reporting to stakeholders, including the EPA and other regulatory bodies.

d. Provide quarterly reports to the NDWEE summarizing:

i. Program milestones and accomplishments

ii. Enrollment and participation statistics

iii. Challenges encountered and mitigation strategies

iv. Financial tracking and budget updates

e. Submit comprehensive annual reports including:

i. Year-to-date summaries of all program activities

ii. Cumulative financial statements

iii. Assessment of program effectiveness and environmental outcomes

f. Environmental Impact Reporting - Provide detailed environmental outcome data in each report, including:

i. Carbon intensity (CI) reductions (e.g., tons of CO₂-equivalent avoided or reduced)

ii. Soil health improvements (e.g., organic matter increases, erosion reductions)

iii. Water conservation metrics (e.g., acre-feet saved, improvements in efficiency)

g. Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) System Implementation - Design and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to assess:

i. Performance of grant-funded projects

ii. Effectiveness of the CI Data Bank platform

iii. Adoption rates and outcomes of regenerative practices

h. Performance Metrics & KPIs - Track and report against clear, quantifiable metrics, including but not limited to:

i. Tons of CO₂ reduced or avoided

ii. Acres of regenerative practices adopted

iii. Number and type of conservation practices implemented

iv. Changes in baseline vs. post-implementation CI scores

i. Data Transparency & Accountability - Ensure open and auditable documentation of all program activities, financials, and outcomes

i. Maintain a centralized reporting system or dashboard that supports data sharing with EPA, NDWEE, and other stakeholders as required

j. Align all reports with applicable EPA and DWEE guidelines and timelines.

i. Ensure proper documentation for audits, evaluations, and public recordkeeping

Reporting is designed to meet three simultaneous audiences:

1. NDWEE program leadership

2. Federal oversight entities such as the United States Environmental Protection

Agency

3. Producers, ASPs, and other requested stakeholders

The platform will deliver:

● Quarterly and annual program performance reports

● Environmental outcome reporting (CI reductions, soil health, water conservation)

● Monitoring & Evaluation dashboards tied to clear KPIs

● Centralized, auditable documentation aligned with EPA and NDWEE timelines

1.7

Maintenance and Updates (See Section V.E for additional background)

a. Provide ongoing system maintenance to ensure the platform remains secure, up-to-date, and optimized for performance.

b. Offer post-launch updates to enhance functionality, fix bugs, and incorporate new features based on user feedback or evolving program requirements.

c. Monitor system performance to ensure 99.5% uptime reliability and quick resolution of any issues that arise.

ARVA views long-term operations as a stewardship responsibility.

Throughout the agreement and provision of services, ARVA commits to:

● Maintaining ≥99.5% system uptime

● Proactive monitoring and incident response

● Continuous security patching and feature enhancement

● Structured change management to accommodate evolving policy needs

2. PI & CI GRANTS DIGITAL INTERFACE: Design, Develop, and Maintain a digital interface for the Precision and Regenerative Agricultural Grant Programs.

a. Maintain control over data to reassure participants the data will be maintained and used in a way that protects a participant’s privacy. (See below and Section E)

b. Support data management via an approved API

c. Develop an incentive-based program and workflow whereby applications will be efficiently received, reviewed, approved, and reimbursed to producers needing transitionary support.

d. Facilitate application processing on a rolling basis until funds are expended.

ARVA RESPONSE:

The Precision and Regenerative Agriculture Grants Digital Interface is designed as a grant application, scoring, prioritization, policy execution and fiscal accountability platform, translating legislative intent, NDWEE program design, and federal grant requirements into transparent, auditable, and outcomes accessible by the producer and administration. From an executive standpoint, the grants system is not only an intake portal, but also an integrated governance infrastructure that must balance producer accessibility, Carbon Intensity environmental impact verification, fiscal controls, and long-term public accountability.

All grants functionality is implemented using the same secure, scalable cloud architecture as the integrated CI Data Bank and is deployed on Amazon Web Services to ensure consistency, resilience, and audit readiness across the ONE RED ecosystem.

2.1

a. Develop a secure, scalable, and user-friendly digital platform that allows participants or approved third-party vendors to upload cropping data.

b. Allow participants or approved third-party service providers to submit precision agriculture applications for program review and interface with NDWEE’s Grant Management software, if applicable, to manage participant grant payments.

c. Develop and include a Scenario Modeling Tool to generate “what-if” impacts such as switching to no-till, adding cover crops or using renewable energy such as biodiesel.

d. Create an intuitive interface where farmers can access their cropping data, track payment status, and monitor their historical data.

e. Design a backend system capable of storing and organizing large volumes of cropping data, with advanced search, filtering, and reporting capabilities.

f. Integrate a payment system, considering any NDWEE’s Grant Management software, that issues the grant payment once cropping data has been received, verified, and confirmed.

g. Ensure API integration with third-party service providers who will upload cropping data, including verification of authorized approved service providers and standardizing data formats for seamless input.

The Precision and Regenerative Agriculture Grants Interface will be architected as an integrated, configurable, and modular platform capable of supporting multiple grant types, evolving eligibility criteria, and future legislative or programmatic changes without structural redesign.

Policy-Driven Configuration

Grant eligibility rules, scoring criteria, funding thresholds, approval workflows, and funding caps will be configurable by NDWEE administrators without code changes.

This preserves NDWEE’s policy authority while minimizing operational friction as programs evolve.

Secure Data Intake and Application Submission

The platform will allow producers or NDWEE-approved third-party service providers to securely upload cropping data and submit grant applications through role-based access controls. Submission workflows will include:

● Structured application forms aligned with NDWEE program criteria

● Required documentation upload capability

● Automated completeness checks prior to submission

● Timestamped and auditable intake records

Where applicable, the platform will interface with NDWEE’s Grant Management software to support payment coordination and administrative reporting.

Scenario Modeling Tool (“What-If” Analysis)

The grants platform will include a producer-facing scenario modeling tool that allows participants to evaluate potential impacts of adopting practices such as no-till, cover crops, equipment upgrades, or renewable fuel use.

Executive priorities include:

● Producer-Facing “What-If” Modeling: Producers can evaluate how different practices, acres, or investment levels may affect eligibility, projected grant amounts, and expected environmental outcomes.

● Policy-Aligned Assumptions: All modeling logic will reflect NDWEE-approved assumptions and parameters to ensure consistency between modeled and actual outcomes.

● Clarity Without Over-Promising: Tools are explicitly positioned as decision aids, not guarantees, reinforcing program integrity and managing expectations.

Intuitive Producer Interface

Producers will have access to a secure dashboard where they can:

● Upload cropping and practice data

● Submit and track grant applications

● View approval milestones

● Monitor payment status and history

● Access historical submissions and documentation

The interface will be designed for usability by non-technical users and optimized for both desktop and mobile access.

Backend Data Architecture

The backend system will securely store and organize large volumes of cropping, financial, and supporting documentation data with:

● Advanced search and filtering capabilities

● Role-based administrative views

● Export functionality for NDWEE reporting and oversight

● Immutable audit logging of submissions, reviews, and payment actions

Payment Integration

The system will integrate with electronic payment mechanisms (e.g., ACH/direct deposit) and, where applicable, NDWEE’s Grant Management software to ensure grant payments are issued only after required data submission, verification, and NDWEE approval.

API Integration with Approved Service Providers

The platform will support secure API-based integration with NDWEE-approved third-party service providers for standardized data uploads. API access will include:

● Authorization controls to ensure only approved providers can submit data

● Standardized data formats to ensure consistency and validation

● Automated verification checks and exception handling workflows

2.2

Data Security and Privacy

a. Implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data, including encryption of both in-transit and at-rest data.

b. Ensure data privacy compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, or applicable federal/state regulations) to protect participants’ confidential information.

c. Authenticate and verify third-party approved service providers to ensure only approved, verified entities can upload cropping data, minimizing the risk of fraudulent or erroneous data entries.

d. Conduct and report on an annual cybersecurity audit whose team includes Certified Information Systems Auditors (CISA), Certified Information Security Managers (CISM), or Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP).

i. The vendor should have expertise in SOC 2 (System and Organization

Controls), ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management Systems), and NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) cybersecurity frameworks to ensure a high level of technical scrutiny.

Grant program data will be governed under the same producer ownership, consent, and security framework as the CI Data Bank. ARVA will implement robust cybersecurity and privacy controls to protect sensitive participant and operational data, including:

● Encryption in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols and managed key controls.

● Role-based access controls (least privilege) to ensure NDWEE staff, reviewers, support staff, and approved third parties can only access data required for their authorized functions.

● Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged users and administrative roles.

● Approved provider authentication and authorization to ensure only NDWEE-approved, verified entities can submit cropping data and related grant documentation.

● Audit logging and traceability of system access, data submissions, workflow actions, and payment events to support internal controls and external audit requirements.

● Compliance readiness and annual cybersecurity audit: ARVA will conduct and provide NDWEE an annual third-party cybersecurity audit performed by qualified professionals (CISA/CISM/CISSP) and maintain governance practices aligned with SOC 2, ISO/IEC 27001, and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.

These controls are designed to protect producer privacy, preserve data integrity, and ensure the grants platform remains defensible under state and federal oversight.

2.3 Payment Processing Integration

a. Automate incentive payments to participants based on predefined rules and thresholds determined by NDWEE once valid cropping data is confirmed.

b. Integrate with banking or payment systems (e.g., ACH, digital wallets, or direct deposit platforms) to facilitate timely and accurate payments to participants.

c. Track and report payments in real-time, offering participants a clear view of payment status and transaction history.

Payment processing within the Precision and Regenerative Agriculture Grant Programs is treated as a core program governance function, requiring the same rigor, compliance, and transparency as the CI incentive framework. ARVA will ensure that all grant-related payments are executed in a manner that is compliant with NDWEE requirements, State of Nebraska fiscal controls, and applicable federal grant management and audit standards.

ARVA’s payment processing approach is designed to provide NDWEE with policy control while delivering producers a predictable, transparent, and efficient disbursement and reimbursement experience.

Key executive commitments include:

● Compliance-First Grant Disbursement

○ Grant payments will be issued only after grant applications, supporting documentation, and cropping or practice data have been received, reviewed, verified, and approved in accordance with NDWEE-defined program rules.

○ Payment workflows will align with state accounting requirements, segregation-of-duties controls, and federal grant compliance obligations, including documentation and reporting expectations associated with EPA funding.

○ All grant disbursements will be supported by complete digital records linking application approval, verification, and payment execution.

● Flexible and Adaptive Payment Mechanisms

○ The platform will support electronic payment options such as ACH and direct deposit and will be architected to accommodate additional NDWEE-approved electronic payment methods if program needs or regulatory guidance evolve.

○ Payment configurations will be flexible enough to support different grant structures, reimbursement models, or phased payments without requiring system re-engineering.

○ This flexibility ensures alignment with both regulatory requirements and producer expectations regarding timeliness and clarity of reimbursement.

● Participant Transparency and Status Visibility

○ Grant applicants will have secure, real-time visibility into application status, approval milestones, and payment progress through intuitive dashboards.

○ Clear notifications and payment status indicators will reduce administrative friction and enhance participant confidence in program execution.

● Auditability and Financial Oversight

○ Comprehensive payment logs, transaction histories, and audit trails will be maintained for all grant disbursements.

○ Grant payment data will be readily available for NDWEE review, reconciliation, reporting, and federal audit support.

○ The system will support routine audits and ad hoc financial reviews without reliance on manual reconciliation processes.

This approach ensures that grant payment processing is secure, compliant, transparent, and adaptable, protecting NDWEE and the State while delivering a producer-centered experience consistent with the goals of the ONE RED program.

2.4

System Validation and Quality Assurance

a. Test the platform thoroughly for functionality, scalability, security, and usability before launch.

b. Perform continuous quality assurance (QA) and updates to ensure system stability and performance as usage scales up.

c. Review and conform to NDWEE’s Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) for this project. (See Attachment B)

d. Provide support for future upgrades, including the ability to adapt to changing requirements or integration with additional functionalities (e.g., integration with carbon markets).

Quality assurance is treated as a…