RFQ-AGR-TAP-FY27-Business Plans 133271.pdf

MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST FOR RESPONSE/QUOTE (RFR/RFQ)

Thank you for your interest in responding to this RFR. Please review this document to assist you in submitting a QUOTE/RESPONSE via COMMBUYS.

Title of Bid:

COMMBUYS Bid Number:

or just search by:

COMMBUYS Submissions Due By:

For further COMMBUYS information, you can follow the links below:

1. COMMBUYS Landing Page:

https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

2. Instructional Job Aids for Vendors using COMMBUYS:

https://www.mass.gov/service-details/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys

3. COMMBUYS Help Desk:

(888) 627-8283 Open M-F 8am – 5pm.

COMMBUYS Quote Submission Training and Instructions The following links to resources are provided to assist Bidders in submitting Quotes:

Step 1: If you are a New Vendor to COMMBUYS Completing a New Vendor Registration in COMMBUYS | Mass.gov

Step 2: Once you have a Login for COMMBUYS 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

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

COMMBUYS Support (Every effort is made to respond to inquiries within 48 Hours) Email: Send inquiries to the OSD Help Desk at OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov Telephone: Call the OSD Help Desk at 1-888-627-8283. Open M-F 8am – 5pm

In addition to the links of COMMBUYS instruction job-aids linked above, we have developed this abbreviated cheat-sheet to help guide you through the COMMBUYS process.

Please follow the steps below to help assist you in successfully submitting your Quote.

PLEASE read through this entire document before trying to respond via COMMBUYS.

Most questions that may come up are answered in this document.

When you are ready to begin the Quote process, PLEASE follow the steps to avoid issues with the submission process.

https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml https://www.mass.gov/service-details/job-aids-for-vendors-using-commbuys 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 mailto:OSDHelpDesk@mass.gov

STEPS:

1) SIGN IN to your existing COMMBUYS account or choose Supplier Registration.

a) https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml

b) If you do not have an account click or enter the below for the Job Aid of Completing Registration in COMMBUYS https://www.mass.gov/doc/commbuys-vendor-registration-job-aid/download

c) You can View a Bid without being Signed In, but you will not be able to start the Create Quote Process unless you are SIGNED IN.

2) Upon successful login.

a) Click the image that looks like a GEAR on the top right corner of the home page.

Once you click on it select Advanced Search on the drop down to find our Bid.

b) Once you click on Advanced Search, a new window will pop up.

3) Advanced Search

a) In Document Type field click the drop down menu and select BID Solicitations

Then the Advanced Search page will open.

b) In the Bid Solicitation # field enter:

c) At the bottom of the page click SEARCH

See screen example below https://www.commbuys.com/bso/view/login/login.xhtml https://www.mass.gov/doc/commbuys-vendor-registration-job-aid/download

4. Results Page

a. Once the Results page shows the Bid for click on the blue hyperlink Bid#

(see example below)

Once you click on the blue hyperlink, the Bid Solicitation Summary Page will open.

b. At the bottom of this page, click on the Follow button.

c. Then the Acknowledge Receipt and View Solicitation page opens. Click YES This will allow you to receive future updates regarding this Bid, including Amendments.

d. After acknowledging receipt, you will return to the Bid Summary page.

5. Review Bid Solicitation Attachments.

a. Scroll down to “FILE ATTACHMENTS”: Open and Download & Read through all of the Documents so you are comfortable with all terms and required information and forms that must be submitted with your Quote. Then Complete your own documents and any Department required forms. This way you will have all the documents ready to upload when you are ready to begin creating your quote.

b. To begin later, you can repeat steps 1-4 to return to the Bid Summary page.

c. On the bottom part of the page, click Create Quote.

6. New Quote page will open.

a. You only need to complete

• Info Contact: Contact information for questions regarding quote.

b. Immediately Skip to the bottom of the page and click on Save & Continue.

c. The pages refreshes displaying your new Quote Number.

d. System messages are also displayed.

• A red error message “Quote Validation Errors: Terms & Conditions is not acknowledged”. Ignore for now, that is a step later in this process.

• A yellow message reads: “Quote Validation Warnings: Your quote has not been submitted.” This continues to show until successfully submitted.

DEPARTMENTAL REQUEST FOR RESPONSE (RFR)

e. Click on the Items tab to continue creating the quote

7. Complete the Quote Items Tab

a) Be sure that the See Quote Attachment(s) box is pre-selected ✓, and the No Charge and

Unit Cost selections are disabled. You don’t need to enter any dollars on this screen.

b) These settings allow you to upload all required information in your attachments you’ll upload in a later step.

c) At the bottom of the page click Save & Continue

8. Answering Buyer Questions

a. The Department may choose to use COMMBUYS to ask questions that must be answered before a quote can be submitted. In such cases, a red error message displays at the top of the screen. But not used for every RFR.

b. If there are, type answers to questions then click Save & Continue. Any red Question related error message disappear.

c. Otherwise, click the Terms & Conditions tab.

correct and ready to be submitted. You can open them from the blue hyperlink.

9. Click on Terms & Conditions Header.

a. Click Yes at the bottom of page under: Do you accept the terms & conditions of the bid? Then click Save & Continue.

b. When the screen refreshes, the red warning “Quote Validation Errors: Terms & Conditions is not acknowledged” will be gone.

c. Continue to the Attachments Tab.

10. Click on the Attachments Tab.

Here you will upload all of your previously saved documents you had prepared.

a. Click Add File and follow the prompts to upload the forms from your computer, (like you would an attachment to an email)

b. After uploading the necessary file, click Save & Exit then repeat the Add File step for as many documents as you have.

c.

d. Once everything is uploaded, click Save & Exit.

e. You have the option to check off the Confidential box to designate an attachment as confidential. Mark only those documents that contain confidential information not subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law (e.g., those containing your Tax ID, bank account information, etc.) as confidential.

f. Similarly, to remove an attachment uploaded in error, click the Delete box for the item.

Click Save & Continue to save any changes.

attachments to make sure the required document(s) are Be sure to review your

Attachments screen examples:

11. Go to Summary Tab. see example.

a. At the top of this page, you will still see the yellow “Quote Validation Warning: Your quote has NOT been submitted”.

b. Review the summary page to make sure all your attachments are correct.

c. At bottom of page click Submit Quote

The most common error in completing the process is NOT clicking

SUBMIT QUOTE.

d. The Summary Page will refresh, and the Status field will read Submitted.

e. And at the bottom the only option should be the Withdraw Quote button.

12. Upon successful submission

a. You will also 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 above steps or contact the COMMBUYS Help Desk.

13. Once Quotes are received, the Department will review submissions after the Bid Opening Date and be in contact for next steps.

END

mailto:notifications@commbuys.com

REQUEST FOR BIDS – BUSINESS PLANNING SERVICES

FARM VIABILITY PROGRAMS FISCAL YEAR 2027- 18 Projects

SCOPE OF WORK – The following expectations apply to all 18 farm business planning assignments:

Business plan to include, but not limited to, a description of the farm business, current operations and management, and existing market; goals and objectives for the farm for the next 3 years; a Use of Funds section listing planned use of grant funds with updated cost estimates and owner contribution including any required match and description of intended impact of the investments; a section addressing AIP objectives met for AIP participants, and, for AIP and FVEP, the status of any succession planning done to date and any related needs. A one-page Executive Summary is to be included at the beginning of the plan document that contains a brief farm description, summarizes main goal(s), planned use of grant funds, with $ of grant amount and any required matching funds, and a statement describing expected impact(s) of these improvements on the farm’s operation, as related to efficiency, productivity, cost savings, and/or overall viability. Either a comprehensive plan format or a more focused enterprise plan format may be used as appropriate, based on preference by the farm participant - with either format, plan must contain required elements outlined above.

Historical financials summarizing annual farm income, expenses, and net income/loss for the prior three years will be entered into a spreadsheet for the prior 3 years (or number of years in business if less than 3 for MEGA participants) based on tax and other actual financial data provided by the farm participant. Estimates may be used for the prior year (2026) if tax data is not yet available. Assumptions are to be set with the farm participant and clearly stated in writing as the basis for development of annual farm income and expense projections for the next 3 years to be entered into a spreadsheet. A Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement will be prepared listing assets and liabilities for the farm as of a recent date.

The Business Planner is required to schedule and attend an initial meeting to take place at the farm to meet farm participant(s) in person and to tour the farm to learn about the operation and needs. At least one more in person meeting is encouraged to review financial data and set assumptions for projections. Communication between the Business Planner and farm participant(s) for the remainder of the planning process may take place through farm visits, videoconferencing, email, and/or phone calls as agreed to with farm participants in order to finalize financials; set goals, help plan and site proposed grant project, and draft and finalize the narrative plan document. Farm participants are expected to obtain and provide recent cost estimates to support proposal for use of grant funds, and to review drafts and approve the final plan and financials before Business Planner submits them to the Program Coordinator no more than 2 weeks before and up to the plan due date for the associated program. Business Planner is to make any final additions or edits requested by the Program Coordinator to finalize the plan within 2 weeks of receiving this feedback and then submit an invoice upon approval of the final plan. If a later deadline is needed, due to issues outside of the control of the Business Planner, a written request for an extension may be submitted to the Program Coordinator prior to the deadline for consideration. If an extension is granted, plans must be submitted by the new deadline, which is not expected to go more than 2 weeks after initial deadline.

Services and reports must be prepared to specifications detailed in Technical Assistance Providers RFR# AGR-TAP-23.

Each available farm business planning assignment is described below for the three Farm Viability Programs: APR Improvement Program, Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture, and Farm Viability Enhancement Program. Any qualified Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) under contract with the Department under TAP RFR #AGR-TAP-23 may submit a bid on any farm(s) they are interested in working with in any of the programs. Bids/quotes will be subject to evaluation by the review team based on answers to the questions provided for each Request for Bid, and TAPs are not guaranteed to receive any number of assignments.

Responses to Request for Bids must be sent through COMMBUYS by 4:00 PM on Thursday September 24, 2026.

Refer to the How to submit an RFR Quote via COMMBUYS document and if you still need assistance with COMMBUYS, please contact Rob Monahan at Robert.Monahan@mass.gov. The successful bidder is expected to receive a Notice to Proceed by around October 9, 2026. Selected bidders will be expected to attend a virtual meeting to be scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30pm for an overview of expectations for the business planning process.

mailto:Robert.Monahan@mass.gov

PROGRAM: APR Improvement Program

Request for Bid: Upswing Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Upswing Farm located in Pepperrell, MA in Middlesex County.

Completed plan and financials to be completed and submitted by due date of March 2, 2027.

Project Description:

Brittany and Kevin Overshiner own and operate Upswing Farm on a 131-acre property with 127 acres in APR. They cultivate 25 acres of crop land for mixed vegetables, cut flowers, asparagus, raspberries, and blueberries and rent an additional 4 acres of cropland. They lease 40 acres of hay land to another farmer; with the remaining owned acreage in 35 acres of non-managed woodland, 12 acres of wetlands, 3 acres of farm buildings and 1-acre residences. Crops are sold through a 500-member CSA, farmers markets, and a farm stand. Upswing Farm completed a business plan through the MDAR Growing Your Farm Business planning course and participated in MEGA in 2018-2019 prior to purchasing the current farm property where they moved in 2021. They have reached the end of their most recent business plan and exceeded all goals. Demand for their products is high, and they are at the limits of what their infrastructure and systems can support. Brittany and Kevin desire business planning as their farm matures to help them determine whether to scale up or if that would increase burnout. The proposed project is for an NRCS recommended irrigation system including pumps, a pump house, buried irrigation lines, hydrants, and an efficient distribution system using micro emitters.

A grant award of up to $150,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through COMMBUYS with the Program and Farm Name and answers to the following questions:

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified vegetable operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Middlesex County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of expectations in the business planning process?

Request for Bid: Hanson’s Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Hanson’s Farm located in Framingham, MA in Middlesex County.

Thomas and Martha Hanson operate Hanson’s Farm on 50 acres of owned land with 35 protected in APR. 25 acres of owned land and 30 acres of leased land are cultivated to produce corn, berries, pumpkins, sunflowers and mixed vegetables sold from the farm through pick-your-own, a farm store, and a CSA of 100-125 members. Additionally, the farm offers agritourism events including a corn maze, sunflower maze, u-pick pumpkins and events featuring live music and prepared foods. The proposed project includes a new well, pump, and water lines, barn repairs to the foundation, flooring, roof, and windows, repairs and upgrades to the farm stand, and electrical and equipment upgrades to the commercial kitchen.

A grant award of up to $125,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for produce operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Middlesex County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: Baldwin Farm LLC

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Baldwin Farm LLC located in West Stockbridge, MA in Berkshire County.

Tobias and Cameo Casey own and operate Baldwin Farm LLC , a family farm operating with their son, Declan, on 138 acres of owned land with 131 in APR. The farm has been in operation for 8 years, and raises beef, pork, broilers, turkeys, and eggs on 59 acres of owned pasture and an addition 50 acres of leased pastureland. The rest of the owned acreage includes 60 acres unmanaged woodland, 15 acres in farm buildings, 3 acres in residences and 1 acre wetlands. At the time of application the farm had 45 head cattle, 50 pigs, 700 meat chickens, 900 layers, and 200 turkeys. Products are primarily sold retail through the farmstand with some sales to restaurants and stores. In addition to meat and eggs, there is a value-added operation producing pot pies, soups, broths, sausages, and other frozen prepared meals. The proposed project includes a hoop barn for winter housing for their layers and an on-farm poultry processing facility built in an upfitted, insulated shipping container with refrigeration, to expand poultry and value-added poultry products.

A grant award of up to $150,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for livestock operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Berkshire County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

PROGRAM: Farm Viability Enhancement Program (FVEP)

Request for Bid: Catlin Farmstead LLC

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Catlin Farmstead LLC located in Winchendon, MA in Worcester County.

Completed plan and financials to be completed and submitted by due date of March 16, 2027.

Catlin Farmstead LLC is a dairy farm owned by John and Alyssa Catlin operating on 43 acres in Winchendon, with 185 Holstein milking cows and 95 heifers. The farm both ships milk to Dairy Farmers of America and supplies their sister company, Smith’s Country Cheese with milk to produce value-added cheeses and other dairy products sold largely locally. While they do not grow any of their own feed, they do maintain some pastureland and foster a lucrative compost enterprise onsite. The farm consistently earns a seven-figure gross income, but due to volatile production costs and milk prices, its overall profitability varies widely from year to year and they remain highly leveraged. Mike Catlin, the main farm manager, has been managing the business for 10 years, and the farm employs three full-time employees. They do not have any immediate plans for farm transition as they are still in their 30s and their children are still young. Through FVEP they are looking to build capacity to house their heifer stock, as they have historically been managed off-site 15 minutes away with the burden of associated rental costs. Through this project and planning effort, they are interested in improving their heifer reproduction and breeding practices to improve their overall farm viability.

A grant award of up to $130,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for dairy operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Worcester County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: Hartley-Rhodes, Inc.

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Hartley-Rhodes Inc. located in Rochester, MA in Plymouth County.

Hartley-Rhodes, Inc. is a multi-generational cranberry farm that operates on 11 active acres of bogs on their 36-acre property. They mainly supply their cranberries through wholesale accounts, which they estimate at 75% of their total gross revenue. They have recently established a new bog specifically for agricultural tourism, with increasing traffic and income from bog tours and their onsite gift shop. They also process their own fruit with sales to various retail outlets like stores and restaurants, and farmers markets across Southern New England. Brothers Greenwood and Walter Hartley have managed the business for over 25 years and recognize that they need to develop formal business and farm transfer plans as they age. Their multiple children and grandchildren are involved with various aspects of the farm, with several taking interest in eventually managing the farm one day. Through FVEP they are looking to invest in several pieces of equipment that will improve their operational efficiency such as a loader, mini excavator, and mower, as well as a new building to store this equipment to protect its longevity.

A grant award of up to $90,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for cranberry operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Plymouth County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: Hassenegk Acres

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Hassenegk Acres located in Westport, MA in Bristol County.

Hassenegk Acres is a 47-acre beef cattle operation in Westport, MA owned by the Small family. The farm manages 40 heads of cattle, which are pastured, in addition to a small flock of chickens, a pig and an acre of mixed vegetables. They also rent an additional 79 acres of hay land and produce roughly 1,000 bales annually.

All sales are completed through direct retail markets, including a small farm stand and online beef sales through Facebook orders. Their income has grown substantially in the past several years as they have ramped up investments to improve their commercial outlook. Josh and his wife Vanessa are fourth generation farmers on the land, having recently been transferred the property by Josh’s parents Ronald and Betsy, though Josh and Vanessa have been managing day-to-day operations on the farm for the past 20 years. Through FVEP they are looking to construct an onsite breeding facility for their heifers, which they hope will reduce their transportation costs and improve animal well-being and breeding success rates. The space that will also contain enough room to show cattle through 4-H. They are additionally interested in creating a website through program technical assistance to improve online sales and marketing.

A grant award of up to $130,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified beef and vegetable operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Bristol County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: King Family Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for King Family Farm located in Uxbridge, MA in Worcester County.

King Family Farm is a 30-acre diversified hay, beef, and poultry farm that has been operated by Michael King for over a decade, though the farm has been in Michael’s family for four generations. He has approximately 10 acres, pastures Jersey cows on six acres, and maintains a flock of 500 laying hens and 350 pastured broilers. He also grows two acres of silage corn, an acre of sweet corn and garden vegetables. The farm reports wholesale income but also manages an onsite farm store that sells their products. For the past three years the farm’s income has hovered in the mid-five figures with inconsistent profits, though the farm holds no debt at this time. The farm has recently invested in high tunnels, cultivation implements, and pastured poultry equipment, but they have identified a new farm store as a critical investment through this grant program. Because the farm is located in an ideal spot right off of state route 146, Michael feels that a newer building, better signage, and marketing improvements could go a long way in improving the operation’s overall income and viability. He has also identified hay storage, deer fencing, and livestock fencing as other operational needs. The operator expresses a need for a formal business plan and while there are no current plans for a future farm transition, Michael has expressed interest in permanent land protection options in the future.

determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified hay and poultry operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Worcester County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: Moonlight Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Moonlight Farm located in Ashburnham, MA in Worcester County.

Moonlight Farm is a 70-acre diversified vegetable and poultry farm owned and operated by Megan Glennon and her young family for the past 12 years. The farm cultivates a wide variety of vegetables on 5 acres of cropland and raises a flock of approximately 600 laying hens on 2 acres of pasture. The remaining acreage on the property is in managed woodland. Most of the farm’s products are sold through its 60-member CSA program, as well as several local farmers markets throughout the year. The farm’s gross revenue has remained consistent for the past three years, though profit has remained marginal and the farm has a sizable mortgage with FSA. Megan and her partner Aidan, Farm Manager, have identified several opportunities for growth, mainly in expanding their growing opportunities both geographically on their rocky farm as well as temporally with season-extending equipment. Through FVEP they are looking to purchase a stone burier to remove rocks from their cultivated areas, a manure spreader for better fertilization, as well as four heated greenhouses to allow them to grow vegetables year-round and ideally live solely off of their farm income.

A grant award of up to $130,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified vegetable operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Worcester County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of

Request for Bid: They Keep Bees

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for They Keep Bees located in Montague, MA in Franklin County.

They Keep Bees is a 21-acre apiary owned and managed by Ang Roell and Bi Kline since 2019. Together they manage 200 hives on their land, which they dedicate to bee forage in a variety of forms. They also manage 3 acres of chestnut, aronia, and elderberry for various value-added direct-to-consumer products. In 2025 they produced 2,000 pounds of honey,400 pounds of beeswax, 350 queen bees and 100 starter hives for sale, most of which is sold directly to stores, restaurants, and their online store, with about 25% of these sales made through wholesale accounts. Their gross revenue has continued to climb steadily over the past three years, as has their profit margin, though they still cite growth opportunities with cash flow, risk management, and energy efficiency. Through FVEP they are looking to create a honey and beeswax processing facility with various extraction equipment, investments they’ve identified as having the potential to scale up existing production and expand market opportunities. They are currently working with The Carrot Project on market channel analysis and scenario planning but are looking forward to the opportunity through FVEP to additionally refine their marketing strategies and strengthen their overall financial planning.

A grant award of up to $90,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for apiary operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Franklin County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an overview of expectations in the business planning process?

Request for Bid: Wendling Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Wendling Farm located in Williamstown, MA in Berkshire County.

Wendling Farm is a 169-acre hay and cattle farm owned by Averill Cook in Williamstown, MA, leasing an additional 50 acres of leased hay and pastureland. The farm uses 58 acres to produce over 500 tons of baleage and dry hay and pastures their beef herd of 40+ cattle on 45 acres of grazing land. All hay and beef products are sold through local wholesale accounts. The farm also harvests timber and firewood from its woodlands, which are sold to local sawmills. The farm’s gross income is relatively small, including some custom work and there has been a reported net loss associated with the farm for the past three years. Towards this end, Averill and his farm manager Johnathan aim to expand market opportunities for their cattle enterprise, especially to a local college, and would like to receive marketing assistance in this area. They have also invested in expanding their herd, creating a livestock housing shortage that they look to remedy through this grant with a new barn addition, expansion of cattle shelter, as well as equipment upgrades for more efficient hay harvesting.

Wendling Farm has participated in FVEP previously, receiving a $50,000 grant for haying equipment and cattle shed in 2016.

determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for beef cattle and hay operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Berkshire County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an

Request for Bid: Zuber Family Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Zuber Family Farm located in Dartmouth, MA in Bristol County.

Zuber Family Farm is a diversified livestock farm that raises 100 head of beef cattle, 16-20 hogs, 50 hens, and 50 turkeys on its 68-acre owned property. Roughly 45 acres are devoted to pastureland for the livestock, while an additional 70 acres are rented for hay production. The majority of product revenue comes from direct customer sales they’ve maintained for years, selling various cuts of beef and pigs, with 10% of total sales to wholesale accounts. The farm’s income is moderate though it has reported significant net losses for the past three years, yet with minimal debt load on one new piece of equipment. Richard has spent his life managing this farm, first with his father and now for the past four years as the principal manager alongside his wife Patricia and family members and son Tom who manages the herd. They have identified succession planning as an additional need they would like assistance with through this program. Through FVEP they have identified winter housing for their cattle as an urgent priority so that they can establish a rotational grazing program for their cattle.

determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified livestock and hay operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Bristol County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an

PROGRAM: Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture (MEGA)

Request for Bid: Beer Money Oyster Company

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Beer Money Oyster Company located in Plymouth, MA in Plymouth County.

Completed plan and financials to be completed and submitted by due date of February 16, 2027.

William Marani owns and operates Beer Money Oyster Company on a 1.432-acre site in the town of Plymouth. Operations began in 2022 with the first year of sales in 2024. The farm produces around 200,000 oysters per year for sale to wholesale markets. William has invested in production infrastructure including boats, a work truck, and a walk-in cooler in addition to oyster production gear. William had a 20+ year career in IT, Enterprise Sales, and Marketing with a B.S. in Finance. For 3 years prior to starting the farm, he worked on established oyster farms to learn the business. With a strong interest in developing a formal business plan for the farm to validate financial projections and better understand costs and profitability, the proposed project seeks to reduce an operational bottleneck and improve efficiency by purchasing a heavy-duty boat trailer and utility trailer increasing transportation capacity to move product from the grow site back to the land-based operation for cooling, processing, and storage.

A grant award of up to $15,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for aquaculture operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Plymouth County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an

Request for Bid: Dragonfly Natives

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Dragonfly Natives located in Natick, MA in Middlesex County.

Since 2024, Kristin Jasmin Callahan has owned and operated Dragonfly Natives, a native plant nursery, on approximately an acre of leased acreage with existing infrastructure from a former wholesale nursery, including a 30’ X 110’ heater greenhouse and three 14’ X 200’ high tunnels. The operation’s main product is landscape plug trays, with additional products ranging from 200-cell trays to one-gallon pots. The primary customers are landscapers and other plant nurseries, and demand for product currently exceed production capacity due to current limits of both infrastructure and staffing. Business planning assistance is desired to help Dragonfly Natives grow and expand profitably. The proposed project is for metal bench tops to improve efficiency.

A grant award of up to $15,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for nursery operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Middlesex County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an

Request for Bid: Free Living Farm

MDAR is seeking a bid for Business Planning Services to develop a written Business Plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financial Summary; 3-year Financial Projections of income and expenses with assumptions; and Balance Sheet or Net Worth Statement for Free Living Farm located in Petersham, MA in Worcester County.

Project Description: Michael and Cara Zueger own and operate Free Living Farm on 5 acres of leased land and approximately 2 acres of owned land. The farm business began operations in 2018 and moved to the current leased land in 2021. In 2025 they purchased land within a mile of the current operation. The majority of the owned property has a Conservation Restriction that allows agricultural activities. The property is located on a busier road, and Michael and Cara plan to establish a farm stand at that location. The farm produces diversified vegetables, cut flowers, and poultry for meat and eggs for direct market sales through farmers’ markets, CSA, and a farm stand. Michael and Cara are interested in business planning to help refine goals, identify blind spots/weaknesses, and make financial plans for future investments given the new opportunities with their owned land. The proposed project includes a drilled well on the owned property, a tractor to increase efficiency, and a UTV for transportation between and on the farm properties.

A grant award of up to $30,000 has been budgeted for this farm; with final award and amount to be determined by the Department upon active participation by the farmers to complete Phase I business planning and technical assistance process and upon approval of the farm business plan and agreed upon use of grant funds to proceed to execute a Phase II contract.

To respond with interest in providing Business Planning Services to this farm, submit a bid or “quote” through

• Total Fee quote to include: farm visits and meetings, completion of business plan narrative, 3-year Historical Financials and 3-year Financial Projections (annual income & expenses) and Balance Sheet or Net Worth statement; any final revisions to plan; and up to 1.5 hours to attend virtual meeting on 10/13/26.

• Have you provided any prior consulting services to this farm? (If so, state timeframe & service provided)

• Describe any experience preparing business plans for diversified vegetable and poultry operations?

• Describe any experience working with farms in Worcester County?

• Are you available to attend a virtual meeting scheduled on October 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 2:30PM for an

Request for Bid: Humble Abode Nursery

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