Climate Resilience Funding and Finance Study

The State of Maine, through the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future (GOPIF), is seeking qualified organizations to conduct research and develop recommended funding and financing mechanisms for climate resilience initiatives via Request for Proposals #202602023. The procurement encompasses a comprehensive Climate Resilience Funding and Finance Study with three primary objectives: identifying and categorizing climate resilience needs and funding gaps (20% weighting), designing funding, financing, insurance, and risk mitigation mechanisms (40% weighting), and identifying potential capitalization and funding sources for priority mechanisms (40% weighting). The study must align with Maine Won't Wait (2024) and A Plan for Infrastructure Resilience (2025) while addressing funding gaps across built and natural infrastructure, as well as community and household resilience efforts. Qualified bidders include nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, for-profit enterprises, and partnerships that can demonstrate expertise in supporting public-sector partners in developing sustainable funding and financing strategies, assessing funding gaps, designing grant and loan mechanisms, and leveraging public and private resources through innovative approaches. Project teams must collectively possess expertise in climate resilience, public-sector finance, institutional analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale comprising Organization Qualifications and Experience (40 points), Proposed Services (35 points), and Cost Proposal (25 points), with the lowest submitted cost receiving the full 25 points and higher bids receiving proportionally fewer points. Submission requirements include four separate files covering preliminary information, organization qualifications, proposed services, and cost proposal, submitted through the Vendor Self Service (VSS) system by April 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.; written questions must be submitted by March 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to RFP Coordinator Daniel Matz (daniel.matz@maine.gov), with the anticipated contract period running from May 1, 2026, through January 1, 2027.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting organizational type are indicated in the RFP; however, all eligible bidders must demonstrate relevant expertise and experience supporting public-sector climate resilience initiatives. The procurement appears to be open to nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, for-profit enterprises, and partnerships without explicit disadvantaged enterprise set-asides mentioned. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available documentation. The study does not reference integration with existing infrastructure or technology systems. The RFP anticipates one award, though no specific budget range or contract value is disclosed in the posted materials; interested bidders should contact the RFP Coordinator for additional financial details. All proposal submissions become public records available for inspection under Maine's Freedom of Access Act following award announcement, and the State will not seek best and final offers from bidders.