Disbursements of Processed Meats to MI Charities

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is procuring a contractor to manage the Sportsmen Against Hunger program, which involves collecting, processing, and distributing donated wild game and fish to Michigan-based charitable organizations. The primary objective is to coordinate with sportsmen, meat processors, and nonprofits to collect donated game, process it into ground venison, and distribute it to needy families across the state. Key deliverables include developing a comprehensive communications strategy, managing processor relationships, establishing distribution networks, providing annual reports by July 1st each year, and conducting independent audits. The RFP (No. 180000003353) was issued on August 28, 2018, with proposal questions due by September 12, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. EST, and final proposals due September 18, 2018, at 3:00 p.m. EST. The evaluation criteria will assess proposals based on 50 points for Statement of Work deliverables, 25 points for project plan, and 25 points for vendor experience, with a minimum of 80 technical points required to advance to pricing review.

The contract includes provisions for qualified disabled veteran (QDV) status under MCL 18.1261(8), potentially offering additional consideration for veteran-owned businesses. The contract term is three years, from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2021, with options for two additional one-year renewals at the State's discretion. The program is entirely funded through donations from Michigan sportspeople, with annual budgets ranging from $23,900 to $50,610. The total contract value is set at $180,000, with an annual budgeted amount of $60,000 for processing fees and reimbursement. Administrative costs are capped at 33% of yearly allocated funds, and the contractor will be reimbursed for processor payments (previously $0.80 per pound) and actual administrative expenditures. The program relies on volunteer staffing, and the DNR will determine the annual budget based on the previous year's donations, with the ability to halt funding with 14 days' notice if donations are insufficient.