FY27 MDAR RFQ- TAP Work- Fall Farm Business Plans- 18 Projects

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is requesting quotes from Technical Assistance Providers to develop comprehensive written business plans for 18 farm projects across three state programs, with quotes due September 24, 2026 by 4:00 PM through COMMBUYS. Qualified TAPs already under contract with MDAR under TAP RFR #AGR-TAP-23 may bid on any farms of interest, though receipt of assignments is not guaranteed.

The scope spans three programs: the APR Improvement Program (3 farms), the Matching Enterprise Grants for Agriculture program (8 farms), and the Farm Viability Enhancement Program (7 farms). Each business plan must include a narrative, three-year historical financial summaries, three-year financial projections with documented assumptions, and balance sheet or net worth statements. TAPs must conduct in-person farm visits for initial meetings and tours, with at least one additional in-person meeting encouraged to review financial data and establish assumptions. Farm participants are responsible for obtaining cost estimates and reviewing drafts before final approval.

The fee quote must cover all farm visits, meetings, business plan narrative development, financial analysis, and up to 1.5 hours attendance at a mandatory virtual meeting on October 13, 2026 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM. Project completion deadlines vary by program: APR Improvement Program farms due March 2, 2027; MEGA farms due February 16, 2027; and FVEP farms due March 16, 2027. TAPs may request written extensions not expected to exceed two weeks beyond the initial deadline. A Notice to Proceed is anticipated around October 9, 2026. Invoices are submitted upon final plan approval by the Program Coordinator. Individual farm grant awards range from $15,000 (MEGA) to $150,000 (APR Improvement Program), with final amounts determined upon farm participation completion and plan approval.