MDAR GRANT FY27- Massachusetts Aquaculture Centers Funding

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) under the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs is requesting responses from Massachusetts Aquaculture Centers for FY27 funding under the Aquaculture Centers Funding program, with proposals due September 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Eligible applicants are limited to Massachusetts Aquaculture Centers as identified in Chapter 209 of the Acts of 2018.

A Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) preference applies to participants with principal place of business in Massachusetts, one year of business history, 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees, and gross revenues of $15 million or less over a three-year average. All businesses may apply, but SBPP participants meeting best value criteria will be awarded. All bidders must comply with the Supplier Diversity Program (SDP), committing a minimum of 1% of contract sales to SDO-certified diverse business enterprises or non-profit organizations; at least 25% of total available evaluation points will be allocated to SDP Plan submissions.

The scope encompasses projects supporting the Massachusetts aquaculture industry, including culture and research of alternative species (algae, surf clams, mussels), freshwater aquaculture and aquaponics, hatchery capacity expansion, disease diagnostics, food safety research, marketing, extension assistance, and training. Eligible purchases include culture and monitoring equipment, aquaculture research gear, and contracted laboratory testing services.

The total available funding is $60,000 for FY27 with no match requirement, though matching funds are recommended. All projects must be completed by June 30, 2027 with no extension option, and a final report is due December 31, 2027. The anticipated award date is October 1, 2026 with contract start targeting October 2026.

Proposals will be evaluated based on impact and relevance to the Massachusetts aquaculture industry, alignment with MDAR's mission, and consistency with MDAR's Aquaculture Funding Priorities. Submissions must use Attachment A application form and be sent to sean.bowen@mass.gov. Selected contractors must obtain all required permits and approvals before reimbursement and execute the Commonwealth Standard Contract Form.