MSU Northern Feasibility Study for Meat Processing Program

Montana State University Northern is issuing a Request for Proposal for professional services to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for the development of an undergraduate meat processing program. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to perform market research and feasibility analysis with three primary objectives: evaluate Montana-based meat processing market labor needs and employment sustainability; assess student demand and enrollment sustainability based on Montana demographics and expressed interest; and critically evaluate best practices in meat processing education from other states to identify strategies for maximizing both student interest and employer demand. The RFP opened on March 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM MDT and closes on April 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM MDT, with proposals remaining sealed until the closing deadline. Questions may be submitted to the public Q&A board by March 24, 2026, though late submissions may not receive responses. Qualified offerors must demonstrate prior experience with similar feasibility studies and market research services within the last three years, verified through a minimum of three professional references. The University reserves the right to request audited financial statements for the three consecutive years preceding the RFP issuance, along with any subsequent quarterly financial statements, to confirm financial stability. Pricing is proposed on a fixed-price basis for the entire feasibility study including all associated costs, with payment terms of Net 30, and all costs including travel must be fully disclosed in proposals.

The RFP does not specify set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation to particular organization types or disadvantaged enterprises, meaning the opportunity is open to qualified contractors from any sector. However, offerors who demonstrate compliance with Montana Executive Order No. 12-2016 regarding equal pay for Montana women through wage transparency best practices will receive a 5 percent bonus in scoring, which does not count toward any minimum passing score. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing infrastructure requiring integration are identified in the procurement documentation. The RFP does not specify a budget range or award value; instead, contractors submit fixed-price proposals for the feasibility study scope, with all associated costs disclosed upfront. The primary contact for this procurement is Jeni Luft at jeni.luft@montana.edu or +1 406-994-3210.