RFP-Food and Agriculture Final Mile/Scaled Distribution Project

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is issuing an Intermediate Procurement RFP for the Food and Agriculture Final Mile/Scaled Distribution Project, seeking contractor services to identify viable logistics pathways connecting Oregon food producers to local and regional markets. The primary scope of work involves conducting structured interviews and field research with Oregon producers, food businesses, distributors, and wholesale buyers across Oregon, Washington, Northern California, Western Idaho, and Western Montana. Minimum participation requirements include interviews with at least 20 farms and food businesses, 10 final-mile distributors and logistics providers, and 10 regional grocery retailers and wholesale buyers, along with activities such as mapping distribution capacity, analyzing logistics options, and evaluating the Distribution First pilot program in the Puget Sound region on May 7-8, 2026. Key deliverables include a project workplan due within 30 days of contract award, producer interview summary and distribution partner directory due at contract midpoint, distribution pathway mapping, pilot evaluation summary, and a final comprehensive report due by December 1, 2026. Qualified offerors must demonstrate at least two years of experience in research, market analysis, supply chain analysis, or similar consulting services related to agriculture, food systems, logistics, or regional economic development, with prior experience conducting food system partner interviews and industry outreach. Proposals are limited to five pages and must be submitted electronically through OregonBuys with clarification requests due April 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time and proposals due April 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time, with anticipated award notification by May 13, 2026. Evaluation criteria consist of relevant project experience (30 points), participant engagement experience (20 points), methodology and work approach (20 points), Oregon food system knowledge (30 points), and cost evaluation (20 points), for a total of 120 possible points.

The State of Oregon encourages participation from certified disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and emerging small businesses, though no specific set-asides are mandated. All offerors must carry Commercial General Liability Insurance of not less than $5,000,000 per occurrence and Professional Liability Insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 annual aggregate if applicable. The contract term is structured for nine months with an option to renew for up to two additional years on a time-and-materials basis with detailed cost breakdowns required. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has budgeted $68,000 for this project. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation. The State reserves the right to reject any or all offers and may conduct additional evaluation rounds including presentations, interviews, or best and final offers as deemed in the State's best interest.