The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (Department) seeks proposals from eligible entities, to administer a Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program (Program) established by the New York State Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Enacted Aid to Localities Budget (Chapter 53, L. 2022).

Deadline for Submission of Questions - February 14, 2023
Final Questions and Answers Posted - February 21, 2023

The following entities are eligible to submit a proposal:
a. Municipalities
b. Public benefit corporations
c. Local development corporations
d. Not-for-profit organizations
NOTE: Proposals will also be accepted from eligible entities proposing to partner with other organizations to provide financial assistance, including capital assistance to ensure the effective distribution of grant funds. The lead partner must be an eligible entity under this Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be considered the lead Program Administrator.

The contract resulting from this RFP will be for a four (4) year term. The contract will tentatively begin on April 1, 2023 and end on March 31, 2027.

The Contractor agrees not to subcontract any of its services, unless as indicated in its proposal, without the prior written approval of the Department. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld upon receipt of written request to subcontract.
The Contractor may arrange for a portion/s of its responsibilities under this Agreement to be subcontracted to qualified, responsible subcontractors, subject to approval of the Department. If the Contractor determines to subcontract a portion of the services, the subcontractors must be clearly identified and the nature and extent of its involvement in and/or proposed performance under this Agreement must be fully explained by the Contractor to the Department. As part of this explanation, the subcontractor must submit to the Department a completed Vendor Assurance of No Conflict of Interest or Detrimental Effect form, as required by the Contractor prior to execution of this Agreement.

See RFP for additional details.