New York State Contract Reporter #RFP0397

This opportunity supports local and regional organizations in New York State to build staff capacity for farmland protection projects: - Government Buyer: - New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets - Division of Land and Water Resources - Eligible Applicants: - Counties, municipalities, soil and water conservation districts, and not-for-profit conservation organizations (e.g., land trusts) holding agricultural conservation easements - Funding Details: - Total available: $1,000,000 - Maximum award per proposal: $300,000 - Funding provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) - Products and Services Requested: - Personnel costs for hiring new staff or expanding current staff dedicated to farmland protection - Employee training - Supplies and materials for project implementation - Technology (laptop computers, mobile phones) for new or expanded staff - Mileage reimbursement for staff travel - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Projects must focus on planning and implementing agricultural conservation easement projects - Work plans must include measurable objectives and performance measures - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; this is a grant for staffing and capacity building, not procurement of goods - No MWBE subcontracting goals - Proposals are evaluated and funded in order of rank until funds are exhausted - Period of Performance: - Four-year contract term - Projects expected to complete within three years of hiring funded staff - Annual progress reports required for three years after hire - Place of Performance and Delivery: - Statewide across New York - Primary government office: 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is soliciting proposals for financial assistance to build staff capacity for entities holding agricultural conservation easements on viable agricultural land. The program aims to support local agricultural and farmland protection goals by increasing staff capacity to initiate or accelerate farmland protection projects at local and regional levels. Funding of $1 million is available, with individual awards capped at $300,000, to be granted based on proposal scores until funds are exhausted. The contract term is four years, and proposals are due by June 26, 2026.