Program Administrator for the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program Round 3

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets seeks information from organizations with experience working with or representing socially and economically disadvantaged farmers. The Department’s objective in issuing this Request for Information (RFI) is to identify qualified entities that would be interested in administering the Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Competitive Grant Program (Program) and receive feedback regarding the Program scope of services including challenges to administering the Program.This RFI is not a solicitation of actual proposals to administer this program. A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be published on a later date. All respondents to this RFI will be notified when the RFP becomes available. The Department is authorized to enter into agreements with the following entities for the administration of the Program:• municipalities,• public benefit corporations,• local development corporations, or• not-for-profit organizations.The Department is seeking organizations that can provide financial assistance, including capital assistance to grant awardees to ensure the effective distribution of grant funds. Eligible entities who do not directly provide financial and/or capital assistance are encouraged to partner with such organizations to administer the Program.