DFW Economic Impact Analysis

The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is seeking a qualified consultant or consulting team to conduct a comprehensive Economic Impact Analysis of hunting, fishing, and wildlife‑watching activities across the state. The study will quantify financial contributions, employment, resident income, GDP, and tax revenues generated by wildlife‑related recreation, and will optionally break down results by four regional sub‑areas and up to three sub‑categories per activity. Deliverables include a technical written report and, if desired, costed options for regional sub‑analyses. The contract will run for 18 months starting December 1 2026, with an option to renew. • Scope: Estimate equipment sales, travel costs, lodging, food, jobs, income, GDP, and taxes linked to hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. • Geographic coverage: State‑wide with optional regional breakdowns (four regions). • Sub‑category options: non‑resident fishing, bass, deer, non‑resident hunting, various bird‑watching categories, boat‑based wildlife watching, and crosstabulation of hunter/angler expenditures. • Deliverable: Technical written report; optional costed sub‑analysis. • Timeline: Contract 18 months; start 12/1/26; submission deadline 10/16/26. • Budget: Not disclosed; bidders must submit firm pricing. • Evaluation criteria: Experience, timeline feasibility, cost, proposal quality. • Mandatory compliance: Climate‑change certification for bids > $25,000, resident‑business preference, standard state contract terms.