Programa de asociación para la transición a la agricultura orgánica (TOPP)
Request for Proposal for Event Planner for West/Southwest Regional TOPP Partner Gathering
Submission Deadline:
January 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST
Send submissions and questions to:
jparr@ccof.org
- Summary
CCOF, the lead organization for the West/Southwest Regional Center under the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), is seeking a consultant to organize the West/Southwest Regional partner gathering. Interested parties must submit a proposal addressing the criteria outlined below by February 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PST to jparr@ccof.org. - Fondo
The USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP) was launched in fall 2022 to provide technical assistance and support for transitioning and existing organic farmers and, to a limited extent, for processors/handlers. TOPP is a collaborative national effort of partners working to transition conventional producers to organic production. The TOPP network covers six regions: the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Plains, Northwest, and West/Southwest. Each geographic area has one Regional Lead responsible for program coordination and forming partnerships with organizations to serve transitioning and existing organic farmers. Find more information about TOPP on Sitio web del USDA y en el TOPP ,. TOPP is funded by the USDA and overseen by the National Organic Program.
- Project Information
CCOF will lead a regional gathering of all West/Southwest TOPP partners over three days (excluding travel days) in Tempe, Arizona. CCOF seeks a contract event planner to organize meals, lodging, two full days of programming, and transportation for a third day for at least 100 people. The event will also include participation by the National Organic Standards Board, National Organic Program staff, and other collaborating state and federal entities. This contractor will organize all aspects of the event, including but not limited to conference-like programming, farm tours, field trips, workshops, inside and outside meals, and transportation.
CCOF will support with agenda planning, budgeting, and expense reimbursement for all participants and subcontractors.
The contractor is expected to attend the gathering and organize logistics on site.
- Project Cronología
The project will begin on or before February 21, 2025, and will be completed by May 20, 2025.
- Budget
Total costs for the contract are limited to $15,000. Proposal pricing should include contractor travel to and from the event (per USDA guideline amounts).
Proposal Timeline
● Proposals will be accepted until February 14, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. PT; late proposals will not be considered.
● Proposals will be evaluated immediately thereafter; we may require interviews (via videoconference).
● The start date of the project and announcement of our chosen consultant will be on or before February 21, 2025.
● All other candidates will be notified once a candidate/firm has been chosen.
● The completion and delivery dates of the project and its phases will be mutually agreed upon prior to signing a contract.
Proposal Guidelines
The budget and proposal must include the following:
● Summary
● Company Overview and Team: Describe your company, how long you’ve been in business, and your relevant experience. Describe the team who will work on this project. Include the name, title/role, and brief background/experience of each team member. Provide contact information.
● Communication and Project Management. Describe your project management process including how you will track project status.
● Timeline: Describe the project timeline and associated milestones. Detail the time required for each major step or phase of the project. This will be evaluated and will be part of the contractual agreement; a realistic time frame for completion is essential.
● Budget: Provide a summary of pricing for the proposed services and products.
● References: Provide two references who can speak to services requested in this request for proposal (RFP). Please include contact information and a brief description of the work done for those clients.
● Terms and Conditions: Include any contract terms and conditions.
● Description of previous similar projects.
- Evaluation Criteria
CCOF will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:
● The proposal meets the needs and criteria set forth in the RFP.
● The proposal is presented in a clear, logical manner and is well organized.
● The candidate has successfully completed similar projects and has the qualifications necessary to undertake this project successfully.
● The candidate is familiar with the food and agriculture sector.
● The candidate firm has an appropriate number of staff and the necessary expertise to be successful.
● The price is appropriate for the value offered.
- Questions and Contact Information
Please send your proposals and questions to jparr@ccof.org.
