REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Feasibility Study and Business Plan Development for a New Food Bank in Prince George's County, MD

Proposals Due By: Friday, January 17, 2025

Background

Prince George's County, Maryland, part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, faces significant challenges related to food insecurity. Despite its proximity to the nation's capital, a considerable portion of the County's population struggles to access affordable and nutritious food. This issue has been exacerbated by historic disparities, economic hardships, and limited resources, leaving many residents vulnerable to food insecurity and its associated health, educational, and economic consequences.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the vulnerabilities of Prince George's County, as it caused increased rates of unemployment and a surge in food insecurity, affecting a significant portion of its population. The pandemic's disruptive impact on the food system, coupled with reduced resources and limited support, further strained existing food assistance providers, making it challenging to meet the growing demand for food access and support services. Based upon the recently released 2024 Hunger Report by the Capital Area Food Bank, Prince George's County faces the highest food insecurity rate within the Metropolitan D.C. region at 50%.

Project Overview and Goals

To address this pressing issue and improve the well-being of the community, the Greater Riverdale Feasibility Assessment Workgroup, which includes members from the Greater Riverdale Thrives Community Coalition was formed. The workgroup is composed of organizations interested in addressing food insecurity and increasing sustainable access to nutritious food and enhancing the overall well-being of families in the County. Members include: Metamorphosis Community Project Inc. who serves as the fiscal agent for this RFP process, Passion and Compassion Inc. and the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council.

This workgroup is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to conduct a feasibility study and develop a comprehensive business plan for the establishment of a new food bank in Prince George's County with a preference, but not limited to District 3. District 3 encompasses the following areas and zip codes: Lanham, 20706; Hyattsville, 20784; Riverdale, 20737; College Park, 20740; and College Heights Estates, 20782. 

The function of the future food bank is to recover, store and distribute food. The proposed food bank aims to ensure sustainable access to nutritious food while offering additional support services and resources to alleviate food insecurity, promote nutrition education and enhance the overall well-being of individuals and families in the County.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for:

  • Conducting a thorough feasibility study to assess the need for a facility in Prince George's County, including analyzing existing data, reviewing demographic trends, and identifying target populations.

  • Assessing the potential demand and capacity for food bank services, including conducting surveys, interviews, and focus groups with community members, nonprofits, and relevant stakeholders.

  • Identifying suitable locations for the food bank, considering accessibility, proximity to target populations, transportation infrastructure, and facility requirements.

  • Developing a comprehensive business plan outlining the organizational structure, staffing needs, operational processes, and financial sustainability strategies.

  • Conducting a thorough analysis of funding options, including grants, partnerships, fundraising campaigns, and revenue-generating activities, to support the food bank's operations and expansion.

  • Assessing the potential risks, challenges, and mitigation strategies associated with establishing and operating a food bank.

  • Providing recommendations for effective program design, food sourcing strategies, volunteer engagement, and community outreach initiatives.

  • Delivering a final report summarizing the feasibility study findings, business plan details, and recommendations for the successful establishment and operation of the food bank.

Proposal Guidelines

Interested applicants are requested to submit the following information as part of their proposal:

  • Overview of the applicant, including background, expertise, and relevant experience in conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for nonprofit organizations or food-related initiatives.

  • Approach and methodology for conducting the feasibility study, including data collection, analysis techniques, and stakeholder and community engagement strategies.

  • Detailed work plan with clear milestones, deliverables, and estimated timelines.

  • Team composition and key personnel involved in the project, along with their qualifications and experience.

  • Budget estimate, including a breakdown of costs by task and any potential additional expenses.

  • Samples of similar feasibility studies or business plans conducted by the consultant.

Project Timeline

 The proposed timeline for this project is as follows:

  • Proposal Submission Deadline: January 17, 2025

  • Evaluation of Proposals and Selection of Consultant: February 28, 2025

  • Project Kick-off Meeting: March 3, 2025

  • Feasibility Study and Business Plan Development: March 3 - October 2025

  • Submission of Draft Report: October 1, 2025

  • Review and Feedback Period: October 31, 2025

  • Submission of Final Report: November 2025

Please note that these dates are subject to change and can be discussed further during the selection process.

Selection Criteria 

The proposals received will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated experience and expertise in conducting feasibility studies and developing business plans for food-related initiatives or nonprofit organizations. (20%)

  • Methodology and approach for conducting the feasibility study, including data collection techniques, stakeholder engagement strategies, and analytical methods. (20%)

  • Clarity, feasibility, and comprehensiveness of the work plan and proposed timelines. (20%)

  • Budget estimate and value for money. (20%)

  • Qualifications and experience of key personnel assigned to the project.(10%)

  • Quality and relevance of the provided samples and references.(10%)

Budget 

The total budget for the feasibility study and business plan development is expected to range between $110,000 to 120,000 (USD). This amount should cover all costs associated with the project, including consultant fees, data collection, analysis, stakeholder and community engagement, report preparation, and any necessary travel or administrative expenses. Consultants should provide a detailed breakdown of costs in their proposals.

Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted electronically to the contact person listed below no later than Friday, January 17, 2025. Any inquiries or clarification requests regarding this RFP should be directed to the same contact person. Please title email heading: Feasibility Study for Food Bank: (Insert the name of consultant or consultant group). Applicants located in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region are preferred.  We will request a virtual interview with finalists.

Shelia Booker

Executive Assistant, Metamorphosis Community Project, Inc.

shelia.booker@metamorphosiscommunity.org

We look forward to receiving your proposal and partnering with a qualified consultant to undertake this critical initiative to address food insecurity in Prince George's County, MD.

Please find PDF version here of the above document.