PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE EQUITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GRANT

OCM is seeking competitive proposals for a third-party grant administrator to facilitate The Equity Business Development Grant.

The Office of Cannabis Management will award one vendor a contract in response to this RFP who will be responsible for administering an electronic request for application (“RFA”), evaluating eligibility for award, and the distribution of funds. In order to efficiently allocate funds, the Vendor also will provide all infrastructure necessary to administer the Program grants, including but not limited to hardware, software, security, and communication platforms necessary to meet OCM requirements. The Vendor will adhere to the IT specifications as outlined Section 2.6. The Vendor will also provide real-time dashboard, monthly reporting, and post-grant reporting in a format acceptable to OCM.

The vendor must demonstrate the capacity and experience to deliver all services under this grant program in a culturally and linguistically competent manner that ensures equitable access to funding opportunities for all communities across New York State. This includes the ability to provide appropriate translation, interpretation, outreach, staffing, and evidence based strategies necessary to reduce cultural and linguistic barriers to participation in all aspects of the administration of this grant program.

Awards will be issued to eligible applicants by the selected Grant Administrator on a first come, first served basis until available funding has been depleted.

Further details about this solicitation can be found in the documents included with this posting.

A video recording of the Pre-Bid Conference can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fm4L6Hj3QmM

Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years:

None

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB)

SDVOB Goal: 6.00%

Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE)

MBE Goal: 15.00%

WBE Goal: 15.00%