Technical Assistance (TA) is a cornerstone of the nationwide network of USDA Regional Food Business Centers. Through developing a strong TA program that supports our food and farm businesses to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance market access, and strengthen the overall food supply chain, selected TA providers will play a pivotal role in supporting Alaska’s food producers, processors, and retailers in achieving their goals.
By empowering Alaska’s food and farm businesses with the tools and expertise they need to succeed, we aim to create a more sustainable, self-sufficient, and economically vibrant state.
The Islands and Remote Areas Regional Food Business Center, Alaska Subregion (RFBC) seeks qualified organizations or individuals to partner with AFPC to offer critical technical assistance (TA) to Alaska’s farm and food businesses. This RFP has been created to reflect the values and work of AFPC and the Islands and Remote Areas RFBC. Through our work, we will collaborate with our Technical Assistance partners and local communities with a priority on listening and adapting to local and regional needs.
The Island and Remote Areas RFBC’s focus is on supporting underinvested communities and underserved farmers, ranchers, and food businesses.
OUR 2024 RFP IS NOW CLOSED
Our 2025 TA Providers
Blue Print
MISSION:
Prepare food-focused businesses for the strategic planning activities and skills needed to be more successful in grant writing.
Planning for Growth: Strategic Planning and Grant Writing Training for Food Systems Work
Planning for Growth is a series of training workshops and coaching sessions for food-focused businesses addressing early-to-middle supply chain challenges. Trainings will be a combination of in-person and virtual, conducted through 4 regional cohorts: South Central, Northwest, Interior, and Southwest.
This project is a collaboration between Alaska-based fisheries and communications consultant Hannah Heimbuch (BluePrint) and California-based grant writer and grant coach Anna Nelson (One Small Step Writing Services).
Video Testimonial
Upcoming Trainings
Kawerak
MISSION:
To cultivate a collaborative environment while advocating for RHA members to thrive.
Quinŋiq Development: Business Compliance Analysis for the Alaska Native Reindeer Economy
With ongoing subsistence foods threats and lower economic opportunity in the 19 village communities served by the Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association (RHA), the Quinŋiq Development Project (QDP) will focus on implementing novel tax, estate planning, and business insights with reindeer herding communities.
RHA members already produce commercial-grade meat products and the QDP will help these herders take formal steps to scale their existing herds, explore secondary processing and value-added products, and add greater food security and consumer choice in remote Alaskan communities.
Video Testimonial
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HOW TO APPLY
When can I submit an application?
The 2024 Alaska RFBC Technical Assistance Programs application is now closed.
What are the application requirements?
You can find the requirements for applying in the 2024 Request for Partnership (RFA)
What are the required forms?
If applicable, application packages are required to include the following documents
- Resume/ CV of Key Project Lead(s) (PDF)
- 1-3 Letters of support (PDF)
- Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
Where can I get more information about the application process?
Informational Webinar
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- Stay tuned for the next round in 2025
- A recording of the webinar is available here
- Webinar slides are available here
Office Hours
Will return for next RFP application process in 2025.
Who should letters of support for my application be addressed to?
All application materials and letters of support can be addressed to the Alaska Food Policy Council.
Can we partner with other organizations for proposals?
Yes! We strongly encourage partnerships for projects. Please note that there is a $100,000 cap on funding per year per organization.
Can we submit more than one proposal for different projects?
You may submit multiple applications, however there is a limit to one award per applicant per funding round.
Which organization should be the lead organization for a project?
The lead organization should be the organization who we will be making payments directly to from AFPC. The lead organization will also be responsible for providing required reports to AFPC.
Does the $100,000 project maximum have to include indirect/NICRA?
Yes, $100,000 per subaward is the maximum allowable budget, inclusive of all categories.
What is allowable in terms of TA support for food production-related costs?
Post-harvest: The USDA defines post-harvest processing as the actions taken to handle raw agricultural products after harvest, such as cleaning, sorting, packing, cooling, and storing. These actions can be performed on farms or in handling facilities. Post-harvest handling also includes facility pest management.
Please review the RFP for more details on allowable and unallowable costs.
Is grant writing an eligible activity?
Providing technical assistance to clients for capital acquisition via grant writing and training grant writing for businesses would be okay, but not paying for someone to write grants for the applicant organization.
Can awardees provide funding to support land access opportunities?
Yes, TA provider funding may be used to connect clients to opportunities for land access. TA funding may not be used to directly purchase land or facilities.
Can TA provider awardees use funds to lower the costs of participating in their programs (and still charge fees)?
Per AMS Terms & Conditions: Participant Support Costs are allowable when provided in the approved budget or with prior written approval for such items as stipends or subsistence allowances, and registration fees paid to or on behalf of participants or trainees (but not employees) in connection with approved conferences, training projects, surveys, and focus groups.
Are restaurants eligible to receive technical assistance?
Yes, restaurants are eligible to receive technical assistance. Applications should include proposed project activities and objectives that demonstrate alignment with the RFBC goals.
The Federal De Minimis Indirect Cost Rate was raised from 10% to 15% on October 1, 2025. Can I apply the 15% indirect rate in my budget?
No, the max for the De Minimis Indirect Cost Rate is 10% for this project. The overall cooperative agreement was awarded before the change, so the 10% indirect rate applies throughout the cooperative agreement’s life.
Do I need clients lined up before applying?
Individuals, organizations and/or businesses are eligible clients. However, the Technical Assistance is intended for clients external to the applicant organization’s staff. We do ask that you do not pre-select clients for your proposed project. Please ensure that the offering of your TA services is equitable and accessible to anyone interested, not just your current client base.
Can state agencies and organizations propose a TA project that duplicates their current offerings?
When creating a proposal to provide TA to the Alaska RFBC, public agencies and organizations (ex. universities, state departments) should ensure that the proposed activities are not services they are already providing to the public through existing programs or resources. This ensures that grant funding is allocated to address unmet needs rather than duplicating services already available.
Staff Support
Alaska RFBC staff will be available to answer questions regarding application requirements, providing clarifications and guidance on what is needed for a successful submission. However, staff cannot assist in the actual writing of project applications. Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of this support & the RFP information to ensure their proposals meet all necessary criteria and are submitted correctly.
Translation services are available by request.
RFBC Office Hours will return for the next round of Technical Assistance Provider Request for Partnerships in 2025.