OPEN - Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food Business Migrant Program Business Development Technical Assistance Services

NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NORA)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
FOOD BUSINESS MICROGRANT PROGRAM
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
ISSUED: FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
DUE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
The New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA) is requesting proposals from experienced technical
assistance experts to provide business development technical assistance services to eligible applicants in
the Food Business Microgrant Program. Respondents must demonstrate relevant experience supporting
small food-based enterprises, food entrepreneurs, commissary kitchens, or other segments of the food
preparation industry.
The Food Business Microgrant Program, funded through CDBG-Disaster Recovery, a partnership
between the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). The program
is designed to restore and expand shared-use commercial kitchen infrastructure in New Orleans following
the impacts of Hurricane Ida.
The purpose of the Program is to address gaps in support for food entrepreneurs by providing grants of
up to $400,000, to eligible non-profit and for-profit commissary kitchen operators that are seeking to
improve, modernize, or expand their kitchen facilities and business operations.
It is anticipated that NORA may award one or more contracts pursuant to this solicitation to responsible
offerors with demonstrated relevant experience supporting small food-based enterprises, food
entrepreneurs, commissary kitchens, or other segments of the food preparation industry, and whose
proposals are determined to be most advantageous to NORA, considering technical merit, price and other
factors specified herein. The contract(s) resulting from this RFP will be structured as Indefinite
Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, whereby NORA will request services as the needs arise.
Successful respondents agree that this solicitation, along with any work assignment arising from it,
constitutes confidential information. Respondents further agree not to disclose such information except
to NORA, to parties authorized by NORA, to governmental entities as required for permitting or
compliance, or as otherwise required by a court of law.
During the period between the issuance of this Request for Proposals (RFP) and the due date, no oral
interpretation of the RFP requirements will be provided to any prospective Offeror. All questions and
requests for interpretation must be submitted in writing to Audrey Plessy, Procurement Manager, via
email at Audrey.Plessy@nola.gov. The deadline for receipt of questions is Friday, May 29, 2026 , at
2:00 p.m. CST. NORA will respond to written questions submitted via email before the due date and
time. Answers to questions will be issued in the form of an addendum.
NORA will not accept responses submitted by fax. All proposals must be received by NORA on or before
the submission deadline. Responses delivered after the deadline will not be considered.
All proposals must be uploaded to an assigned shared folder no later than WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10,
2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST.
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SUBMISSION METHOD / REQUIREMENTS: Respondents must submit their proposal
electronically via a shared folder in Microsoft OneDrive, a cloud-based program. NORA will not accept
hard copy submissions.
To gain access to a shared folder, applicants must email Audrey Plessy directly at Audrey.Plessy@nola.gov
to request a link to your shared personal online folder.
* Your request must be submitted to the email address indicated at least 24 hours prior to the
submission deadline.
* To share the link, include in your email the respondent's name (Individual or Organization and
Primary Contact) and their corresponding email address to share the link.
* The electronic folder will only be shared with the requestor and the email address(es) they
provide to NORA; respondents will not be allowed access to other respondents or related
materials.
* In response to your request, you will receive a link to the shared folder to upload your
proposal.
* Once the proposal is completed, along with all required attachments and supporting
documentation, upload the entire proposal packet to the shared drive via the link that was
provided.
Responses must clearly demonstrate the respondent's qualifications to perform the required services and
address all relevant factors in a professional relationship.
1. Scope of Services: Attachment A - Scope of Services describes the requested services.
2. Submission Information: Responses must be submitted in accordance with Attachment B
- Submission Information of this RFP.
3. Evaluation and Selection: NORA will select the successful respondents according to the
procedures described in Attachment C - Evaluation Process and Selection Criteria.
4. Insurance Requirements: Respondents shall provide evidence of insurance coverage and
minimum required limits by completing and submitting Attachment D - Certificate of
Insurance Coverage Form.
5. Ownership of Documents & Proprietary Information: All responses and all documentation
submitted therewith are NORA property for all purposes. Only information which is legitimate,
such as trade secrets or non-published financial data, may be deemed proprietary or confidential.
Any material within a proposal identified as such must be clearly marked as CONFIDENTIAL in
the proposal and will be handled in accordance with the Louisiana Public Record Law, La. R.S. 44:
1, et seq., and all applicable rules and regulations. Any proposal marked as confidential in its
entirety may be rejected without further consideration or recourse. Documentation must be
included to justify such exemption. NORA will not credit any blanket exemption claims lacking
specific justification. NORA does not guarantee the confidentiality of submissions.
6. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Respondents shall disclose any direct or indirect, current, or
future, conflicts of interest between themselves and NORA and their respective employees by
completing and submitting Attachment E - Conflict of Interest Disclosure Affidavit.
7. Opportunities in Employment and Contracting Requirements for Disadvantaged
Businesses: NORA seeks to extend subcontracting opportunities to Registered Disadvantaged
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Business Enterprises (DBE's) in order to promote their economic growth. A DBE contract goal
of 35 percent has been established for this contract. The respondent shall agree to use its best
efforts in accordance with the factors set forth in NORA's DBE goals, to meet the contract goal
for DBE participation in the performance of this contract by completing and submitting
Attachment F - DBE Participation Form.
8. Acknowledgement of Addenda: Respondents must provide written acknowledgement of
addenda with their submission by completing and submitting Attachment G -
Acknowledgement of Addenda (if necessary).
9. Contracting: NORA reserves the right to select multiple Contractors to perform any and/or all
services requested herein. If NORA identifies a likely service provider(s), it may negotiate a final
agreement with the provider(s) and fix the relationship by Professional Services contract,
Attachment H - Sample Form of Agreement. This contract will stipulate the terms and
conditions of the services to be provided and will contain the NORA Required Contract
Provisions, Attachment I - NORA Required Contract Provisions and Attachment J -
HUD Compliance Provisions for Construction and Professional Service Contracts.
10. Effect: This solicitation and any related discussions or evaluations by anyone create no rights or
obligations whatsoever. NORA may cancel or modify this solicitation at any time at will, with or
without notice. Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, the contract executed by NORA and
the selected respondent(s), if any, is the exclusive statement of rights and obligations extending
from this solicitation.
11. Additional Requirements: NORA reserves the right to amend the instructions, requirements,
general and special conditions, scope of services, and /or specifications of this solicitation. In the
event it becomes necessary to revise any part of the solicitation, an addendum or addenda will be
provided to all potential respondents who receive the solicitation.
12. Public Access to Information/Confidentiality: All information submitted in response to a
solicitation issued by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority shall remain confidential until
after final approval and award is made.
Furthermore, NORA shall not disclose information submitted confidentially in response to a
solicitation, and not otherwise required by law to be submitted, where such information should
reasonably be considered confidential.
13. Respondent Costs: NORA shall not be liable for any costs incurred by respondents' prior
execution of a contract. All expenses related to the preparation and submission of this solicitation,
including, but not limited to, developing the solicitation (quote/proposal), preparing for oral
presentations, and any other activities and expenses incurred in response to this solicitation, are
solely the responsibility of the respondent and will not be reimbursed by NORA.
14. Errors and Omissions in Proposal: NORA shall not be liable for any errors in responses.
NORA at its option, has the right to request clarification or additional information from the
respondents.
15. Licensure: Where applicable, respondents must maintain licenses and permits to perform the
contracted work or services in the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans.
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16. Compliance with Applicable Laws: Any work performed under this solicitation shall be
governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws and jurisprudence of the State of
Louisiana. Respondents must comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations
and ordinances, including required licenses, both at the time of submission and throughout the
performance of the contract.
17. Contractual Obligations: If the proposed work or services require the use of products or
services from another company, such arrangements must be fully disclosed to NORA. Regardless
of any subcontracting or third-party involvement, the selected Contractor(s) shall remain solely
responsible for the delivery and performance of all proposed work or services under the contract.
18. Acceptance of Terms: All responses are subject to these requirements, including NORA's
Required Contract Provisions and, as applicable, HUD Compliance Provisions, each incorporated
herein by reference.
19. Contractor Status: The successful Contractor(s) is independent and is not an employee of
NORA.
20. Advertising: In submitting a response, the successful Contractor(s) agrees not to use the results
from it as a part of any commercial advertising. NORA does not allow Contractors to advertise
or promote our contractual relationship unless requested or authorized by NORA.
21. Media Relations: The successful Contractor(s) shall not make public comments on behalf of
NORA without the express written approval of NORA's Executive Director.
END OF SECTION
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NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NORA)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
FOOD BUSINESS MICROGRANT PROGRAM
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
ISSUED: FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
DUE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
ATTACHMENT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Food Business Microgrant Program, funded through CDBG-Disaster Recovery, a partnership
between the City of New Orleans and the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority (NORA). The program
is designed to restore and expand shared-use commercial kitchen infrastructure in New Orleans following
the impacts of Hurricane Ida.
The purpose of the Program is to address gaps in support for food entrepreneurs by providing grants of
up to $400,000, to eligible non-profit and for-profit commissary kitchen operators that are seeking to
improve, modernize, or expand their kitchen facilities and business operations. Program funds may support
upgrades such as Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems; ventilation and fire safety
improvements; sanitation systems; ADA accessibility; and immovable commercial kitchen equipment.
Eligible applicants will be selected through a two-part application process administered by NORA.
Applications will remain open until all Program funds have been expended. Part 1, the pre-application, will
verify applicant eligibility and review the proposed scope of work. Part 2, the grant application, requires
submission of a comprehensive package that includes a business plan, financial documentation, proof of
project feasibility, conceptual design (if applicable), and any other required materials or documentation.
It is anticipated that NORA may award one or more contracts pursuant to this solicitation to responsible
offerors with demonstrated relevant experience supporting small food-based enterprises, food
entrepreneurs, commissary kitchens, or other segments of the food preparation industry, and whose
proposals are determined to be most advantageous to NORA, considering technical merit, price and other
factors specified herein. The contract(s) resulting from this RFP will be structured as Indefinite
Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts, whereby NORA will request services as the needs arise.
The awarded Contractor(s) will provide business development technical assistance (TA) services to
eligible applicants to guide them through Part 2 of the application process and to support the development
of a feasible project plan. The program will generally cover up to 100% of the total project costs, not to
exceed the maximum award amount, which will vary based on the project scope, applicant readiness and
financial needs. All improvements funded through the Program must be maintained for a minimum of three
(3) to five (5) years. Contractor(s) selected through this RFP process may also be engaged in the evaluation
of applicant submittals.
Technical Assistance Scope of Work
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Contractor(s) will be assigned to eligible applicants by NORA and shall provide Business Development
Technical Assistance Services to assist eligible applicants with the preparation and submission of a
competitive grant application, Part 2 of the application process. Required services include, but may not be
limited to:
* Serving as the primary business development advisor to applicants to support project readiness.
* Evaluating applicants existing business operations, including:
o Kitchen infrastructure and upgrade needs
o Current financial condition
o Tenant capacity and utilization
o Pricing model and rental rates
o Staffing and management structure
* Assisting applicants with developing or completing the required grant application materials,
including:
o Project Scope of Work
o Business plan (new or updated)
o Financial projections
o Budget narrative and funding strategy
o Operational plan for sustained kitchen management
o Other required documentation
* Assisting applicants with preparing or reviewing financial documentation, including:
o Cash flow statements
o Profit/loss statements
o Balance sheets
* Assessing applicants with post renovation sustainability and long-term business viability.
* Advising applicants on kitchen occupancy strategies and facility enhancements needs, including:
o Conducting site-visits to evaluate existing kitchen and production space
o Assessing workflow, equipment, storage, safety, code compliance and operational
efficiency
o Identifying gaps and recommending necessary enhancements or equipment upgrades
o Assisting prioritizing improvements for optimal use of grant funds
* Reporting and Coordination, including:
o Regular communication with designated NORA staff regarding TA activities, milestones
and challenges
o Tracking engagement and progress for each assigned applicant
Deliverables
The selected Contractor(s) shall provide, at a minimum, the following deliverables for each assigned
applicant:
o A Technical Assistance Implementation Plan for each assigned applicant.
o Completed or applicant ready grant application support materials.
o Kitchen assessment findings and recommended improvement summary.
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o Monthly Progress Reports detailing applicant engagement, milestones achieved and
outstanding needs or challenges.
o A Final Program Summary Report at the conclusion of services.
Upon execution of a contract, NORA will provide a schedule with delivery dates.
It is anticipated that the Contractor(s) will provide up to 80 hours of business Development Technical
Assistance per applicant to support the requirements for the completion and submission of Part 2,
competitive grant application, for the Food Business Microgrant Program.
END OF SECTION
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NEW ORLEANS REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (NORA)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
FOOD BUSINESS MICROGRANT PROGRAM
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES
ISSUED: FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026
DUE: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026
ATTACHMENT B
SUBMISSION INFORMATION
1. Executive Summary
This section shall introduce the individual or firm and acknowledge the scope of the proposal. Respondents
shall provide administrative information, including the proposal submission date; the name, telephone
number, and email address of the authorized contact person; and the statement confirmation that the
proposal is valid for ninety (90) days from the date of submission. Respondents shall also describe their
team and organizational experience, including the firm's full legal name, date of establishment, type of
entity, brief organizational history, current ownership structure, and any recent or materially significant
proposed change in ownership.
2. Background and Relevant Experience
Respondents shall provide a clear and comprehensive description of the firm's relevant background and
experience. At a minimum, the response should include:
1. A detailed discussion of the firm's prior experience in working with commissaries, shared
kitchens, or other food-sector businesses including a list of clients and a description of the
services provided.
2. A description of the firm's approach to receiving, managing, and incorporating client input
during and upon completion of Business Development technical assistance, including
processes for documenting, reviewing, and interpreting client feedback while maintaining
schedule and budget requirements.
3. A description of the respondent's knowledge of commercial kitchen operations, equipment,
layout, and compliance requirements.
4. A description of the firm's familiarity with the New Orleans Food Ecosystem.
5. Evidence of experience delivering small business technical assistance, specifically to businesses
located within low to moderate income areas.
6. Demonstrate sufficient staffing capacity to serve multiple businesses concurrently.
7. Any additional information that may be uniquely relevant to assessing the firm's capacity to
support business development activities.
If the respondent intends to subcontract any portion of the work, it shall be identified in the proposal,
which shall include all proposed subcontractors, the specific tasks to be performed by each subcontractor,
and confirmation of each subcontractor's commitment to participate. All information required by the
respondents under this RFP shall also be required for each proposed subcontractor.
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3. Staff Qualifications
Respondents shall provide detailed information on the qualifications and experience of all personnel
assigned to this project, including staff of any proposed subcontractor(s). Assigned personnel must
demonstrate the requisite expertise and experience in the following areas:
1. Business Plan Development, with specific experience related to commissaries, shared kitchens, or
other food-sector facilities.
2. Financial Management and Planning.
3. Business operations development and process and infrastructure improvement.
4. Scheduling, timely delivery of services, and reporting.
Resumes shall provide resumes for all key personnel, accompanied by an organizational chart clearly
identifying the principal-in-charge and the Project Manager responsible for day-to-day oversight. Resumes
for the respondent's and subcontractor's staff (if applicable) shall include education, training, technical and
functional experience, dates and names of prior employers, relevant project experience with associated
dates and responsibilities and any applicable licenses or certifications. Also, respondents shall identify each
person's role on this project, anticipated level of effort, duration of involvement, and on-site availability.
4. Capacity
Respondents shall provide a list of all current projects and anticipated projects scheduled within the next
6-12 months. For each project, respondents shall identify the staff expected to be assigned to this
engagement and the estimated percentage of their time that will be dedicated to this project. This
information shall demonstrate the firm's capacity to perform the required services while meeting project
deadlines.
5. Fee Schedule
Respondents shall provide a comprehensive fee schedule identifying hourly rates and job titles for all
proposed staff, including personnel from any subcontractor(s) who may perform work under the contract
resulting from this RFP. The fee schedule shall include all overhead, profit, and administrative costs.
NOTE: Proposed fees shall be valid for a minimum of 90 days upon receipt.
7. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Information
NORA seeks to extend subcontracting opportunities to Registered Disadvantaged Business
Enterprises (DBE's) in order to promote their economic growth. A DBE contract goal of 35 percent
has been established for this contract. The respondent shall agree to use its best efforts in accordance
with the factors set forth in NORA's DBE goals, to meet the contract goal for DBE participation in
the performance of this contract.
All firms shall complete and submit the DBE Participation Form - Attachment F and address
the following:
a. The names and addresses of all DBE firms that will participate in the contract, as
applicable.
b. The commitment of the participation of each DBE firm participating in the contract on
the basis of the percentage of the total dollar value of the contract.
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c. Written confirmation from the named DBE(s), verifying their participation in the
contract as provided in the commitments made under (a) and (b) above, as applicable; and
d. If the contract goal cannot be met, evidence of best efforts.
6. References
Respondents shall provide client references (including name, title, organization, address, email address and
telephone number) shall be provided for relevant business development engagements listed in the firm's
portfolio and individual resumes submitted.
In addition, respondents should provide a minimum of three (3) current references for completed
contracts that are most directly related to the scope of services described in this RFP. For each reference,
respondents should include the company name, address, contact name and title, phone number, email
address, and a brief description of the services provided. Collectively, these references should
demonstrate the firm's capacity and qualifications in alignment with Item 3, Staff Qualifications, in this
section.
END OF SECTION
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