OPEN - Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food Business Migrant 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, is 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 and whose proposals are 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 reasonably attempt to answer questions submitted in advance. All questions and answers will be provided via an addendum.

All proposals must be uploaded to an assigned shared folder no later than WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (CST). All responses must be received by NORA on or before the submission deadline. Responses delivered after the deadline will not be considered.

Full RFP with background and requirements: Request for Proposals (RFP) for Food Business Migrant Program Business Development Technical Assistance Services