​2025 Simplified Equipment-Only Grant

The Wisconsin Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program’s Equipment-Only Grant is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). This program is funded through Section 1001(b)(4) of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, which authorizes the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make grants that improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. DATCP was allocated a total of $27 million to administer Infrastructure and Equipment-Only Grants across two rounds, with this Request for Proposals (RFP) marking the second round specifically for Equipment-Only funding. The RFSI Equipment-Only Grant supports infrastructure development at the "middle of the food supply chain," focusing on aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products. Products eligible under this program must be intended for human consumption, including specialty crops, dairy, grains, and aquaculture. The program expressly excludes funding for meat, poultry, wild-caught seafood, animal feed, forage, fiber, landscaping products, tobacco, and dietary supplements. All expenses must be incurred by December 31, 2025, and this is a reimbursement-based program, requiring recipients to front costs before seeking reimbursement from DATCP. Eligible applicants must be domestically owned and physically located within Wisconsin. They include small businesses engaged in eligible supply chain activities, nonprofit organizations, agricultural producers or cooperatives, local government entities, tribal governments, and institutions such as schools and hospitals. Previous RFSI grant recipients are not eligible to apply. All applicants must have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) issued by SAM.gov, and must comply with environmental and historical preservation regulations including NEPA and NHPA prior to receiving funds. Funding is limited to equipment purchases in four categories: food processing equipment, cold storage units (not requiring ground disturbance), forklifts/skid steers, and special-purpose delivery vehicles. All equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2025, and must be used solely for eligible middle-of-the-supply-chain activities. The cost of shipping, accessories, and vendor-provided installation may be included. Indirect costs, marketing, training, research, and any construction or ground-disturbing activities are not eligible expenses. Matching funds are not required. The application process includes submission of a completed proposal form, vendor quotes, a risk assessment survey, environmental questionnaire, and a letter verifying access to critical infrastructure. Optional letters of support (up to three) may be submitted. Proposals must be submitted by email to RFSI@wi.gov or by mail, and must be received by 5:00 PM on July 21, 2025, or postmarked by July 14, 2025. Questions can be directed to Grace Puc at (608) 893-0431 or via the RFSI@wi.gov email. Proposals will be evaluated by DATCP and external reviewers based on five categories: readiness (25 points), need (25 points), impact (25 points), project support (10 points), and budget (15 points). Selected proposals will then be forwarded to the USDA for final review. All awardees are required to attend a mandatory virtual orientation and comply with state and federal reporting and record-keeping standards for up to three years after project completion. A contract must be signed within 30 days of receipt or the award may be forfeited.

Equipment must be used for eligible supply chain activities only, must be installed without ground disturbance, and must be purchased by 12/31/25. Supporting quotes and documentation are critical.