REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) – Organizational Partnership for Coordination of the Vermont Envirothon Program

Issued by the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD) in coordination with the Vermont Envirothon Steering Committee
Release Date: September 14, 2026
Proposal Deadline: October 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Download RFP

The Vermont Association of Conservation Districts (VACD), on behalf of the Vermont Envirothon Steering Committee, is seeking proposals from Vermont Natural Resources Conservation Districts (NRCDs) interested in serving as the Organizational Partner for the statewide Vermont Envirothon program.

For more than two decades, the Vermont Envirothon has provided hands-on environmental education for high school students, engaging them in natural resource science, watershed stewardship, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The program is supported by a dedicated volunteer Steering Committee made up of representatives from Vermont Fish & Wildlife, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Agency of Agriculture, NRCS, USFS, local NRCDs, and other conservation organizations.

Recognizing the increasing need for program stability and growth, the Steering Committee has determined that an organizational partner—with staffing capacity, administrative infrastructure, and strategic leadership—is essential to the program’s future success. VACD will serve as fiscal agent; the selected NRCD partner will lead day-to-day coordination, implementation, and development of the program.

This RFP is intended to secure coordination services for the 2027 Envirothon competition, with the possibility of renewal for subsequent program years based on performance, funding availability, and any refinements to the program model. 

Eligible Applicants:

  • Proposals are welcome from any Vermont Natural Resources Conservation District.
  • Districts may apply individually or collaboratively.
  • Subcontracting is permitted with Steering Committee approval for curriculum development, event staffing, communications, or other specialized tasks, provided roles are clearly described.

The selected partner will work closely with VACD and the Steering Committee during an initial transition period to ensure continuity of program delivery beginning in the week of October 26, 2026.

Submission Instructions

Proposals must be submitted electronically to: Julia King, [email protected]
Subject Line: “RFP Submission – Vermont Envirothon Organizational Partner”
Deadline: October 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Procurement Timeline

RFP Released: September 14, 2026
Deadline for Questions: September 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Answers Posted: September 25, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Proposal Deadline: October 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Envirothon Steering Committee Review: October 5 – 13, 2026
Selection Notification: October 19, 2026 by 5:00 p.m.
Contract Start: October 26, 2026

Questions

Please direct all questions regarding this RFP to both of the following contacts:
Julia King, VACD, Communications Manager, [email protected]
Jessica Sherlock, VACD, Deputy Director, [email protected]

Questions must be received by September 20, 2026.  Answers will be posted publicly at this webpage to ensure equal access.