RFP - Traditional Agriculture Workshop Instructor

Traditional Agriculture Workshop Instructor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

GTB 2026-38

March 3rd, 2026 Contact: William Derouin

2605 N West Bay Shore Dr Peshawbestown, MI 49682-9275

GRAND TRAVERSE BAND OF OTTAWA AND CHIPPEWA INDIANS

Traditional Agriculture Workshop Instructor

GTB 2026-38

Request for Offers SUMMARY

Date:

Offers due by:

March 4, 2026

March 11, 2026

1 Request for Offers

1.1 Summary

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB, Grand Traverse Band) is requesting bid proposals from an adult individual for a traditional agriculture life ways workshop instructor.

1.2 Bidder Requirements

Each Bidder to this RFP is expected to fully inform themselves on all aspects of the work required to be performed.

1.3 Qualifications of Bidder

The Bidder, through its written proposal, provide evidence of ability and experience to undertake the specified objectives/duties in this Request for Proposal.

1.4 Acceptance of Offer

Acceptance of a proposal will occur only when a contract is executed.

2 Project Overview

2.1 Project Description

The instructor will conduct a minimum of one agriculture workshops a month regarding such topics as sugar bush events, corn harvest, crop storage, sweetgrass harvest, soil health management, and planting. The contract will run from November through September, working approximately four hours a week. This position will also help with Agriculture Manager promote and host at least 2 Farm Cookout events from July - September.

2.2 Scope of Services

Summary:

The Traditional Agricultural Life Ways Workshop Contractor will report to the GTB Agriculture Coordinator. Traditional Agricultural Life Ways Workshop Contractor will be developing curriculum for at least once monthly workshops through the growing season. This includes developing posters, GTB Newsletter content, electronic/email promotions, and other advertisements to promote attendance of these events. This can include incentivizing attendance through rewards, prizes, or other techniques to encourage GTB tribal member attendance.

Attendance will be tracked using sign-up sheets and a participant survey and will be shared each month with the Agricultural Manager.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must have passion for instructing on topics related to traditional and modern gardening, farming, and food production
• Must be able to show up on time, and work duration of assigned workshop
• Must be able to work in "field" conditions; ability to traverse uneven, loose ground
• Ability to work in adverse weather (rain, snow, cold weather). Field activity will be halted for severe weather (lightning, thunder, high wind events)
• Ability to lift 50

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a seasonal workshop series that focuses on disseminating information on traditional agricultural and food related Anishinaabe life ways. This includes advertising, promoting, and gaining attendance for twice monthly outdoor events/workshops that include but are not limited to:
  • Traditional corn harvest, storage, ashing, cooking and other related activities
  • Traditional soil health management
  • Deer processing and other animal protein harvest workshops
  • Wild food gathering workshop (rice, berries, sumac, cattails)
  • 3 Sisters Planting, Maintenance, Harvest, and Storage
    • Traditional planting and how it can be incorporated into modern techniques

• Develop curriculum, pamphlets, hand-outs, and promotional materials for these events
• Work with GTB Communications Dept, Agriculture Dept, and other GTB Departments to integrate this programming into existing programs and events (workshops at Pow Wow, Membership Meeting, Youth Programming, Etc)
• Submit weekly log of hours worked in a spreadsheet with the following information, date/time of hours logged, activity during logged hours, GTB Member participation, collaborator(s), additional notes

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and follow written procedures
• Knowledge of traditional agricultural life ways
• Ability to develop inclusive curriculum that helps to disseminate knowledge regarding traditional agricultural
• Ability to work with Agricultural Coordinator to develop planting plans, harvest plans, and other agricultural activities that can promote the establishment of traditional agricultural teachings as an annual program
• An ability to honor traditional agricultural life ways while also recognizing benefits of modern techniques and technology and how it can play a role in a goal of food sovereignty

2.3 Safety Pre-Cautions

Due COVID-19 and other health issues, the follow safety guidelines need to be adhered to:

1. Follow all CDC and GTB policy during training
2. Recommend contractor to be fully
3. COVID test required prior to start of contract

3 Submission Requirements

3.1 General Bid Form

Each person/vendor must submit the attached Bid Form and Qualification of Bidder, which includes contact information, references, and price quote. A copy of a certificate of basic food service sanitation and/or Serve Safe is required with bid package.

3.2 Evaluation Procedure

Proposals will be evaluated by GTB Agriculture staff based upon the price, past experiences, and interview.

3.3 Offer Submission Deadline

To be considered, a bid package must be received by the Grand Traverse Band at the address shown below or by email by 2:00 p.m. local time on March 11th, 2026. Bids received after this deadline will not be accepted. Bids will remain sealed until after the deadline.

Submit bid package to the following address:

William Derouin

2605 N West Bay Shore Dr Peshawbestown, MI 49682

Or email bid to: William.Derouin@gtb-nsn.gov

3.4 Inquiries

All questions relating to this RFP, including all questions relating to clarifications or modifications of this RFP can be submitted the below:

William Derouin 231-534-7023

William.Derouin@gtb-nsn.gov

4 Additional Requirements

4.1 Cancellation of Contract

The contract generated by this RFP may be cancelled by GTB for noncompliance with specifications, inability to perform the contracting requirements of GTB or continued safety hazards. The cancellation notification shall state the cause or reason for the cancellation. Such cancellation would be at no charge to GTB other than for work authorized and completed at the time of termination.

4.2 Native American/Alaskan Indian

Native American/Alaskan Indian preference applies; Bidders shall submit proof of Native American Indian status along with their bid.

4.3 Background Check

Prior to award of contract, the passing of a background check.

Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Bid Form and Qualification of Bidder

Request for Proposal GTB 2026 - 000

This statement will provide information which will enable GTB to evaluate the qualifications of your firm and staff regarding the requirements of this Request for Proposal. Please complete this form in its entirety and submit it along with other required proposal documents.

Bidder's Full Name Address City, State, Zip Telephone Number

Organized and existing under the laws of or a resident of the State of ,

Doing business as

*Insert as applicable: "a Corporation" "a Partnership" or "an Individual".

Offer

Having examined the Request for Proposal and all matters referred to in the Instructions to Bidders, hereby submit the following bid:

Bid for per hour of work (Contract will be paid on a weekly basis)

Dollars

($ ), in lawful money of the United States of America.

Experience

Provide three past experiences in the past five years of working in agriculture as listed the RFP. Also provide one experience of providing instruction in a training environment.

Agriculture

1. Project Description: Location:

Dates:

Work Performed:

1. Project Description: Location:

Dates:

Work Performed:

1. Project Description: Location:

Dates:

Work Performed:

Instructor

1. Project Description: Location:

Dates:

Training Performed:

Current Openings for RFP Traditional Agriculture Workshop Instructor Jobs at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians