Cooperative Model

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RFQ for Rural Grocery Store Co-op Conversion Specialist

(Independent Contractor)

Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) is seeking proposals from qualified independent contractors to serve as a Rural Grocery Store Co-op Conversion Specialist. This contract is funded in part by the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) and the Montana Healthcare Foundation (MTHF).

Purpose

The contractor will support MCDC in designing a more in-depth rural grocery store cooperative conversion program, integrating resources into MCDC’s digital/online platforms, and helping rural grocery stores and communities learn about cooperative ownership options. The contractor may also work directly with select rural grocery stores/communities on exploring or advancing conversion to a cooperative model.

Contract Amount and Term

· Not-to-Exceed: $20,000 (professional fees)

· Travel: reimbursed in addition to the contract amount, per MCDC policies

· Term: Contract execution through December 31, 2026

Scope of Work (Summary)

The selected contractor will:

· Develop an expanded grocery co-op conversion program framework suitable for digital delivery.

· Provide outreach/education support to rural grocery stores and communities regarding cooperative models.

· Create a practical, web-ready step-by-step rural grocery conversion guide/toolkit (draft and final).

· Coordinate with MCDC staff and partners; provide regular progress updates.

Minimum Contractor Requirements

· Ability to contract as an independent contractor

· Independent contractor license (or ability to obtain/retain prior to contracting)

· Proof of insurance (general liability; professional coverage as appropriate)

· Demonstrated experience in rural community support, food systems, grocery transitions, cooperative development, or related work

Preferred Qualifications

· Completion of the Kansas State University Rural Grocery Transition Specialist program (or comparable training)

· Direct experience with rural grocery viability, ownership transition, cooperative conversions, or rural food access initiatives

· Strong facilitation and community education skills; ability to translate complex topics into practical tools

Proposal Submission (What to Include)

Submit a single PDF that includes:

1. Cover letter (1 page)

2. Qualifications and relevant experience (include 2–3 examples of similar work)

3. Proposed workplan and timeline through Dec. 31, 2026

4. Approach/methodology (including digital/toolkit development approach)

5. Budget (fees up to $20,000; travel estimate listed separately, if available)

6. Resume/CV for key personnel

7. 2–3 references

8. Proof of insurance (or statement of ability to obtain upon award)

9. Independent contractor license (or statement of ability to obtain)

Evaluation (Summary)

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

· Relevant experience with rural grocery transitions / cooperative conversions

· Food systems expertise and community engagement approach

· Strength and feasibility of workplan and timeline

· Quality and usability of proposed toolkit/guide

· Administrative readiness (insurance/licensing) and communication approach

· Relevant training (KSU program preferred)

Submission Details

· RFP Issued: January 28, 2026

· Questions Due: February 13, 2026

· Proposals Due: February 27, 2026 · Submit Proposals To: Tracy McIntyre at tracy@mcdc.coop, “Rural Grocery Specialist in the header” · Questions Contact: Tracy McIntyre, Executive Director at tracy@mcdc.coop or call 406-727-1517.

MCDC reserves the right to reject any/all proposals, request additional information, and negotiate scope, deliverables, and budget with the selected contractor.

Download PDF

Our Mission

“To Empower Economic Development by Utilizing the Cooperative Business Model, for the Betterment of Montana Communities”

At MCDC, our mission is to empower Montana communities by delivering high-quality cooperative development programs.

We are committed to fostering cooperative enterprises across various sectors, harnessing the potential of Montana's unique cooperative legal landscape to facilitate the formation of successful cooperatives.

Our organization is dedicated to catalyzing cooperative growth and innovation, working hand in hand with aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses alike.

Explore the key focus areas below that MCDC is actively engaged in and discover how we can help your project thrive within the cooperative model.

We invite you to contact us today for a personalized consultation.

Cooperatives Around The World Prescribe To The 7 Guiding Principles

Voluntary and Open Membership
Democratic Member Control
Members' Economic Participation
Autonomy and Independence
Education, Training and Information
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Concern for Community

Learn more

What Is A Cooperative?

A cooperative is an organization that is owned and democratically controlled by the people who use its products, supplies or services. Cooperatives are formed to meet the specific objectives of members, and are structured to adapt to member’s changing needs. Working together as a group, members find they can accomplish more collectively than they could individually.

The benefits of belonging to cooperatives include:

Access to quality supplies and services at reasonable costs
Increased visibility and leverage in the marketplace
Share in earnings based on use of co-op
Effective political action
Enhance local economy through services and job creation

MCDC is an equal opportunity employer and partner.

Disclaimer:  Montana Cooperative Development Center and the Montana Council of Cooperatives provides cooperative education and information to those interested in and/or part of the cooperative community.  Our information does not replace legal and accounting services. We recommend contacting a qualified professional as needed. 

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MT Cooperative Development Center We Can Co-Op That!

Cooperative Community Campaigns

RFQ for Rural Grocery Store Co-op Conversion Specialist

Our Mission

Cooperatives Around The World Prescribe To The 7 Guiding Principles

Cooperative Process

Cooperative Process

Cooperative Process

Resources

Cooperative Process

Cooperative Process

About Us

Cooperative Process

Support Us

Support Us

Cooperative Process

Support Us

What Is A Cooperative?

Two Coloring Book Options Now Available for Cooperative Education

Swag Shop

Did you know you can support MCDC and a printing co-op just by buying yourself some great We Can Co-Op That gear?

What's New At MDCD

Get More News From Us

Join our mailing list!

Contact Us

Send Us a Note

Address Information

MT Cooperative Development Center

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