Item:
Title
Approval to Enter into a Contract with Key Environmental Consulting in the Amount of $159,547 for a Durham County Food System Assessment & Strategic Plan
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: October 13, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to enter into a service contract with Key Environmental Consulting in the amount of $159,547, (RFP 25-041) and any related contract amendments, to develop a comprehensive food system assessment and 10-year strategic plan. Existing County funds previously allocated and budgeted for this purpose will be utilized for this contract.
Approximately 14% of Durham County residents experience food insecurity. While significant County and community efforts exist to address this issue, the County lacks a coordinated approach that addresses each part of the food system. A comprehensive food system assessment and plan will provide Durham County staff with recommendations and strategies that help the County improve strategic food security efforts by strengthening each component of our local food system. This plan will also guide future County investments, policies, and programs, supporting more effective and aligned decision-making.
Based on the eleven responses Durham County received regarding RFP 25-041, Key Environmental Consulting was deemed the most qualified firm for the project due to their strong experience, credentials, and clear understanding of the project’s requirements and vision. They bring extensive expertise in community engagement as well as a strong background in data collection and analysis. Additionally, the team has experience collaborating with a variety of food system partners including government agencies and non-profit organizations throughout Durham and the broader Triangle region.
Durham County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP 25-041) on March 18, 2025. RFP 25-041 was advertised on the Durham County website and through food system listservs and networks. Eleven proposals were received on April 29, 2025. The proposal bid tabulation and evaluation summary are attached.
BOCC approval for this service contract is subject to legal review and approval by the Durham County Attorney’s office.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: The food system assessment and plan most closely aligns with DCo Forward Healthy & Inclusive Community (HI 1a, HI 2a, HI 3a, HI 3b) and Empowered Community (EC 1a, EC 1d, EC 2b) objectives.
Resource Persons: Raina Goldstein Bunnag, County Food Security Coordinator; Donna Rewalt, County Extension Director.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends the Board authorize the County Manager to enter into a service contract with Key Environmental Consulting in the amount of $159,547 (RFP 25-041) and any related contract amendments, to develop a comprehensive food system assessment and 10-year strategic plan.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________