Request for Proposal: GIS Mapping & Web Development Technical Consultant for the Local Food Switchboard

Contracting Organization: Maine Food Convergence Project (MFCP), fiscally sponsored by Third Sector New England (TSNE)

Location: Remote

Contract Duration: September 2025 – April 2026 - Independent contractor role

Budget: $51,000 allocated for the initial phase of platform development, which includes design, creation, beta testing, and initial refinements. A modest amount of additional funding is reserved for continued adjustments and maintenance over the following two years.

Local Food Switchboard Overview

Funded by a USDA/Full Plates Full Potential School Food System Innovation Grant, the Local Food Switchboard will serve as a central hub for coordinating logistics services within Maine's local food system, specifically it will act as a “virtual assistant”

to the School Food Marketplace. The Switchboard will streamline local food procurement, connect various interest-holders in Maine's food system, and increase local food sourcing in schools and beyond. It will provide detailed information on:

● Food Businesses

● Processing, storage and other supply web infrastructure

● Food system resources such as financial and technical assistance

An operator will be responsible for updating data and facilitating communications between supply web actors and schools. Besides increasing nourishing local food in schools, a key goal of the Switchboard is to build stronger connections with food producers and harvesters who face systemic barriers to capital due to racism, transphobia, ableism, classism, and immigration status. By fostering collaboration, we aim to support their infrastructure, equipment, market access, and resource needs, creating a more equitable and resilient food system.

Consulting Summary

MFCP is seeking a GIS Mapping Technical Consultant to co-develop and help steward the interactive database and virtual map component of the Local Food Switchboard.

Working closely with MFCP staff and the Switchboard R&D team, the consultant will ensure the tool is accessible, functional, and grounded in participatory design principles and community-driven outcomes.

The contractor must provide their own office and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

● Database & Map Development: With guidance from the Switchboard team, design and build a web-based platform featuring a highly searchable database and map that inventories and visualizes key food system assets, infrastructure, and resources and allows for export of customized datasets.

● Data Integration: Work with Switchboard team to upload batches of data from internal collection processes and integrate external data sources related to producers, infrastructure, supply chains, and community resources.

● Functionality: Build features that allow users to search, filter, and interact with the database, map and each other, including potentially through a forum or message board on the platform.

● Adjustments: After the beta-testing and pilot phases, work with the MFCP/Switchboard team to make adjustments to the platform to meet emerging needs.

● Maintenance & Documentation: Provide clear training materials and recommendations for ongoing maintenance and usability by MFCP/Switchboard staff after the contract ends.

Time Frame

● Platform Development: September–October 2025 (flexible based on consultant availability and project needs)

● Beta Testing: October-January

● Piloting and Map Adjustments: January-March

Qualifications

We welcome applications from individuals or teams with a strong mix of the following qualifications. No candidate is expected to meet all requirements.

● Demonstrated experience developing interactive GIS-based tools or maps, preferably for community-centered or food systems-related projects.

● Demonstrated experience developing and/or maintaining public-facing databases.

● Proficiency with GIS software, coding, and web mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS Online, Mapbox, Leaflet, QGIS, Python, JavaScript, GeoJSON, PostGIS, D3.js, Turf.js, Carto, OpenLayers, etc.).

● Ability to design tools in partnership with a team of researchers & coordinators.

● Strong project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.

● Knowledge of data visualization, open data practices, and accessibility standards.

● Understanding of equity and justice in food systems, particularly in rural or under-resourced contexts, is highly valued.

● Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Proposal Process

Interested candidates should submit the following:

● Cover Letter or Letter of Interest

● Proposal or Narrative: Describes how you would approach the work. Include methodology and deliverables.

● Budget

● Resume or Organizational Background: Resume/CV, include references & samples of projects.

Proposal Deadline: July 28, 2025 or until position is filled

Submission Instructions

Please submit all application materials electronically to Annie Doran (mainefoodconvergence@gmail.com) with the subject line “GIS Consultant Application – Switchboard Project”

Questions? Please contact Annie: mainefoodconvergence@gmail.com