On behalf of the Alaska Mariculture Cluster (AMC), Southeast Conference is soliciting proposals from eligible entities for the purchase of equipment to support mariculture operations. The goal of this RFP is to stimulate mariculture industry growth through strategic investments in nursery, hatchery, and processing capacity in Alaska.  Equipment purchases will help industry participants:

• Safely and cost-effectively handle and process seaweed and shellfish into products with strong market demand.
• Reduce operating costs, increase production capacity, and improve seed quality and consistency.
• Add capacity where needed to address any regional seed supply gaps.

Funding is secured through the Equipment & Technology component of the AMC grant, which includes $7.2 million in equipment funding and $378K in supplies funding. Round I of the Equipment program resulted in the allocation of approximately $2.25 million for nine projects. Round II of the Equipment program resulted in the allocation of approximately $2.96 million for six projects. The remaining funding – and potentially additional funding – is allocated for the third round of the Equipment program under this RFP. The amount of equipment funding obligated will depend on the quantity and quality of proposals received.  Completion of the necessary steps to acquire equipment through the AMC grant can take many months if not more than a year.  All grant funds through the equipment and technology component project must be invoiced and reimbursed by September 2026.

If you have questions, please email Dan@seconference.org.