The Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board (WSMB) is now accepting research requests for proposals (RFP) for fiscal year 2024. To submit a proposal, email the proposal cover sheet, full project proposal and a budget template to admin@wisoy.org no later than 5 p.m. CST on May 15, 2023.

The aim of this RFP is to generate both new vendor relationships and viable project/campaign opportunities. WSMB is seeking projects in the following core research areas:

• Market expansion of commodity soybeans and soybean meal into both new and existing overseas markets;
• Promotion of Wisconsin ports and other facilities available for exporting bulk soybeans;
• Promotion of Wisconsin’s growing identity preserved soybean sector;
• Promotion of Wisconsin’s biodiesel/renewable diesel use;
• Market assessment of the current and potential use of soy-based products by state and federal fleets, cities and municipalities, private companies, fleets, consumer and farmers;
• And assess and identify ways to expand soybean protein use in the animal feeds market.

“We encourage researchers to participate in our RFP process with cutting-edge ideas,” WSMB President Patrick Mullooly said. “Our board has determined the research needs we’re prioritizing, and we are excited to partner with research professionals to help improve our state’s soybean industry.”

A brief outlining the project or campaign, 250-word overview, lists of deliverables, timeline and budget are required for review and selection. More details follow outlining proposal format and areas of focus. Selected proposals are included in a package to present to the respective Board of Directors and staff. Board feedback and questions are compiled and communicated back to selected vendors. The opportunity to collaborate with both the Board of Directors, Agency of Record, and staff to develop and explore the selected projects/campaigns will occur after formal board approval.

The project and/or campaign brief should follow the suggested guidelines. The principal goal of each brief is to be a snapshot of a specific idea, project or standalone campaign. Vendors can submit as many briefs as they would like, but WSMB requests that they are complete and are generally independent of one another.

Click here to learn more about the RFP process.

WSMB comprises elected soybean farmers from across the state. WSMB is charged with overseeing the wise investments of the Wisconsin soybean checkoff to increase the profitability of the more 10,000 soybean farmers in the state.