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Title: Treaty #3 Regional Abattoir and Food Sovereignty Initiative Feasibility Study
Due Date: September 21, 2026

1.0 BACKGROUND

Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT#3) is committed to advancing the rights, interests, and well-being of the Anishinaabe Nation through leadership, advocacy, and nation-building initiatives that support self-determination, economic sovereignty, and sustainable community development. Working on behalf of its 28 member First Nations, GCT#3 promotes opportunities that strengthen governance, build community capacity, protect Treaty and Anishinaabe rights, and improve the quality of life for present and future generations.

The Treaty #3 Regional Abattoir and Food Sovereignty Initiative aligns with these priorities by supporting community-led economic development, enhancing regional food security, and creating opportunities for long-term economic growth. By exploring the feasibility of a regional livestock processing facility, the project seeks to increase local food production and processing capacity, support local producers, create employment and training opportunities, and reduce reliance on external food supply chains. Through this initiative, Grand Council Treaty #3 aims to advance food sovereignty, strengthen economic resilience, and ensure that economic benefits remain within Treaty #3 communities while supporting a sustainable and self-determined future for the Anishinaabe Nation.

2.0 OUTLINE OF SERVICES

The successful proponent will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study to determine the viability of establishing and operating a Treaty #3 Regional Abattoir and Food Sovereignty Facility. The study will evaluate technical, financial, operational, infrastructure, governance, market, environmental, regulatory, and implementation considerations. The study will also identify opportunities, risks, and requirements associated with developing a sustainable and economically viable regional processing facility that serves the needs of Treaty #3 communities and livestock producers. The feasibility study shall provide Grand Council Treaty #3 with the information necessary to make evidence-based decisions regarding project development, investment readiness, funding opportunities, facility design, ownership structures, operational models, and implementation strategies.

Objectives
The successful consultant will:
• Assess the technical feasibility of establishing a regional abattoir within Treaty #3 territory.
• Evaluate facility requirements, processing capacity, equipment needs, and technology options.
• Assess potential facility locations and infrastructure requirements using criteria including transportation access, utilities, environmental considerations and opportunities for future expansion.
• Identify applicable regulatory, environmental, food safety, and animal welfare requirements.
• Assess current and projected livestock supply and demand for meat processing services within Treaty #3 and surrounding areas.
• Identify opportunities for local food distribution, value-added processing, and market development.
• Analyze regional processing capacity and competing facilities.
• Develop capital and operating cost estimates for the proposed facility.
• Prepare financial projections and assess long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify funding opportunities, partnerships, potential investment sources and develop financing and revenue generators options.
• Evaluate the economic benefits of the project, including job creation and local economic development.
• Assess operational requirements, including staffing, training, governance, and management.
• Evaluate supply chain, logistics, procurement, and distribution considerations.
• Identify potential project risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Develop implementation options and roadmap for project development.
• Engage Treaty #3 for communities, livestock producers, and key stakeholders throughout the study.
• Document community priorities, opportunities, and concerns related to food sovereignty and regional food systems.
• Prepare a final feasibility study report with findings, recommendations, funding opportunities, estimate timelines, and next steps for implementation.

3.0 FEES FOR SERVICE

Estimated fixed fee for the feasibility study: $40,000 CAD (Inclusive of applicable taxes).

4.0 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Firms/consultants submitting bid packages should be sensitive to the potential conflicts of interest that may prevent their retention by Grand Council Treaty #3. All potential conflicts must be disclosed in any bid package. Whether a conflict of interest is sufficient to prevent retention of a proponent is in the sole discretion of Grand Council Treaty #3.

5.0 REQUIRED CONTENTS OF THE BID PACKAGE

A full bid package is required with the contents set out below.

• Successfully outline a proposal and solution to the above project outline, including work plan, timelines and project budget
• The name, address and contact person for the firm/consultant, along with a brief description of firm/consultant’s main areas of business and experience.
• The name(s) of the person(s) within the firm/consultant who propose to do the work, along with their curriculum vitae and a description of relevant experience.
• The names and telephone numbers of two clients who can provide references.
• Disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest.
• Identification of any experience working with First Nations and/or First Nation organizations. Experience in Treaty #3 is preferred but not required.

6.0 SELECTION CRITERIA

The evaluation criteria may include, but not be limited to, the following (not in any order of importance)
• Assessment of the proponent’s understanding of the Treaty #3 Regional Abattoir and Food Sovereignty Initiative and the objectives of the feasibility study.
• Assessment of the quality, completeness, and responsiveness of the proposal submitted.
• Assessment of the proposed methodology, work plan, timeline, and approach to completing the technical, financial, operational, infrastructure, risk, and implementation assessments
• Number, qualification/expertise, and past experiences of the individuals who would be conducting the work for the firm/consultant
• Knowledge/familiarity with working on behalf of a First Nation client
• Cost effectiveness of proposal
• Finalist interviews (if any) at the discretion of Grand Council Treaty #3
• Information obtained through references
• Lack of conflicts of interest

All packages submitted with the requirements will be reviewed and evaluated. Grand Council Treaty #3 reserves the right to select a bid based on written material only.

Firms responding to this RFP may be requested to provide additional information or address specific requirements not fully explored in their initial submissions.

Grand Council Treaty #3 reserves the right to reject any RFP submitted.

7.0 SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Firms/Consultants wishing to submit a bid package must prepare a package containing the required materials and send in electronic format on or before September 21, 2026, to: Anjaly.Liju@treaty3.ca

Deadline: Proposals must be received by September 21, 2026.
Submission Format: Electronic only – PDF or Word format preferred.

PDF – RFP – Treaty #3 Regional Abattoir and Food Sovereignty Initiative Feasibility Study