G20 MACS Request for Proposals

Open Opportunity

USDA and FFAR are seeking a site host for the 2026 G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists.

Program Contact

Letters of intent due December 11, 2024

About the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists Site Host RFP

The United States of America will host the Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) in 2026. The G20 is an intergovernmental forum comprised of 19 sovereign countries, the European Union and the African Union. T he United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) are seeking a site host for the 2026 G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (G20 MACS). This event will bring together agricultural chief scientists from the G20 member countries and invited guests to discuss critical global research priorities, foster international collaboration and contribute to sustainable global food security.

Highly competitive proposals will demonstrate the unique value the lead site host can bring to the G20 MACS and the U.S. agricultural research and development community, will assemble a consortium of partners to share in the site host responsibilities and will minimize overall cost of the event for the U.S. government.

Additionally, the site host should demonstrate its ability to collaborate with and engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including a consortium that may include universities, state and local departments of agriculture, 1862, 1890, 1994-Land Grant Institutions and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), non-profit organizations and/or private sector sponsors. Such partnerships can enhance the event’s impact, ensure diverse representation reflective of the U.S. agriculture research and development community, and ensure that the outcomes align with the evolving needs of the agricultural community.

The G20 MACS presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the site host(s) to engage and network with unique group of individuals and showcase their operations and surrounding areas – to include through field excursions to research, cultural and historical locations

Application Guidelines

Am I eligible to apply?

Location Eligibility: The physical site must be managed, owned, and controlled by a U.S. entity.
Proven Experience: The lead organization must have a proven record of successfully hosting large, international conferences or events.
Financial Standing: Must have a strong financial standing and be able to demonstrate the ability to cover the costs of hosting the G20 MACS event. Must be eligible to do business with the U.S. government, including in good standing in SAM.gov.
Experienced Staff: Must have a team of experienced staff with the expertise to manage all aspects of a large international event.

How do I submit my pre-application (letter of intent)?: Letters of intent should be completed using the provided template. Letters of intent must include a brief overview of the host organization and the unique value they bring to the G20 MACS and the broader agricultural research and development community, details about the suggested location, a list of consortium participants and the site host’s past proven experience hosting events of a similar size and scope. Letters of intent should be submitted via email to events@foundationfar.org no later than Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 5 pm EST. To ensure fairness to all applicants, proposals that are submitted late will not be considered.

What happens if I move onto Phase II and am asked to submit a full event management plan?: The top candidates will be invited to submit a full application that consists of a detailed event management plan that outlines the organization’s approach to hosting the three-day MACS event including a full budget breakdown. More specific information about the full proposal requirements will be provided to those candidates moving to the next phase.

Where do I find additional information about this opportunity?: Full details including application details are available in the RFP.