PURPOSE
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board (CMCB) seeks to identify and select an experienced consultant or firm to provide grant funding strategy, partnership development, opportunity assessment, grant proposal development, and grant management support services.
The selected consultant will assist CMCB in identifying, evaluating, and pursuing funding opportunities that align with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and industry priorities.
The Board’s long-term objective is to leverage Checkoff investments to secure approximately $10 million in external grant funding over the next five years, with an emphasis on career awareness and Industry advancement, manufacturing innovation, sustainability, research, and industry growth initiatives.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
CMCB is pursuing grant funding as a strategic tool to amplify the impact of industry investments and accelerate programs that benefit concrete masonry producers nationwide.
The Board recognizes that many federal, state, and private funding opportunities align with ongoing Checkoff investments in career awareness and Industry advancement, education, research, manufacturing innovation, sustainability, and market growth.
By leveraging Checkoff dollars with external funding, CMCB seeks to create a broader funding ecosystem capable of supporting transformational industry initiatives.
The Board is particularly interested in opportunities where Checkoff investments can serve as matching funds, seed funding, industry cost share, or demonstration funding to unlock larger public and private investments.
CMCB is seeking a strategic partner that can help identify high-value opportunities, develop fundable concepts, build collaborative partnerships, and position the industry for long-term success.
ABOUT CMCB
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Board was established to strengthen and grow the concrete masonry industry through investments in research, education, career awareness and Industry advancement, marketing, design assistance, codes and standards, and innovation. CMCB seeks to leverage external funding opportunities to expand the impact of industry investments.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
• Identify and evaluate grant opportunities aligned with CMCB priorities.
• Develop a multi-year funding strategy and opportunity pipeline.
• Build strategic partnerships and consortiums.
• Prepare competitive grant applications.
• Support grant administration and reporting.
• Increase external funding available to the industry.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
1. Funding Opportunity Identification and Assessment
– Research federal, state, regional, and private funding opportunities.
– Evaluate competitiveness, eligibility, and strategic fit.
– Maintain a funding calendar and opportunity pipeline.
– Provide go/no-go recommendations.
2. Funding Strategy Development
– Develop a 12-month funding roadmap.
– Prioritize opportunities.
– Assess organizational readiness.
– Recommend pursuit strategies.
3. Partnership Development and Consortium Building
– Identify universities, workforce organizations, agencies, and industry partners.
– Facilitate partnership discussions.
– Support development of collaborative funding proposals.
4. Grant Proposal Development
– Prepare narratives, budgets, work plans, and supporting documentation.
– Coordinate stakeholder input.
– Manage proposal submissions.
5. Award Management Support
– Assist with reporting, compliance, evaluation, and renewal opportunities.
TARGET FUNDING AREAS
• Career awareness and Industry advancement
• Apprenticeships
• Manufacturing Innovation
• Technical Education
• Economic Development
• Sustainability and Resilience
• Research and Development
• Construction Technology
• Industry Growth Initiatives
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Federal Funding Experience:
Experience with EDA, NSF, DOE, DOL, SBA, HUD, USDA, Commerce, and related agencies.
Industry Experience:
Manufacturing, construction materials, building products, career awareness and Industry advancement, technical education, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability initiatives, and trade associations.
Partnership Development:
Experience building public-private partnerships and multi-organization grant consortiums.
Grant Performance:
Documented success securing competitive grant awards and measurable funding outcomes.
DELIVERABLES
• Funding Opportunity Pipeline
• Annual Funding Calendar
• Opportunity Prioritization Matrix
• Partnership Development Plan
• Strategic Funding Roadmap
• Grant Applications and Supporting Materials
• Periodic Progress Reports
PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Organizational Overview
2. Relevant Project Experience
3. Federal Funding Experience
4. Strategic Approach
5. Partnership Development Experience
6. Opportunity Assessment Exercise (described below)
7. References
8. Proposed Fee Structure
Respondents should include:
• Number of federal proposals submitted
• Number funded
• Total dollars requested
• Total dollars awarded
• Largest award secured
• Relevant agency experience
OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
Identify three funding opportunities you would recommend pursuing during the first year of engagement and explain:
• Why the opportunity aligns with CMCB
• Key partners required
• Estimated award size
• Likelihood of success
• Recommended pursuit strategy
ANTICIPATED TIMELINE
RFP Release: 7/1/2026
Questions Due: 7/22/2026
Proposal Submission Deadline: 7/31/2026
Finalist Interviews: 8/15/2026 – 8/31/2026
Consultant Selection: 9/1/2026 – 9/30/2026
Contract Start Date: 1/1/2027
DESIRED OUTCOMES CMCB seeks a long-term strategic funding partner capable of:
• Securing significant external funding.
• Building industry partnerships.
• Expanding career awareness and Industry advancement initiatives.
Submit an RFP here.