SOBOBA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
RE QUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS & PROPOSALS
Area Market Analysis for Tribal Aquaculture Venture Independent Southern California Market Analysis to Inform SEDC Board Review
Solicitation No.: SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001
Issued By: Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) - Section 17 Corporation,
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
Issue Date: October 5, 2026
Proposal Due Date: November 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Project Location: Soboba Indian Reservation & Surrounding Areas, San Jacinto, CA 92581
Contact: Michael Castello, Chairman - Soboba Economic Development Corporation
Email / Phone: info@sobobaedc.org | (951) 487-7744 x4801
This document is issued for the purpose of soliciting competitive proposals for professional market analysis services. The Soboba Economic Development Corporation reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities, and to accept the proposal deemed most advantageous to the Tribe. This solicitation does not commit SEDC to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of proposals.
SECTION 1 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & PROJECT OVERVIEW
1.0 Background & Purpose The Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), a Section 17 Corporation wholly owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians, is issuing this Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ/P) to solicit professional services for an independent market analysis to inform SEDC Board review of a potential tribal aquaculture venture. This solicitation is formally issued on October 5, 2026.
1.1 Project Intent SEDC seeks a qualified market research firm to conduct a focused Southern California market analysis as the first step in evaluating potential opportunities for a tribal aquaculture venture on or near the Soboba Indian Reservation. Potential components include a recreational fishing lake and a commercial aquaculture operation, with or without an associated fish hatchery. The analysis will focus on commercially relevant freshwater fish species, particularly native or established species, and assess market demand, potential buyers (including Soboba casino and hospitality operations), accessible market volumes, product forms, and anticipated farmgate prices. The recreational fishing assessment will examine potential participation, fee structures, and associated revenue opportunities. The SEDC Board has determined that understanding the market picture first - demand, competitive landscape, pricing, and go-to-market channels - is essential before site criteria, water requirements, capital costs, regulatory pathways, and operating projections can be meaningfully defined. Those downstream considerations look materially different depending on which market opportunity is actually viable, and scoping subsequent work around a well-founded market read will save significant time and resources. This RFQ/P is therefore scoped to independent market analysis only. Technical scoping, capital and operating cost estimates, site feasibility, and regulatory analysis will be procured separately - or carried out by SEDC's technical advisors - following SEDC Board review of the market analysis findings.
1.2 Solicitation Authority This solicitation is issued under the authority of the SEDC Board of Directors. The selected firm will work in coordination with SEDC leadership and Soboba Tribal Administration staff. All work shall be conducted in a manner consistent with tribal sovereignty, applicable federal regulations, and industry best practices for market research.
SECTION 2 - BACKGROUND & CONTEXT
2.0 Overview This section provides background on SEDC and the context for this market analysis. The selected firm is expected to conduct an independent assessment of market conditions relevant to the potential aquaculture configurations under consideration.
2.1 SEDC Strategic Context The Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) was established in 2015 as a Section 17 Corporation to diversify the Tribe's revenue sources and ensure sustainability for the next seven generations and beyond. SEDC's current portfolio includes Roadrunner Express, DrinkRIVR, and Red Falcon Dispensary. The SEDC Board has identified aquaculture as a potential new venture aligned with the Tribe's long-term economic self-sufficiency goals. The 2024 SEDC audit confirmed a 44% increase in net position and 80% growth in operating income, providing a strong financial foundation for new strategic investments - subject to independent viability analysis.
2.2 Technical Advisory Context SEDC has engaged aquaculture subject-matter experts to provide preliminary technical input and will continue to rely on technical advisors for species suitability, site feasibility, capital planning, and operating design. The selected market analysis firm shall provide an objective, evidence-based assessment of market opportunities and may coordinate with SEDC and its technical advisors to obtain relevant information. Any actual or potential conflicts of interest shall be disclosed to SEDC and appropriately managed.
2.3 Potential Venture Configurations The potential aquaculture venture may include one or more of the following potential revenue-generating components, subject to market findings and subsequent technical review:
- A recreational fishing lake stocked with native or appropriate species;
- A fish hatchery for stock enhancement and/or commercial production;
- A commercial aquaculture operation producing sustainable seafood for local and regional markets;
The market analysis will evaluate potential revenue opportunities associated with commercial fish production, hatchery and stocking sales, and fee-based recreational fishing. These activities may function independently or as complementary components of a larger aquaculture venture. In addition to these potential aquaculture components, SEDC is considering an educational and cultural resource center connecting tribal heritage with modern marine science. This education center is not subject to market analyses under this solicitation.
SECTION 3 - SCOPE OF WORK & DELIVERABLES
3.0 Overview The selected firm shall provide professional services to complete a focused Southern California Market Analysis for a potential tribal aquaculture venture on or near the Soboba Indian Reservation. This analysis will provide SEDC's Board of Directors with the market foundation necessary to focus subsequent technical, site, and regulatory work on the configuration(s) actually worth pursuing.
3.1 Market Analysis Scope The selected firm shall coordinate with SEDC at project initiation to establish the relative priority and appropriate level of effort for each market segment. The analysis should emphasize those opportunities judged most relevant to SEDC's development objectives while providing sufficient comparative information to support subsequent feasibility decisions.
Tasks include:
- Species-Specific Market Assessment: Identify and evaluate commercially relevant freshwater fish species, with emphasis on native or established species, considering market demand, consumer preferences, competitive positioning, and potential recreational fishing value.
- Market Demand and Volume: Assess current and projected demand for candidate species and products in Southern California, including estimates of realistically accessible market volumes (e.g., pounds per week or year) by species, product form, and distribution channel. Specifically, distinguish between the total addressable market and the portion realistically accessible to Soboba.
- Product Forms and Pricing: Evaluate market opportunities for live, whole fresh, dressed, filleted, frozen, and other relevant product forms. Identify prevailing and expected prices at the farmgate, wholesale, distributor, and retail levels, clearly distinguishing among them.
- Buyer Identification and Distribution Channels: Identify potential purchasers and market outlets, including seafood wholesalers, restaurants, retailers, institutional buyers, and Soboba casino and hospitality operations. Assess purchasing requirements, preferred product forms, expected volumes, and opportunities for direct sales.
- Tribal Market Advantages: Assess potential competitive advantages associated with Soboba's tribal enterprise status, proximity to Southern California markets, existing casino and hospitality operations, and opportunities for direct-to-consumer and institutional sales.
- Recreational Fishing Market Assessment: Evaluate regional demand for fee-based recreational fishing opportunities, including competing facilities, target customer demographics, preferred fish species, visitation potential, willingness to pay, alternative fee structures, and ancillary revenue opportunities. Estimate the potential annual number of paid fishing visits and average revenue per visitor under alternative fee structures, clearly identifying the assumptions underlying these market-side estimates.
- Hatchery and Stocking Markets: Assess potential markets for hatchery-produced fish, including fingerlings for commercial aquaculture, stocking-size fish for recreational fisheries, and other potential purchasers. Identify market volumes, pricing, and relevant purchasing requirements.
- Competitive Landscape and Market Risks: Evaluate competing suppliers, substitute products, regional market trends, seasonal demand, market access barriers, and other factors affecting the commercial prospects of candidate species and recreational fishing opportunities.
- Primary Market Research and Validation: Conduct interviews with prospective buyers, distributors, recreational fishing operators, and other relevant market participants to validate demand, pricing, product preferences, and anticipated purchasing volumes. Clearly distinguish documented market demand from estimates and assumptions. Proposals shall identify the anticipated number and types of market participant interviews and describe the methods used to validate purchasing interest, potential volumes, and pricing.
- Market Opportunity Assessment: Evaluate the relative market potential of commercial fish production, recreational fishing, and hatchery-related sales, recognizing that these activities may be developed independently or as complementary components of a larger aquaculture venture. Identify promising market opportunities, potential synergies, and important market limitations based on demand, potential sales volumes, achievable pricing, competition, and market access. Present findings to inform subsequent technical and economic feasibility evaluations without making final recommendations regarding facility design, business configuration, or investment decisions.
The final report shall include a summary matrix of illustrative categories similar to the example provided in the RFQ/P and indicate confidence in each estimate and whether demand has been confirmed through buyer interviews.
3.2 Scope Boundaries The following are explicitly OUT OF SCOPE for this engagement and will be addressed separately by SEDC's technical advisors or in subsequent procurements:
- Capital cost estimates for facility development;
- 10-year operating cost or revenue projections;
- Engineering, final species selection based on biological and technical feasibility, and facility design;
- Site feasibility, environmental assessment, or regulatory pathway analysis;
- Employment impact modeling tied to specific facility design assumptions.
Where the market analysis touches on these areas, the selected firm shall coordinate with SEDC and clearly label any such figures as market-side framing rather than a cost or revenue projection.
3.3 Deliverables The selected firm shall provide the following deliverables within the study period:
- Inception Report & Work Plan (due within 7 days of Notice to Proceed);
- Draft Market Analysis Report (due within 90 days of Notice to Proceed);
- Final Market Analysis Report incorporating SEDC review comments;
- A species-by-species market opportunity matrix summarizing potential buyers, product forms, estimated annual or weekly market volumes, indicative prices, market constraints, and the level of confidence associated with each estimate;
- Executive Summary Presentation for SEDC Board (PowerPoint/PDF, due with Final Report);
- All supporting data, source references, and research materials in digital format.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS - MARKET ANALYSIS STANDARDS
4.0 Overview All services under this contract must conform to applicable industry standards and best practices for market research and tribal enterprise opportunity assessment.
4.1 Market Analysis Standards The market analysis shall employ transparent, defensible research methods appropriate to the market segments described in Section 3.1. Findings shall distinguish between primary and secondary research, documented purchasing interest and estimated demand, and observed prices and projected pricing assumptions. Quantitative estimates shall identify their sources, relevant assumptions, geographic applicability, and limitations. The methodology and supporting references shall be sufficiently documented to inform subsequent technical and economic feasibility assessments and potential federal or tribal funding applications.
4.2 Reporting Standards All reports shall be prepared in accordance with professional consulting standards, clearly distinguishing between findings, assumptions, and limitations. Reports shall be written for a non-technical audience (SEDC Board) while maintaining analytical rigor sufficient for subsequent regulatory and financing use. All supporting datasets shall be provided in editable digital format (Excel or equivalent).
SECTION 5 - FIRM QUALIFICATIONS & MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
5.0 Overview SEDC seeks a qualified firm or team with demonstrated expertise in market research, competitive analysis, and tribal enterprise opportunity assessment. Firms may propose as a prime contractor with subconsultants, provided the prime contractor assumes full responsibility for all deliverables.
5.1 Minimum Qualifications
- A minimum of five (5) years of experience conducting market analyses, demand studies, or competitive assessments for food production, agriculture, aquaculture, recreation, hospitality, or related industries;
- Demonstrated experience with at least one (1) completed market analysis for an aquaculture, fisheries, food enterprise, or recreation-based project;
- At least one (1) credentialed market research analyst, economist, or MBA-level analyst on the project team;
- Demonstrated familiarity with tribal enterprise development or Native American market contexts;
- Valid business license and current professional liability (E&O) insurance of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
5.2 Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience working with Native American tribes, tribal enterprises, or tribal economic development corporations;
- Familiarity with the Southern California seafood market, recreational fishing industry, and/or aquaculture supply chains;
- Experience with USDA Rural Development or SBA tribal business market feasibility programs;
- Tribal-owned or tribally affiliated firm status.
5.3 Key Personnel Requirements Proposals must identify key personnel for the following roles:
- Project Manager;
- Lead Market Research Analyst;
- Tribal Enterprise / Market Advisor.
Resumes for all key personnel must be included in the proposal.
SECTION 6 - PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
6.0 Submission Format All proposals must be submitted in two separately sealed components, clearly labeled as follows: (1) "Qualification Package - SEDC Area Market Analysis, Solicitation No. SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001"; and (2) "Fee Proposal - SEDC Area Market Analysis, Solicitation No. SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001." Electronic submissions are accepted via email to info@sobobaedc.org with subject line: "RFQ/P Submission - SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001." Hard copy submissions (one original + two copies) may be delivered to: SEDC, 23333 Soboba Rd., San Jacinto, CA 92581, Attn: Michael Castello, Chairman.
6.1 Qualification Package Contents The qualification package must include a cover letter, firm profile, statement of qualifications, key personnel resumes, project approach & methodology, proposed project schedule, proof of insurance, and references as specified in Section 6.1 of the RFQ/P.
6.2 Fee Proposal Contents The fee proposal must provide a total lump-sum fee broken down by task, hourly rate schedule for key personnel, identification of reimbursable expenses with a not-to-exceed amount, and any assumptions or exclusions affecting the fee. Fee proposals must be submitted in a separately sealed envelope or separate email attachment as specified.
6.3 Proposal Deadline All proposals must be received by November 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time). Late proposals will not be accepted. SEDC reserves the right to request clarifications or additional information from any proposer.
SECTION 7 - PROJECT TIMELINE & KEY MILESTONES
7.0 Procurement Schedule This is a 45-day accelerated procurement process, commencing October 5, 2026 and concluding with proposal submissions by November 19, 2026. Target milestone dates are provided, including issuance, optional pre-proposal meeting, questions deadlines, proposal evaluation, interviews (if required), notice of intent to award, contract negotiations, Notice to Proceed, and deliverable due dates. Target dates include:
- RFQ/P Issued by SEDC: October 5, 2026
- Pre-Proposal Informational Meeting (optional): October 13, 2026
- Written Questions Deadline: October 16, 2026
- SEDC Responses to Questions Issued: October 21, 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: November 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM PT
- Proposal Evaluation Period: November 20-25, 2026
- Interviews / Oral Presentations (if required): December 1-2, 2026
- Notice of Intent to Award: December 5, 2026
- Contract Negotiations: December 7-10, 2026
- Notice to Proceed (NTP): December 14, 2026
- Inception Report & Work Plan Due: December 21, 2026 (7 days after NTP)
- Draft Market Analysis Report Due: March 13, 2027 (90 days after NTP)
- SEDC Review Period: March 14-20, 2027
- Final Report & Board Presentation Due: April 15, 2027
SECTION 8 - EVALUATION CRITERIA & SELECTION PROCESS
8.0 Evaluation Methodology Proposals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee comprising SEDC Board members and SEDC staff. Evaluation is conducted in two stages: qualification package review and fee proposal review for shortlisted firms. Oral interviews may be requested.
8.1 Evaluation Criteria & Scoring Proposals will be scored on a 100-point scale across firm qualifications, key personnel, project approach & methodology, proposed schedule, references & past performance, and tribal preference / affiliation.
8.2 Tribal Preference Policy SEDC maintains a Tribal Preference Policy that provides scoring advantage to tribally owned or affiliated firms or those with demonstrated experience working with Native American tribes.
8.3 Selection Process Following evaluation, SEDC will notify top-ranked firm(s) and initiate contract negotiations. SEDC reserves rights to reject proposals, waive informalities, negotiate with multiple firms, and award to the firm deemed most advantageous. Award is subject to SEDC Board approval.
SECTION 9 - CONTRACT TERMS, CONDITIONS & COMPLIANCE
9.0 General Terms The selected firm will be required to execute a formal Professional Services Agreement with SEDC.
9.1 Tribal Sovereignty & Jurisdiction Contracts shall be subject to the laws of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians and applicable federal law. The Soboba Tribe asserts sovereign immunity from suit, and contracts shall include appropriate dispute resolution provisions.
9.2 Insurance Requirements Commercial general liability, professional liability, workers' compensation, and automobile liability requirements are specified. SEDC and the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians shall be named as additional insureds where applicable.
9.3 Confidentiality & Data Ownership All data, reports, analyses, and other work products produced under this contract shall be the exclusive property of SEDC and the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. The selected firm shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all tribal information obtained during the course of the market analysis.
9.4 Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination The selected firm shall comply with all applicable federal and tribal equal opportunity and non-discrimination requirements.
SECTION 10 - BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS & FEE STRUCTURE
10.0 Fee Proposal Requirements Firms must provide a comprehensive, itemized fee proposal that clearly distinguishes fees by task and identifies all reimbursable expenses. Fee proposals will be opened only for firms that pass initial qualification review.
10.1 Fee Structure A task-by-task fee breakdown template is provided in the RFQ/P for species-specific market assessment, commercial fish market demand, recreational fishing assessment, hatchery and stocking assessment, primary market research, competitive landscape analysis, market opportunity synthesis, reimbursable expenses, and total lump-sum fee.
10.2 Budget Guidance SEDC has not established a fixed budget. Firms are encouraged to propose fees reflecting actual cost and will be evaluated on overall value.
10.3 Payment Terms Payment will be made on a milestone basis: 25% upon acceptance of the Inception Report & Work Plan; 50% upon acceptance of the Draft Market Analysis Report; 25% upon acceptance of the Final Market Analysis Report and Board Presentation. Invoices paid within thirty (30) days of acceptance.
SECTION 11 - CONTACT INFORMATION & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
11.0 Primary Point of Contact
Name: Michael Castello
Title: Chairman, Soboba Economic Development Corporation
Organization: Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC)
Address: 23333 Soboba Rd., San Jacinto, CA 92581
Phone: (951) 487-7744 x4801
Email: info@sobobaedc.org
11.1 Questions & Clarifications All questions regarding this RFQ/P must be submitted in writing via email to info@sobobaedc.org with the subject line: "Questions - SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001." The deadline for written questions is October 16, 2026. SEDC will issue written responses to all questions received by the deadline no later than October 21, 2026. Verbal inquiries will not be addressed.
11.2 Submission Instructions Proposals must be received by November 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM (Pacific Time). Electronic submissions: email to info@sobobaedc.org with subject line "RFQ/P Submission - SEDC-AQ-2026-MKT-001." Hard copy submissions: deliver one (1) original and two (2) copies to SEDC, 23333 Soboba Rd., San Jacinto, CA 92581, Attn: Michael Castello, Chairman. Late proposals will not be accepted under any circumstances.
