Seeking advice/consultant/contractor for off-grid strawbale community education center in central NY

Greetings permies,

I'm writing to let you know about a project at Unadilla Community Farm in rural New York. Unadilla is a regenerative oasis dedicated to sustainable agriculture, permaculture, and food sovereignty, cultivating a future where people and nature thrive in harmony. As a nonprofit education center, it empowers the next generation of local farmers with hands-on training in organic growing, natural building, and self-sufficiency skills while donating it's harvest to the community.

Unadilla has received a grant to build an off-grid, solar powered community education center. The proposal which won the grant is attached. Here are the key points.

Unadilla Community Farm: Community Space Project Overview
Project Purpose

   Creation of a solar-powered commercial kitchen & classroom space
   Supports Beginning Farmer Training Program with hands-on education in value-added product creation
   Expands Food Access and Herbal Aid Programs, donating food products to regional pantries and clinics
   Provides an affordable rental space for food entrepreneurs, artisans, and educators on a sliding scale (starting at $0)
   Addresses the need for accessible, licensed food processing space for local farmers and small food businesses

Facility Features

   Energy-efficient and off-grid with 100% solar power
   Environmentally friendly design:
       Straw bale insulated walls with lime plaster
       Frost-protected shallow slab foundation with recycled foam glass insulation
       Passive solar and Passive House design for energy efficiency
       Super-insulative doors and windows
       Eastern white cedar shingle roof
   Renewable energy systems:
       Photovoltaic panels for electricity
       Solar thermal panels for heating and hot water
       Induction cooktops and waste heat recovery ventilation

Commercial Kitchen & Classroom Benefits

   Food Security & Sustainability
       Expands production of shelf-stable food products (pickles, preserves, dried fruit, herbal teas)
       Increases donations of healthy, plant-based foods to food pantries year-round
       Reduces food waste by processing surplus farm produce

   Support for Local Farmers & Food Businesses
       Licensed commercial kitchen space available for rent on a sliding scale
       Addresses a regional shortage of affordable processing facilities
       Supports local food entrepreneurs by providing access to dehydration, refrigeration, and cooking equipment

   Education & Community Engagement
       Year-round classes and workshops on food safety, processing, herbalism, and sustainable farming
       Training on licensing, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and food regulations
       Space for local artisans and educators to host their own classes and product creation

Project Timeline & Budget

   Total estimated cost: $250,000
       Land development & site preparation: $20,000
       Construction materials: $120,000
       Renewable energy installation: $40,000
       Kitchen equipment: $30,000
       Interior furnishings & classroom setup: $25,000
       Permits, architect fees, and miscellaneous: $15,000

   Timeline:
       Phase 1: Planning & Design (Completed)
       Phase 2: Permitting & Regulatory Approval (3 months)
       Phase 3: Construction (8 months)
       Phase 4: Operational Setup & Community Launch (1 month)

Impact & Vision

This project will enhance food security, economic opportunities, and agricultural education in Central New York, serving as a vital resource for sustainable farming, food entrepreneurs, and the local community.

The grant was won by the previous board of the non-profit, and the new board is tasked with finding the resources and skills to build the center. So far, the organizations and consultants they have contacted have submitted proposals for the work which is in excess of the $250,000 grant award.

I am writing to you to ask for ideas and advice for how to build this center within the $250,000 budget. Also, we are open to adjusting our plans so that we stay in the budget goal, or finding a way to access more funding to build the center.

Does anyone here know of anyone who would be able to help with this project? Any advice is welcome which would help us get this center built!

~Jennifer