USDA-Compliant Feasibility Studies (RD 5001)

Independent. Technical. Built for federal scrutiny.

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Wert-Berater prepares USDA-compliant feasibility studies in accordance with RD Staff Instructions 5001, Appendix A to Subpart D of Part 5001. Our work is designed for federal agency review, lender underwriting, and program-level risk assessment. It is analytical, technical, and financial in nature—never promotional.

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Projects We Accept

USDA feasibility studies involve substantial capital, operational complexity, and regulatory exposure. Wert-Berater typically works on projects with total development values of $10 million or greater, where the depth of analysis and documentation must meet the highest federal standards.

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These engagements often include infrastructure-intensive, energy, manufacturing, agricultural, food systems, rural economic development, and special-purpose projects where failure to comply precisely with USDA requirements can delay or derail funding.

 

Independence Is a Federal Requirement

USDA feasibility studies must be prepared by an independent third-party consultant with no financial interest in the project outcome. Independence is fundamental to RD 5001 compliance.

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Wert-Berater has no ownership, development, construction, brokerage, operating, or financing interest in the projects we evaluate. Our fiduciary responsibility is to the USDA and participating lenders, and our conclusions are developed without influence or steering.

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This independence is essential for credibility at the federal review level.

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What USDA Requires From a Feasibility Study

USDA feasibility studies are not summaries or abbreviated reports. RD 5001 requires comprehensive, narrative-based analysis across all feasibility dimensions.

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Our reports are developed in post-graduate level U.S. business English, using a technical and financial tone, with limited bullet points and a disciplined narrative structure. Each study is typically structured to include:

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• Executive Summary

• Economic Feasibility

• Market Feasibility

• Technical Feasibility

• Financial Feasibility

• Management Feasibility

• Conclusions, Risks, Risk Mitigation, and Final Opinion

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The analysis is supported by inline tables, high-quality charts, and clearly cited data sources, all aligned with RD 5001 requirements.

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Financial Feasibility at the USDA Level

USDA financial feasibility is significantly more rigorous than conventional lending analysis. It requires long-term sustainability evaluation, not short-term repayment snapshots.

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Our financial feasibility sections typically include:

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• Ten-year, year-by-year pro forma financial statements

• Revenue and operating cost analysis by source

• Cash flow and debt service capacity analysis

• Discounted cash flow and terminal value analysis

• Sensitivity and elasticity testing

• Monte Carlo or scenario-based risk analysis where appropriate

• Benchmark comparison using industry-recognized data sources, including RMA

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All assumptions are documented, sourced, and evaluated for reasonableness under federal review.

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Highest-Level Reporting Standards

USDA feasibility studies are reviewed by agency staff, lenders, and sometimes multiple layers of federal oversight. As a result, reporting quality matters as much as analytical correctness.

Wert-Berater specializes in high-level feasibility reporting suitable for:

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• Federal agency review

• Large-scale project underwriting

• Institutional and public-sector stakeholders

• Long-term rural development and infrastructure financing

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Our reports are written to be read critically, not skimmed.

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Who We Work With

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• USDA Rural Development borrowers and sponsors

• Banks and lenders participating in USDA programs

• Public-private partnerships

• Developers and operators of large, complex rural projects

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If a project requires USDA feasibility, it requires precision.

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The Wert-Berater,Inc. Standard

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• Extensive experience with RD 5001–compliant feasibility studies

• Focus on complex projects of $10 million and greater

• Narrative-driven, technically rigorous reporting

• Independence suitable for federal scrutiny

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This is the level of work USDA programs demand.

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Engagement Structure & Fees

USDA Feasibility Study engagements are typically structured on a fixed-fee basis, in accordance with USDA Rural Development lender and agency underwriting requirements.

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Typical fee range:

$8,000 – $50,000, depending on:​

• Project size, scope, and overall complexity

• Level of market, demographic, and competitive analysis required for USDA Rural Development review

• Depth of financial modeling, including USDA-compliant projections, cash flow analysis, and stress testing

• Capital structure, debt layering, grants, and ownership considerations

• Number of scenarios, lender iterations, agency comments, and revisions required during underwriting

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All USDA feasibility studies are prepared to meet or exceed USDA Rural Development program standards, including requirements applicable to B&I, Community Facilities, and related loan and grant programs, and are suitable for lender submission, third-party review, and regulatory scrutiny.

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Next Steps

If your project requires a USDA-compliant feasibility study prepared at the highest level, we should discuss scope and applicability before proceeding.

Request a Proposal