GO-SEMI Consultant Pool RFQ Final 06.26.26.pdf

Economic Development Services

CONSULTANT POOL

Request for Qualifications

Issued: June 29, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: A restricted period under the Procurement Lobbying Law is currently in effect for this Procurement and it will remain in effect until approval of the Contract. Bidders are prohibited from contact related to this procurement with any New York State employee other than the designated contacts listed below (refer to: Section IX – ii).

Designated Contacts for this RFQ:

Primary Contact: Ralph Volcy

Secondary Contact: Shanah Jack

All contacts/inquiries shall be made by email to the following address:

GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov

Applications must be sent to the designated Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/request/k2RRusGRDE5PY6uWpsHA

This RFQ is posted on the Empire State Development website:

https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/requests-proposals

Submission Deadline: August 28, 2026 by 2:00 PM EST Late Applications Will Not Be Accepted.

mailto:GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/requests-proposals

Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

II. OVERVIEW

III. MWBE & SDVOB SUBCONTRACTOR INTEREST

IV. SCOPE OF WORK (The 7 Lots)

Lot 1: Economic Analysis, Research & Strategic Planning

Lot 2: Site Selection & Competitive Benchmarking

Lot 3: Industrial Site Development & Design (Semiconductor Specific)

Lot 4: Learning Platform Strategy & Technical Assistance

Lot 5: Events, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

Lot 6: Corporate Sustainability & Advanced Manufacturing Solutions

V. SCHEDULE OF DATES

VI. SELECTION CRITERIA

VII. SUBMISSION

i. Technical Submission

ii. Administrative Submission

VIII. QUESTIONS

IX. GENERAL PROVISIONS

X. CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

i.Conflicts of Interest ii.State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k forms

iii. Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire

iv. Iran Divestment Act

v. Executive Order 16

vi. Executive Order 177

vii. Compliance with State Finance Law Section 139-m

viii. Non-Discrimination and Contractor & Supplier Diversity Requirements

ix. Encouraging the Use of NYS Businesses in Contract Performance Form

x. Certification under State Tax Law Section 5-a

xi. Schedule A

xii. Project Sunlight

xiii. Insurance Requirements

xiv. W-9 Form

APPENDICES

Appendix A - ESD IT Security Standard Brief

I. INTRODUCTION

The mission of Empire State Development (ESD) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support local economies across New York State.

ESD drives New York’s economic growth through a multi-tiered approach that combines local expertise, large-scale corporate outreach, and specialized industry management. At the foundation of this effort is a network of 10 Regional Offices, which provide hands-on technical and financial assistance tailored to the unique resources and challenges of each community.

Complementing this local presence, the Strategic Business Division focuses on large-scale and multi-regional accounts, conducting corporate outreach to major industry leaders and coordinating state and federal resources for projects with significant economic impact.

To meet the specific demands of the state's most rapidly expanding sector, the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration (GO-SEMI) was recently established within ESD to oversee and coordinate the growth of the semiconductor industry. Together, these divisions ensure that the state's historic investments—fueled by projects from companies like Micron, Chobani and GlobalFoundries—translate into a synchronized, statewide ecosystem of high-paying careers and regional prosperity.

II. OVERVIEW

The primary objective of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to establish a Prequalified Pool (or "retainer list") of expert vendors across seven distinct service lots. This strategic roster is designed to bolster the operational capabilities of ESD’s Strategic Business Division, Regional Offices, and GO-SEMI—can effectively manage the complex infrastructure, workforce, and supply chain demands of the state's burgeoning semiconductor ecosystem.

III. MWBE & SDVOB SUBCONTRACTOR INTEREST

New York State certified Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses (MWBEs) and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (SDVOBs) may request that their firm’s contact information be included on a list of MWBE and SDVOB firms interested in serving as a subcontractor for this procurement. The listing will be publicly posted on ESD’s website for reference by the bidding community. A firm requesting inclusion on this list should send contact information and a copy of its NYS MWBE or SDVOB certification to GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov . Nothing prohibits an M/WBE Vendor from proposing as a prime contractor.

mailto:GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov

IV. SCOPE OF WORK (The 7 Lots)

Lot 1: Economic Analysis, Research & Strategic Planning

This lot focuses on the high-level data and modeling required to support economic deals and calculate the state’s return on investment.

• Semiconductor Ecosystem Mapping: This involves a detailed analysis of the upstream and downstream supply chain to identify gaps within New York’s industry network. By understanding these gaps, the state can better target companies for relocation or expansion to ensure a complete local ecosystem.

• Policy & Incentive Modeling: Vendors will analyze how various state and federal incentives, such as Green CHIPS or the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), site readiness incentives, impact the financial viability of specific semiconductor projects. This modeling helps the state tailor its support to maximize economic growth and project success.

• Labor Market Analytics: This area focuses on forecasting future talent gaps and analyzing wage pressures within the semiconductor sector. It also includes studying "commuter-shed" demographics to understand where the workforce will come from and how to support regional employment.

• Regional Economic Impact Studies: These studies calculate the "multiplier effect" of semiconductor investments on the broader New York economy. Analysts will measure how capital expenditures and new job creation ripple through local communities to generate additional economic activity.

Lot 2: Site Selection & Competitive Benchmarking

Work in this lot evaluates New York’s competitive position against other global and domestic manufacturing hubs.

• Interstate/International Benchmarking: Consultants will compare the cost of doing business—including energy, taxes, labor and environmental review/entitlements— between New York and competing hubs like Arizona, Texas, or Ohio. This includes preparing specialized presentations for international investors in Japanese, Korean, and

Mandarin.

• Asset Mapping: This involves creating an inventory of regional R&D, WFD and innovation assets that are relevant to emerging trends in high-tech manufacturing. Mapping these assets helps demonstrate to potential investors that New York has the infrastructure to support advanced technical growth.

• Risk Assessment: Vendors will profile potential "mega-sites" for various risks, including natural disasters, geopolitical shifts, and logistical challenges. This ensures that selected sites are resilient and capable of supporting multi-decade manufacturing operations.

• Utility Gap Analysis: This provides a high-level assessment of essential infrastructure like power, water, and wastewater capacities against industry standards. Identifying these gaps early allows the state to prioritize infrastructure upgrades necessary to support large-scale fabrication plants.

Lot 3: Industrial Site Development & Design (Semiconductor Specific)

This highly technical lot requires deep expertise in the engineering standards specific to semiconductor fabrication plants ("Fabs"). Note: Japanese and/or Korean language proficiency is mandatory for this lot to support Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

• Fab-Specific Engineering: This requires technical expertise in sensitive areas such as vibration criteria (VC curves), EMI shielding, and cleanroom classification standards like ISO

14644. These precise standards are critical for maintaining the environment necessary for high-yield semiconductor manufacturing.

• Supply Chain Engineering: Engineers will design systems for handling specialty gases and chemicals, as well as ultra-pure water (UPW) systems. This also includes the development of circular recycling systems to minimize waste and optimize resource use within the facility.

• Cross-Cultural Project Management: Vendors serve as the technical and cultural bridge for inbound FDI from major Asian semiconductor markets. This role ensures that international companies can navigate New York’s regulatory and technical landscape effectively.

• Translation & Localization: This involves the technical translation of complex site specifications and engineering documents between English, Japanese, and Korean.

Accurate localization is essential for ensuring that international partners and local contractors are perfectly aligned.

• Air & Water Hazardous Pollutant Permitting: Vendors may be tasked with providing guidance to NYESD on complex air and water permitting projects (PSD / NSR / Title V and

SPDES). Vendors must possess semiconductor industry experience in air dispersion modeling, air toxics and HAP risk modeling, BACT/LAER assessment, GHG permitting, development of project-specific PSD/NSR permitting strategies, and PFAS minimization/treatment technologies. Vendors would also be tasked with providing guidance to NYESD on industry compliance with New York’s Climate Leadership and

Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Lot 4: Learning Platform Strategy & Technical Assistance

Lot 4 focuses on creating the strategies and tools needed to help small businesses and workers become "procurement-ready" for high tech industries like semiconductor fabrication. Qualified vendors in this Lot may be called upon to serve as an Owner’s Representative or Technical Lead, providing project management, third-party oversight, and quality assurance for the design and build of systems and programs. This Lot is not intended to procure actual solutions.

• Asynchronous Model Design: This focuses on architecting dynamic, on-demand training modules for rapid workforce upskilling. The goal is to create a flexible learning environment that can scale quickly to meet the needs of thousands of workers/business owners.

• LMS Strategy, Integration & Oversight: Consultants will provide guidance on evaluating, selecting and integrating Learning Management Systems that are interoperable across different platforms. As an Owner’s Representative, qualified firms will be expected to manage technical implementation, validate system requirements, and ensure all integrations meet security and performance standards. Vendors must remain neutral and cannot sell their own proprietary software under this service area.

• Curriculum Digitization: This area involves developing strategies to convert traditional or legacy technical training into digital formats that are accessible remotely. This ensures that specialized knowledge can be shared across the state regardless of the learner's physical location.

• User Experience (UX) for Learners: This area involves expertise in creating accessible and engaging pathways for a diverse range of learners. The focus is on making the learning journey intuitive and effective for all demographic groups.

• Supplier-Buyer Registration Portal: This includes supplier registries or portals with "Meet the Buyer" features to connect local vendors with industry primes. Qualified vendors will demonstrate the capacity to lead the technical build-out of these systems, ensuring they facilitate direct engagement and help small businesses enter the semiconductor supply chain.

• Customer Journey Mapping & Dashboards: Vendors will support the design and manage the deployment of a system that maps the experience of users through these platforms, integrated with KPI dashboards. This data-driven approach allows ESD to track the effectiveness of training and procurement efforts in real-time.

Lot 5: Events, Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement

This lot focuses on B2B connectivity and promoting New York as a premier global hub for the semiconductor industry.

• Supplier Forums: This involves the turnkey management of "Meet the Primes" events that match Tier 1 suppliers with local New York businesses. These forums are vital for ensuring that local companies have a fair opportunity to secure contracts with major manufacturers.

• Digital Ecosystem Marketing: Vendors will develop content strategies—including white papers and LinkedIn campaigns—to highlight New York’s industry leadership. This marketing helps maintain global visibility and attracts further investment to the state.

• Stakeholder Engagement, Facilitating and Coalition Building: This strategy focuses on connecting academia, local governments, and industry leaders to foster a unified growth environment. Strong coalitions ensure that all regional stakeholders are aligned with the state’s semiconductor goals.

• Industry-Focused Media Relations & National Positioning: Vendors would develop and execute a proactive "earned media" strategy designed to position New York State as the premier global destination for semiconductor manufacturing, R&D, and supply chain integration. The primary objective would be to secure high-value placements and "thought leadership" opportunities within national business outlets (e.g., Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNBC) and specialized industry publications (e.g., EE Times, Semiconductor

Digest, Site Selection Magazine).

Lot 6: Corporate Sustainability & Advanced Manufacturing Solutions

Lot 6 ensures that the industry’s growth is environmentally responsible and aligns with "Green

CHIPS" standards.

• Decarbonization Strategy: Consultants will have technical expertise to review and consult on Net Zero emissions (Scope 1,2 and 3) roadmaps within energy-intensive manufacturing environments. These strategies help companies reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining high-volume production.

• Circular Economy Solutions: This area focuses on systems for materials, gases and water recycling, reclamation, and waste-heat recovery specifically designed for Fabs. These solutions are critical for meeting the high environmental standards required for sustainable manufacturing in New York.

• Water Stewardship and Industrial Water Management: This area focuses on technical expertise and specialists in fab-scale water sourcing, treatment, and reuse strategies that minimize freshwater demand and ensure sustainability compliance

• ESG Reporting & Compliance: Vendors assist firms in aligning their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting with New York State climate goals and federal requirements. This ensures transparency and accountability for the industry's impact on the state.

• LEED/Green Building Consulting: This provides strategies for sustainable industrial construction to ensure that new facilities are built to the highest environmental ratings.

Sustainable facility design is a core requirement for companies seeking state "Green CHIPS" benefits.

• Transportation Decarbonization Experts: This area focuses on reducing logistics and commuting emissions through electrification, routing efficiencies, and low carbon fuels.

Lot 7: Industrial Site Readiness & Permitting

Lot 7 focuses on the development of Site Readiness Strategies for specific sites to advance and expedite "shovel-ready” status. Specific scopes of work for each site will be identified and approved in coordination with ESD staff. Respondents must demonstrate in-house capability or a team to support the following three focus areas:

• Baseline Planning and Analysis: tasks such as surveying, site and infrastructure analyses, alternative development/reuse plans, wetland delineations, and the identification of actions or items for further study. This subtask establishes a preferred site development plan upon which future environmental review and/or permitting is based and is informed by GO-SEMI’s Site Development and Supply Chain staff.

• Pre-Development Activities: Site specific recommendations identified during baseline analysis. Eligible predevelopment activities include enhanced site design, stormwater management, grading plans, infrastructure analysis and design, engineering, traffic analysis, environmental review and permit analysis, and implementation cost estimates sufficient for future funding applications.

• Site Development Action Plans: Creation of implementation and permit phasing timelines for predevelopment activities. This part may also include the preparation of marketing materials.

Skills and expertise required to fulfill Lot 7 include:

• SEQR/NEPA Compliance: This involves providing oversight and guidance on managing complex State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and federal environmental assessments for major industrial projects. Create clear and concise process mapping for identified sites to communicate with new-to-NY developers, corporations and local municipalities.

• Site Survey and Design: Includes topographic and boundary survey, along with the development of conceptual site development plans in conformance with industry standards and local zoning requirements to determine likely maximum development intensity.

• GIS: Involves the ability to assist ESD in the analysis of geospatial data in support of site selection efforts. Vendors may be tasked with the development, management and analysis of geospatial datasets and the creation of related mapping/reports.

• Civil & Geotechnical Engineering: Vendors may be tasked with the development of stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, grading plans and soil stabilization strategies to prepare sites for future building development.

• Infrastructure Design: Vendors may be tasked with detailed investigation, analysis, preliminary engineering and cost-estimating for required infrastructure improvements and extensions, to include water, wastewater, natural gas, electricity and traffic/roadways.

• Wetlands & Environmental Mitigation: Vendors may be tasked with the development of both site-specific and area-wide strategies for the effective protection and mitigation of environmental site constraints such as wetlands. This task may include site-specific actions such as the delineation, permitting, and mitigation of on-site wetlands. This task will also analyze and develop a recommendation for the creation of wetland mitigation banks.

• Brownfield Remediation/Redevelopment: Vendors may be tasked with analyzing redevelopment opportunities for known/suspected brownfield properties. Vendors may be tasked with providing guidance on next steps/approach, coordination and remediation funding strategies with relevant NYSDEC personnel to advance readiness for selected sites.

• Air & Water Hazardous Pollutant Permitting: Vendors may be tasked with providing guidance to ESD on complex air and water permitting projects (PSD / NSR / Title V and

SPDES). Vendors must possess semiconductor industry experience in air dispersion modeling, air toxics and HAP risk modeling, BACT/LAER assessment, GHG permitting, development of project-specific PSD/NSR permitting strategies, and PFAS minimization/treatment technologies. Vendors would also be tasked with providing guidance to ESD on industry compliance with New York’s Climate Leadership and

Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

Lot 8: Independent Third-Party Assurance, Compliance Auditing & Performance

Verification

Lot 8 focuses on providing independent, investor-grade verification and auditing of recipient data to ensure absolute compliance with state incentive programs, sustainability mandates, and socioeconomic goals.

• Sustainability & ESG Performance Verification: Vendors will provide independent, third-party auditing of environmental and sustainability data submitted by incentive recipients, such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, and water reclamation metrics. This ensures rigorous compliance with New York's Green CHIPS requirements and broader state climate goals. The firm will review and validate the recipient's tracking methodologies to guarantee that environmental milestones are genuinely achieved before state benefits are unlocked.

• Workforce Diversity & Economic Inclusion Auditing: This area focuses on verifying compliance with hiring mandates and equitable contracting priorities, including Small

Businesses, Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and Service-

Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB) utilization thresholds. Firms will audit corporate payroll records, sub-contracting procurement pipelines, and local recruitment processes to ensure reporting accuracy. These independent reviews provide GO-SEMI with verifiable assurance that corporate partners are meeting their socioeconomic commitments to New York communities.

• Data Quality, Methodology & Process Assurance: Consultants will evaluate the internal data collection frameworks, internal controls, and reporting methodologies used by participating semiconductor firms. By conducting comprehensive process audits, the firm ensures that the operational metrics delivered to the state are reliable, consistent, and free from material misstatement. This specialized work mirrors investor-grade ESG assurance to protect public investments and maintain the regulatory integrity of the overall program.

• Incentive Program Milestone Certification: This sub-scope involves issuing formal third-party assurance statements and compliance certifications linked directly to milestone-based financial disbursements or tax credit realizations. The selected firm will act as an independent evaluator, reviewing all relevant corporate, legal, and operational documentation to confirm a company has fulfilled its legal obligations. This independent sign-off mitigates financial risk for GO-SEMI and guarantees absolute transparency in the allocation of public funds.

SCHEDULE OF DATES

It is anticipated that a contract will be awarded in response to this RFQ based on the following schedule:

Release of RFQ June 29, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Questions August 7, 2026

Deadline for ESD to Respond to Questions August 14, 2026

Submission (date and time) August 28, 2026 by 2:00 PM

Interviews (if necessary) TBD

Please note, the Corporation reserves the right to change any of the dates stated in this RFQ.

V. SELECTION CRITERIA

Experience & Technical Competence (35 pts)

• Lot-Specific Expertise: Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the specific service areas of the Lot(s) for which they are applying. Additional criteria:

o Cultural & Language Competency (Lots 2 & 3) will be verified through prior project delivery with Asian-based firms.

o Deep Technical Standards (Lot 3) will be verified though prior performance in Class 1 cleanroom environments.

o LMS (Lot 4) vendors must certify they will not propose their own propriety software.

• Project History: Provide three (3) case studies of projects of similar scale and complexity completed within the last seven (7) years. For Lot 4, at least one case study must demonstrate experience acting as an Owner’s Representative or Lead Technical Architect for a multi-vendor digital ecosystem.

• Sector Knowledge: Evidence of deep understanding of the semiconductor industry, global supply chains, or high-tech manufacturing ecosystems.

• Deliverable Quality: Ability to produce high-level technical documentation, including system architectures, economic models, or engineering site plans that meet NYS agency standards.

Staffing & Key Personnel (30 pts)

• Principal Lead: Identification of a dedicated Project Lead with at least ten (10) years of experience in the relevant Lot.

• Technical Bench Strength: Resumes for key personnel (Engineers, Economists, Developers, etc.) showing relevant certifications (e.g., P.E. for Lot 3, PMP for Lot 4, or LEED for Lot 6).

• Language Skills: For Lot 2 and Lot 3, firms must demonstrate native or professional-level proficiency in Japanese, Korean, and/or Mandarin within their proposed project team.

Documentation of past successful cross-cultural project delivery is required.

• NYS Experience: Preference for teams that demonstrate experience navigating New York State regulatory environments (SEQR, NYS Data Security Standards, etc.).

Cost/Rates (25 pts)

• Hourly Rate Schedule: Vendors must provide a comprehensive schedule of fully-loaded hourly rates by staff title (e.g., Principal, Senior Consultant, Analyst, Staff Engineer).

• Rate Competitiveness: Rates will be evaluated against industry benchmarks for specialized semiconductor and economic development consulting.

• Rate Guarantee: These rates will serve as the maximum allowable rates for any Task Orders issued during the first 24 months of the prequalification period.

• Value-Add: Evaluation of whether the rates reflect a fair market value relative to the specialized "Owner's Rep" and high-tech expertise required.

Quantitative Factor (10 pts) ESD will award 10 points to Respondents that are New York State certified Minority and/or Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) as defined in Article 15-A, Section 310 of the New York State Executive Law or Service-Disabled Veteran-owned Business Enterprises (“SDVOBs”) as defined in Article 3, Section 40 of the New York State Veterans’ Services Law.

In order to be awarded points pursuant to the Quantitative Factor, the Respondent must identify itself as an MWBE or SDVOB by providing the Respondent firm’s current MWBE and/or SDVOB certificate issued by New York State. Respondents identifying themselves as MWBEs must be listed in the directory of New York State-certified MWBEs (“MWBE Directory”) as of the closing of the period for responses to this RFQ. The MWBE Directory is available at:

https://ny.newnycontracts.com. Respondents identifying themselves as SDVOBs must be listed in the directory of New York State-certified SDVOBs (“SDVOB Directory”) as of the closing of the period for responses to this RFQ. The SDVOB Directory is available at https://sdves.ogs.ny.gov/businesssearch.

https://ny.newnycontracts.com/ https://sdves.ogs.ny.gov/businesssearch

VI. SUBMISSION

Every respondent to this RFQ (“Bidder”) should submit qualifications which clearly and concisely provide all of the information requested. Emphasis should be concentrated on conformance to the RFQ instructions and requirements, as well as completeness and clarity in its qualifications response.

The Bidder is advised to thoroughly read and follow all instructions contained in this RFQ.

Qualifications that do not comply with these instructions or do not meet the full intent of all the requirements of this RFQ may be subject to scoring reductions during the evaluation process or may be deemed non-responsive.

i. Technical Submission Below is a listing of technical information to be provided by the Bidder. No information is required beyond what is specifically requested. The Corporation requests that all Technical Documents should not exceed 20 pages and be organized to match the specific information requested below:

• Table of Contents

• Cover Letter

• Firm Experience and Qualifications

• Staff Experience and Qualifications

• Fee and Rate Structure

The purpose of the Technical Documents is to provide Bidders with an opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications, competence, and capacity to undertake the engagement described herein, in a manner which complies with applicable laws and regulations, and the requirements of the RFQ.

A. Table of Contents

The Table of Contents should clearly identify the location of all material within the proposal by section and page number.

• Cover Letter The Cover letter should include the attached matrix where bidders must check off exactly what Lots they are applying for.

B. Firm Experience and Qualifications

In this section of the technical submission Bidders should demonstrate relevant experience by providing the following:

• Brief history, years in business, staff size.

• 3-5 examples of similar work performed in the last 5 years and references.

• For Lot 1 (Economic Analysis) and Lot 5 (Marketing), please provide one redacted sample of a high-level report or a digital campaign case study

• Specific emphasis on public sector or high-tech manufacturing clients.

Information provided by references may be used by the Corporation for proposal evaluation purposes. The Corporation may seek additional information from references regarding subjects that include, but are not limited to, the quality of services provided, anticipated ability to perform the services required in this RFQ, and the responsiveness of the Bidder to the client during the engagement. The Corporation reserves the right to deploy, at its sole discretion, a variety of methods and communication approaches to contact references, depending on what the Corporation deems to be the most effective and efficient manner.

C. Staff Experience and Qualifications

In this section of the Technical Documents, Bidders should demonstrate that the staff proposed have the knowledge and ability to perform the services described in this RFQ.

Bidders should include the resumes of key personnel and language proficiency evidence where noted.

• For Lot 7, please provide a Team Capacity Table showing if in-house capability is currently staffed or if relying on unnamed sub-consultants.

Information provided by references may be used for Bids evaluation purposes. The Corporation may seek additional information from references regarding subjects that include, but are not limited to, the quality of services provided, anticipated ability to perform the services required in this RFQ, and the responsiveness of the Bidder to the client during the engagement.

D. Estimated Cost

In this section, Bidders should provide hourly rates by title (Principal, Senior Consultant, Analyst, Admin). Bidders should also provide acknowledgement that rates will be locked for the duration of the pre-qualification period (e.g., 2 years).

ii. Administrative Submission Schedule A of this RFQ states standard requirements that must be included in every contract entered into with the Corporation. The successful Bidder must agree to abide by these requirements and provide any information requested by the Corporation in connection with these requirements.

Accordingly, Bidders should complete and submit the items listed below, in the order in which they are listed. Failure to submit any of the requirements below may result in the documents being characterized as unresponsive.

i. https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Conflict-of-Interest-Attestation-June-2019.pdf, submit with proposal

ii. State Finance Law §§139-j and 139-k forms, submit with proposal

iii. Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire, submit with proposal or submit online (and include copy of submitted form with proposal)

iv. https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/IranDivestmentActLanguage-corp-info.pdf, submit with proposal

v. https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/EO16-certification.pdf

vi. https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/EO-177-Certification.pdf

vii. Compliance with State Finance Law §§139-m forms

(https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/GBVandtheWorkplacePolicyAttest ationTemplate-103125.pdf)

viii. Non-Discrimination and Contractor & Supplier Diversity Requirements, submit with proposal o OCSD-1 - MWBE and SDVOB Participation / EEO Policy Statement

(https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/OCSD-1-Policy-Statement.pdf) o OCSD-2 - Staffing Plan

(https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/OCSD-2-Staffing-Plan- May%202026.xlsx)

ix. Encouraging the Use of NYS Businesses in Contract Performance Form, submit with proposal

x. Certification under State Tax Law Section 5-a 220-CA or Affidavit, submit with proposal

xi. W-9 Form, submit with qualifications

Additional information about these items, and ESD’s procurement requirements, can be found in Section IX of this RFQ (“Procurement Forms and Requirements”).

Two-Part Submission:

Bidders submitting documents are indicating their acceptance of the conditions in this RFQ.

Submission of qualification documents in a manner other than as described in these instructions

(e.g., facsimile, hardcopies, emails) will not be accepted. When submitting, Bidders must comply with the following: Upload the main folder to the specific Dropbox:

https://www.dropbox.com/request/k2RRusGRDE5PY6uWpsHA

Proper format: Please create a folder with company name – RFQ title – date of Submission.

example: Abequis, LLC. – GO-SEMI Consultant Pool RFQ – 08.28.26

Included in that main folder should be two sub-folders, one for the Administrative Submission and one for the Technical Submission. The main folder should be uploaded to the Dropbox by choosing the following option: “Add Files → folders from computer”. All documents in the folders should be properly labeled.

Late submissions will not be considered for award.

VII. QUESTIONS

https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Conflict-of-Interest-Attestation-June-2019.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/RequiredForms/SF_Law139_JK.pdf http://www.osc.state.ny.us/vendrep/ https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/IranDivestmentActLanguage-corp-info.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/EO16-certification.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/EO-177-Certification.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/GBVandtheWorkplacePolicyAttestationTemplate-103125.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/GBVandtheWorkplacePolicyAttestationTemplate-103125.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/OCSD-1-Policy-Statement.pdf https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/OCSD-2-Staffing-Plan-May%202026.xlsx https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/OCSD-2-Staffing-Plan-May%202026.xlsx http://www.esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/ENCOURAGINGUSEOFNEWYORKSTATEBUSINESSESINCONTRACTPERFORMANCE.pdf http://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/st/st220ca_fill_in.pdf http://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/RequiredForms/STL_5A_Affidavit.pdf https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw9.pdf

Questions or requests for clarification regarding the RFQ should be submitted via email, citing the RFQ page and section in accordance with the schedule in Section V (Schedule of Dates) to GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov. Questions will not be accepted orally and any question received after the deadline may not be answered. A comprehensive list of questions/requests for clarifications and the official responses will be posted with this RFQ on both the ESD Website and NYS Contract Reporter.

VIII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

The issuance of this RFQ and the submission of a response by a Bidder or the acceptance of such a response by ESD does not obligate ESD in any manner. ESD reserves the right to:

i. amend, modify or withdraw this RFQ;

ii. revise any requirement of this RFQ;

iii. require supplemental statements or information from any responsible party;

iv. accept or reject any or all responses hereto;

v. extend the deadline for submission of responses hereto;

vi. negotiate potential contract terms with any Bidder;

vii. communicate with any Bidder to correct and/or clarify responses which do not conform to the instructions contained herein;

viii. cancel, or reissue in whole or in part, this RFQ, if ESD determines in its sole discretion that it is its best interest to do so; and

ix. extend the term of any agreement on terms consistent with this RFQ.

ESD may exercise the foregoing rights at any time without notice and without liability to any responding firm or any other party for its expenses incurred in preparation of responses hereto or otherwise. All costs associated with responding to this RFQ will be at the sole cost and expense of the Bidder.

All information submitted in response to this RFQ is subject to the Freedom of Information Law (“FOIL”), which generally mandates the disclosure of documents in the possession of ESD upon the request of any person unless the content of the document falls under a specific exemption to disclosure. In addition, Qualifications may be discussed at meetings of the ESD Directors, which meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Law.

ESD reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to retain and use all the materials and information, and the ideas and suggestions therein, submitted in response to this solicitation (collectively, the “Response Information”) for any purpose. By submitting, each Respondent waives any and all claims against ESD relating to ESD’s retention or use of the Response Information.

Required Approvals mailto:GOSEMI2026PreQual@esd.ny.gov

The awarded contract, if any, may be subject to review and approval by the Office of the State Comptroller (“OSC”) pursuant to Public Authorities Law §2879-a and the regulations issued thereunder. Such OSC review and approval may be required of contracts with a value in excess of one million dollars, or modifications to contracts that result in an aggregate value in excess of one million dollars, where such contracts are paid in whole or in part with monies appropriated by the State, or were awarded on a basis other than a competitive procurement (as that term is defined in the law and regulations). If the awarded contract is subject to OSC review and approval, the contract shall not be valid and enforceable, nor shall the Corporation have any liability of any kind arising from or in connection with the contract, unless and until OSC approval has been received.

Performance

The Contractor's performance will be assessed by the Corporation according to the achievement of The Contractor’s contractual obligations in a timely and professional manner, as set forth in the resulting Contract. The Corporation will utilize progress reports and periodic meetings to ensure that the project is carried out on a timely basis and results in effective recommendations and work products.

Contractor warrants that its services shall be performed in accordance with applicable professional standards and that the Contractor shall correct, at no charge to the Corporation, services which fail to meet applicable professional standards and which result in obvious or patent errors in the progression of its work.

Additional Services Requested

The Corporation may, at any time, by written notice, make changes or additions to work or services within the general scope of the contract resulting from this RFQ (not to include professional services requiring licenses or specialized expertise such as engineering, architectural, and environmental consulting, abatement, treatment, and testing work) for unanticipated needs. If any such change or addition causes an increase or decrease in the cost of, or in the time required for, performance of the contract, an equitable adjustment may be made in the price using the billing rates set forth in the contract, and the Contractor shall be notified in writing accordingly. Any claim by the Contractor for adjustment under this clause must be asserted within 30 days from the date of receipt by the Contractor of the notification of change; provided however, that the Corporation, if it decides that the facts justify such action, may receive and act upon such claim as asserted at any time. Nothing in this clause shall excuse the Contractor from proceeding with this contract as modified.

Contractor Staff

Contractor staff assigned to work on this project shall be subject to approval by the Corporation. It is highly desirable that staff assigned to work on this project continue to work on this project until completion. The Contractor should notify the Corporation of any proposed changes in staff immediately. The Corporation has an absolute right and discretion to approve or disapprove any proposed changes in staff. The Corporation, in each instance, will be provided with a summary of experience of the proposed substitute and an opportunity to interview that person, prior to giving its approval or disapproval; approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

The Contractor specifically represents and agrees that its members, officers, employees, agents, servants, consultants, shareholders, and subcontractors have and shall possess the experience, knowledge, and character necessary to qualify them individually for the particular duties performed hereunder.

The Agreement resulting from this RFQ is intended to secure the professional services of the Contractor because of its ability and shall not be assigned, conveyed, transferred, or disposed of by the Contractor.

The Contractor agrees not to subcontract any of its services, unless as indicated in the submission, without the prior written approval of the State Project Manager. Approval shall not be unreasonably withheld upon receipt of written request to subcontract. All employees of the Contractor, or of its Subcontractors, who shall perform Services under this contract, shall possess the necessary qualifications, training, licenses, and permits as may be required within the jurisdiction where the Services specified are to be provided or performed, and shall be legally entitled to work in such jurisdiction. All persons, corporations, or other legal entities that perform Services on behalf of Contractor under the Agreement resulting from this RFQ shall, in performing such Services, comply with all applicable Federal and State laws concerning employment in the United States.

IX. CONTRACTUAL REQUIREMENTS

This section contains additional information about the forms that are required to be included in each Bidder’s submission pursuant to Section VI of this RFQ, as well as information about ESD’s procurement requirements.

i. Conflicts of Interest Respondent must attest it has read, understood and will comply with the following provisions https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Conflict-of-Interest-Attestation-June-2019.pdf. ESD shall have the right to disqualify any respondent to this RFQ or terminate any contract entered into as a result of this RFQ should ESD determine that the Respondent has violated any of these requirements.

A. Gifts and Offers of Employment: Respondent has not and shall not during this procurement and during the negotiation of any contract resulting from this procurement, offer to any employee, member or director of ESD, any gift, whether in the form of money, services, loan, travel, entertainment, hospitality, thing or promise, or in any other form, under circumstances in which it could reasonably be inferred that the offer was intended to influence said employee, member or director, or could reasonably be expected to influence said employee, member or director, in the performance of the official duty of said employee, member or director or was intended as a reward for any official action on the part of said employee, member or director.

Respondent may not make any offers of employment or discuss the possibility of such offers with any employee, member or director of ESD who is involved in this procurement and/or resulting contract negotiation within at least 30 days from the time that the employee’s involvement in this matter closed.

https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/Conflict-of-Interest-Attestation-June-2019.pdf

B. Disclosure of Potential Conflicts: Respondent shall disclose any existing or contemplated relationship with any other person or entity, including relationships with any member, shareholders of 5% or more, parent, subsidiary, or affiliated firm, which would constitute an actual or potential conflict of interest or appearance of impropriety, relating to other clients/customers/employers of the Respondent or former officers and employees of ESD, in connection with your rendering services enumerated in this RFQ. If a conflict does or might exist, Respondent must describe how it would eliminate or prevent it.

C. Disclosure of Ethics Investigations: Respondent must disclose whether it, or any of its members, shareholders of 5% or more, parents, affiliates, or subsidiaries, have been the subject of any ongoing investigation or disciplinary action by the New York State Commission on Public Integrity or its predecessor State entities (collectively, “Commission”), and if so, a description must be included indicating how any matter before the Commission was resolved or whether it remains unresolved.

ii. State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k forms State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k (collectively, the “Procurement Requirements”) apply to this RFQ. These Procurement Requirements: (1) govern permissible communications between potential Bidders and ESD or other involved governmental entities with respect to this RFQ; (2) provide for increased disclosure in the public procurement process through identification of persons or organizations whose function is to influence procurement contracts, public works agreements and real property transactions; and (3) establish sanctions for knowing and willful violations of the provisions of the Procurement Requirements, including disqualification from eligibility for an award of any contract pursuant to this RFQ. Compliance with the Procurement Requirements requires that all communications regarding this RFQ, from the time of its issuance through final award and execution of any resulting contract (the “Restricted Period”), be conducted only with the designated contact persons listed above; the completion by Bidders of the Offeror Disclosure of Prior Non-Responsibility Determinations, and the Offeror’s Affirmation of Understanding and Agreement pursuant to State Finance Law (each form is accessible at the Required Forms for Vendors link at the ESDC web site under “RFQs/RFQs”); and periodic updating of such forms during the term of any contract resulting from this RFQ.

Bidders must submit the Offeror Disclosure of Prior Non-Responsibility Determinations, and the Offeror’s Affirmation of Understanding and Agreement pursuant to State Finance Law as part of their submittal. Copies of these forms are available at:

https://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFQs/RequiredForms/SF_Law139_JK.pdf.

The Procurement Requirements also require ESD staff to obtain and report certain information when contacted by Bidders during the Restricted Period, make a determination of the responsibility of Bidders and make all such information publicly available in accordance with applicable law. If a Bidder is found to have knowingly and willfully violated the State Finance Law https://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/RequiredForms/SF_Law139_JK.pdf provisions, that Bidder and its subsidiaries, related or successor entities will be determined to be a non-responsible Bidder and will not be awarded any contract issued pursuant to this solicitation.

In addition, two such findings of non-responsibility within a four-year period can result in debarment from obtaining any New York State governmental procurement contract. The designated contact account for this solicitation is referenced on the cover of this RFQ.

This is not a complete presentation of the provisions of the Procurement Requirements. A copy of State Finance Law Sections 139-j and 139-k can be found at:

http://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFQs/RequiredForms/PermissibleContactsPolicy_Ja n2007.pdf. All potential Bidders are solely responsible for full compliance with the Procurement Requirements. Both the prime consultant and any sub-consultants complete the forms required above.

iii. Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire

All Bidders to this RFQ must be “responsible,” which in this context means that they must have the requisite financial ability, organizational capacity and legal authority to carry out its obligations under this RFQ, and in addition must demonstrate that both the Respondent and its principals have and will maintain the level of integrity needed to contract with New York State entities such as ESD. Further, the Respondent must show satisfactory performance of all prior government contracts. Accordingly, the contract to be entered into between ESD and the Respondent, if any, shall include clauses providing that the Respondent remain “responsible” throughout the term of the contract, that ESD may suspend the contract if information is discovered that calls into question the responsibility of the contracting party, and that ESD may terminate the contract based on a determination that the contracting party is non-responsible. On request, model language to this effect will be provided to any Respondent to this RFQ.

To assist in the determination of responsibility, ESD requires that all Bidders register in the State's Vendor Responsibility System (“Vend-Rep System”). The Vend-Rep System allows business entities to enter and maintain their Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire information in a secure, centralized database. New York State Procurement Law requires that state agencies award contracts only to responsible vendors. Bidders are to file the required Vendor Responsibility Questionnaire online via the Vend-Rep System or may choose to complete and submit a paper questionnaire. Please include a copy of your Vend-Rep electronic receipt or paper questionnaire with your submission.

To enroll in and use the Vend-Rep System, see the System Instructions available at www.osc.state.ny.us/vendrep or go directly to the Vend-Rep system online at https://portal.osc.state.ny.us. For direct Vend-Rep System user assistance, the Office of the State Comptroller’s Help Desk may be reached at 866-370-4672 or 518-408-4672 or by email at helpdesk@osc.state.ny.us.

Bidders opting to file a paper questionnaire can obtain the appropriate questionnaire from the Vend-Rep website (http://www.osc.state.ny.us/vendrep/forms_vendor.htm) and execute http://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/RequiredForms/PermissibleContactsPolicy_Jan2007.pdf http://esd.ny.gov/CorporateInformation/Data/RFPs/RequiredForms/PermissibleContactsPolicy_Jan2007.pdf http://www.osc.state.ny.us/vendrep https://portal.osc.state.ny.us/…