Botetourt County Economic Development Authority is Seeking Proposals for AI Ready Roanoke Feasibility Study

The Botetourt County Economic Development Authority is requesting proposals for a market demand and feasibility study for a regional AI Center of Excellence on behalf of the AI Ready Roanoke planning coalition, with proposals due October 2, 2026 and questions due September 25, 2026.

The scope comprises six workstreams: demand analysis across four target industry clusters; program design translating findings into AI programming recommendations; workforce analysis identifying occupations at risk of AI disruption and credential gaps; site feasibility evaluation of three proposed locations; cost estimation and five-year financial modeling; and governance design recommendations for a legal governing body. Deliverables include a Regional AI Industry Demand and Use Case Study, Workforce Analysis and Programming Recommendations, Site Feasibility Analysis, and a Business Plan with Governance Framework and Sustainability Model. Primary research is central, requiring 32 to 40 company interviews across the four target clusters with a minimum of eight per cluster to be completed in person, 8 to 14 partner and institution interviews, and 3 to 5 interviews with comparable AI initiatives. Proposers must demonstrate experience in regional economic development feasibility studies, primary employer research, real estate and program cost modeling, and governance design, with familiarity with AI workforce or innovation ecosystems and the GO Virginia program preferred.

The fixed-price contract ceiling is $250,000, with $92,590 contingent upon GO Virginia Region 2 approval of the AI Ready Roanoke planning grant application, a decision expected in September 2026. Budget must be broken out by workstream and deliverable with milestone-based payments. The period of performance is 16 to 24 weeks from notice to proceed in two phases. Proposals from teams of firms are acceptable with a single prime contractor identified. Evaluation criteria are weighted: approach and methodology (30%), relevant experience and references (25%), team qualifications (15%), cost appropriateness and value (15%), and knowledge of the topic and region (15%). All work product and deliverables become the property of the Authority with unrestricted rights for coalition use in future grant applications. Selection and award are anticipated for the week of October 19, 2026.