Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Manufacturing, is requesting proposals for consulting services to support the Connecticut Community Makerspace Initiative, with proposals due October 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EDT. No set-asides or preferences apply; all vendors are eligible.

The scope comprises three deliverables: a Connecticut Community Makerspaces Environmental Scan report presenting a statewide inventory and gap analysis; a Final Program Recommendations Report translating findings into strategic recommendations and reviewing national best practices; and a Grant Program Framework providing implementation-ready program design with eligibility requirements, funding levels, award structures, and performance measures. The Environmental Scan is due by January 29, 2027; the Final Program Recommendations Report and Grant Program Framework are due by March 26, 2027. The estimated contract start date is December 1, 2026, with period of performance ending April 30, 2027.

The total funding available is $80,000, with one award anticipated. Contract funding flows through the Manufacturing Assistance Act. The selected consultant must demonstrate 5–8 years of experience performing environmental scans, utilizing various data collection methodologies, and working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. Proposals must not exceed five pages (excluding attachments) and conform to specified formatting requirements: 12-point Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri font; 1.5-inch line spacing; 1-inch margins. Vendors must submit three references and up to two samples of previous reports, along with resumes for key staff.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: work plan (60 percent), scope of services (20 percent), examples of prior work (10 percent), organizational profile (5 percent), and references (5 percent). The Department reserves the right to negotiate with one or more proposers and may seek best and final offers on cost.

Questions are due October 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EDT; answers will be released October 9. Contact Brianna Lally at brianna.lally@ct.gov or 860-500-2409. Vendors must register with the State Contracting Portal and submit required ethics forms (OPM Ethics Forms 5, 6, and 7).