Developmental Evaluation and Innovation Ecosystem Engagement

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) No. 2024-11TCSA for Developmental Evaluation and Innovation Ecosystem Engagement services, targeting a comprehensive National Science Foundation (NSF) grant initiative. The procurement seeks a supplier to provide developmental evaluation services focused on translating research to the marketplace, training entrepreneurs, and generating economic and societal impact. Key project objectives include strengthening institutional research translation infrastructure, offering educational opportunities for graduate students and post-docs, and supporting specific translational research activities. Deliverables consist of three annual reports due on August 1st in 2025, 2026, and 2027, with a final report due on June 1st, 2028. The contract will commence on or about June 1, 2025, and conclude on April 30, 2028, with potential renewals. Evaluation criteria will be comprehensive, with 15 points for proposer experience, 15 points for project staff qualifications, 30 points for overall responsiveness to scope, 30 points for pricing, and 10 points for conformance to ITN conditions. Critical deadlines include questions due by April 11, 2025 at 5:00 PM EST and proposals due by May 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM EST, with a Zoom meeting scheduled for proposal opening.

The ITN does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the procurement emphasizes a detailed pricing structure requiring respondents to enumerate costs by budget category on an annual and cumulative basis. The university reserves the right to terminate the agreement after Year 1 if unsatisfied with outcomes, with payment limited to services rendered. Respondents must provide comprehensive budget details, including personnel billing rates, expense categories, and a narrative explaining proposed costs. Although a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the three-year project suggests a substantial multi-year investment in research translation and entrepreneurial development. The scope indicates a preference for organizations with strong capabilities in developmental evaluation, research commercialization, and entrepreneurial training, particularly those with experience in translating academic research into marketplace opportunities.