Maine Technology-based Business Development Services Grant

The State of Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, Office of Business Development, is requesting proposals for management grants supporting technology-based business development services under RFP# 202606100, with proposals due August 17, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. local time. Bidders must be tenants or affiliate members of established Centers and demonstrate relationships with at least one Maine academic institution — eligibility filters that narrow the competitive pool to organizations embedded in the technology-center ecosystem.

The scope covers business development services, information exchange, technical relationships, shared services, and operational support to foster early-stage technology-based business creation and retention. Proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale: Organization Qualifications and Experience (35 points), Proposed Services (30 points), and Cost Proposal (35 points). The cost evaluation uses a mathematical formula where the lowest bid receives full points, with higher bids proportionally reduced. Bidders must submit fixed costs covering the entire initial performance period and include documentation of insurance, three years of financial statements, organizational charts, litigation history, and a detailed implementation work plan. No best and final offers will be accepted.

The Department anticipates awarding $178,838 annually and reserves the right to make one or multiple awards. The initial contract period runs September 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, with two optional renewal periods: July 1, 2028 through June 30, 2030, and July 1, 2030 through June 30, 2031. Payments are made net 30 upon receipt of accurate invoices. Management grants cannot cover all operational expenses or capital projects. Questions are due July 31, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. local time, with responses published at least seven calendar days prior to the proposal deadline. Award notification follows proposal opening the business day after the submission deadline, subject to State Procurement Review Committee approval. Contact Jeanne St. Pierre, Contract/Grant Manager, for questions. Proposals must be submitted via the Vendor Self Service System (VSS).