MSU-RFP 25-015 - Studio Expertise for Technology Commercialization

Montana State University's MilTech department is issuing Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25-015 seeking professional service providers with expertise in technology commercialization and venture studio development. The procurement targets firms capable of providing comprehensive services across five key categories: Commercialization Studio Strategy and Design, IP and Market Assessment, Opportunity Formation and Incubation, Fundraising and Capital Strategy, and Studio Operations and Growth. Proposers must demonstrate extensive experience working with Technology Transfer Offices, corporations, and investors to align commercialization pathways, with a specific focus on transforming technological innovations into commercial products. The RFP was released on April 10, 2025, with proposals due on May 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM MDT, and will be evaluated using a 1000-point scoring system that assesses firm overview, approach and methodology, team composition, project case studies, and business proposal/budget. Evaluation criteria include detailed scoring across multiple dimensions, with potential bonus points available for compliance with the Executive Order No. 12-2016 promoting equal pay for Montana women. Notably, the lowest-cost proposal will not automatically win the contract, as the evaluation will comprehensively assess the holistic capabilities of each proposer.

The RFP does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, but does emphasize compliance with federal funding agency terms and Department of Defense procurement regulations. Contractors must verify U.S. citizenship status and be prepared to work under confidentiality agreements. The initial contract term is one year, from May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026, with potential renewal options up to seven years total. While a specific total contract value is not definitively stated, the RFP includes a budget cap of $100,000 for initial startup costs, commercialization, and product studio launch. The procurement is specifically focused on developing venture studios for technology commercialization, with a current emphasis on a specific project involving an Air Force Surgical Retractor, a 3D-printable medical device with potential applications in austere medical environments. Funding will be sourced through various federal grant funds received by MSU MilTech, and the selected vendor(s) will become the Preferred Provider for future commercialization studio-related engagements.