NYS Screen Academy Curriculum, RFP

Empire State Development is requesting proposals for a Program Development firm to design and deliver a comprehensive curriculum for the NYS Screen Academy, a statewide film and television training program targeting underrepresented New Yorkers, with proposals due December 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and questions due October 9, 2026. No MWBE or SDVOB participation goals apply; however, ESD encourages participation by certified business enterprises.

The scope requires development of a standardized 9–12 month training program covering three to four specific technical career paths in entry-level film and television trades including Production Assistants, Lighting Technicians, and Set Construction. The awardee must create all instructional materials (instructor guides and trainee manuals), integrate professional readiness and soft skills training, develop assessment tools, establish industry alignment and credentialing plans, deliver train-the-trainer programs to hub operators across multiple training hubs throughout New York State, and provide one year of advisory support during program implementation. Respondents must comply with extensive New York State contracting requirements including vendor responsibility questionnaires, Iran Divestment Act compliance, Executive Orders 16 and 177, gender-based violence workplace policy certifications, and conflict-of-interest attestations. All data handling must comply with ISO Standards 27001, 27005, 27035, and GDPR; vendors must document third-party compliance and provide Identity Access Management capabilities.

The RFP does not specify a fixed contract value. Respondents must submit detailed, itemized budgets with all-inclusive and fixed pricing for the entire contract duration. The contract term covers the development and implementation support phase, with the advisory support component extending one year into program operations. Contract start is expected in February 2027, with interviews anticipated in January 2027. Selection criteria are: quality and responsiveness (30%), respondent team qualifications and ability to deliver (30%), track record in creating economic impact to targeted communities (20%), financial feasibility (10%), and diversity practices (10%). ESD responses to questions are due October 16, 2026.