Tech Hubs Assessment & Data

The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Office of Manufacturing is soliciting proposals from qualified consulting firms to conduct a comprehensive environmental scan and data gathering project for a federally-funded tech hubs initiative. The primary objective is to explore and assess existing capabilities, gaps, and opportunities within the tech ecosystem, specifically targeting Hartford County. Potential vendors will be responsible for delivering an in-depth analysis that provides insights into the current technological landscape, potential growth areas, and strategic opportunities for development. The solicitation (Solicitation Number: 24ECD2334) is open from July 5, 2024, at 8:45 AM EDT through July 31, 2024, at 5:00 PM EDT, with a vendor Q&A period scheduled from July 6, 2024, at 8:45 AM EDT to July 19, 2024, at 4:45 PM EDT. Interested consulting firms must submit comprehensive proposals that demonstrate their ability to conduct rigorous research, analyze complex technological ecosystems, and provide actionable strategic recommendations.

The solicitation is open to all vendors without specific set-aside designations or restrictions on organizational types. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are explicitly mentioned in the documentation. The procurement will be executed on a Free On Board Destination basis with vendor-specified payment terms. While the estimated total contract value is not disclosed in the solicitation documents, the project appears to be a comprehensive, data-driven assessment with potential significant strategic implications for tech hub development in Connecticut. The DECD has included two supporting documents with the solicitation: an RFP template and a questions document, which suggest a structured approach to vendor evaluation and proposal submission. Potential respondents should contact Carla Rae Rodriguez, the procurement officer, for any additional inquiries or clarifications regarding the solicitation.