SBA RFQ: Regional Innovation Cluster Initiative in Support of Matching Innovative Technology with Industry

Notice ID: 73351024R0007

This Statement of Objectives (SOO) is for Regional Innovation Cluster (RIC) services for the Small Business Administration (SBA). This SOO is provided in lieu of a Government written Statement of Work (SOW) to provide potential offerors the flexibility to develop and present cost-effective solutions and innovative alternatives for meeting the Government’s stated objectives.

For this requirement, the Contractor shall provide a work force possessing the skills, knowledge, and training to satisfactorily perform the services required to support the Small Business Administration, Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) efforts to create new Regional Cluster Projects in support of the RIC Initiative. These clusters will assist businesses in matching innovative technology to industry needs and increase the number of innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs in the nation’s supply chain.

Interested vendors shall propose their target industry and geographic location for the RIC efforts in their proposal. While SBA does not require specific industries to be served through the RIC Initiative, industries of interest align with currently identified federal industries of interest including:

• Advanced Computing
• Advanced Engineering Materials
• Advanced Gas Turbine Engine Technologies
• Advanced and Networked Sensing and Signature Management
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Artificial Intelligence
• Biotechnologies
• Clean Energy Generation and Storage
• Data Privacy, Data Security, and Cybersecurity Technologies
• Directed Energy
• Electric Vehicles and the Automotive Supply Chain
• Highly Automated, Autonomous, and Uncrewed Systems, and Robotics
• Human-Machine Interfaces
• Hypersonics
• Integrated Communication and Networking Technologies
• Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Technologies
• Quantum Information and Enabling Technologies
• Semiconductors and Microelectronics
• Space Technologies and Systems

Scope.  The Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Investment and Innovation (OII) is seeking the services of contractors to create new Regional Innovation Clusters. These clusters will involve public-private partnerships that align federal, state, and local resources with regional strengths to catalyze technology innovation and economic growth opportunities in communities both within the region and beyond. Federal resources include funding and support direct to small businesses and those that encourage the development of innovation and entrepreneur ecosystems. The contractor will be responsible for:

1. Cluster Management and Oversight
2. Small Business Support Service Delivery
3. Building Cluster Network
4. Report Development

Period of Performance: The period of performance consists of a 12-month Base Period with four 12- month Option Periods. Exercise of any options will be at the sole discretion of the SBA. The total term of the contract, including all extensions, shall not exceed 60 months.

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