IEDC is releasing a Request for Proposals for a Research + Systems Mapping Partner to support the Economic Recovery Corps (ERC). 

Proposals are due by 5:00 PM Eastern on March 3, 2026.

 As ERC’s inaugural cohort concludes, we are seeking an independent, third-party research partner to conduct structured interviews, cross-ecosystem analysis, and systems mapping to distill insights about effectiveness, implementation factors, and scalability. The total budget for this engagement is up to $50,000.

Importantly, we are looking for entities without a current affiliation with ERC so they may serve as an objective third-party evaluator.

In addition to strong qualitative and systems analysis capabilities, we are especially interested in partners with demonstrated competencies in:

• Narrative synthesis and impact storytelling
• Translating complex systems insights into clear, actionable communications
• Developing communication products that resonate with funders, policymakers, and other decision-makers
• Designing engagement strategies or multimedia approaches that bring findings to life

Our goal is not only to surface rigorous insights, but to ensure those insights are translated into compelling products that can shape field practice and inform future investment.

If you or an organization in your network has the experience outlined above, we encourage you to review and respond to the RFP.

Questions may be directed to me at [email protected] by 5:00 PM Eastern on February 23, 2026.

We appreciate your help in sharing this opportunity broadly.

To see the full RFP please click HERE. 

Scope of Work

NYSEDC and ESD seek a partner to execute a dual-track digital transformation. This project requires the simultaneous evolution of the NY Loves Nano brand identity and the technical overhaul of its primary digital asset, ensuring that the new visual narrative is seamlessly embedded into the user experience.
I. Track I: Brand Strategy and Visual Identity Consultant will work with NYSEDC and ESD to redefine the NYLN brand for a global audience. Specific factors to include in the analysis are, including but not limited to:
• Brand Audit: Perform a comprehensive audit of existing NYLN brand assets and facilitate discovery sessions with NYSEDC, ESD, and consortium partners to define a new strategic direction.
• Persona Mapping: Identify and map the needs of primary target audiences, including but not limited to site selectors, semiconductor C-suite executives, academic researchers, and high-tech talent.
• Draft 1 & Draft 2 Concepts: Presentation of initial brand directions followed by a refined second draft based on NYSEDC/ESD feedback.
• Brand Style Development: Design a modern visual identity, including a new logo, color palette, and typography that aligns with the semiconductor industry’s aesthetics.
II. Track II: Website Engineering and Implementation The consultant shall design and build a modern digital platform to serve as the primary information hub for the consortium with features including but not limited to:

• Website Architecture & UX/UI Design: Develop site maps and wireframes for a responsive, intuitive digital interface optimized for both desktop and mobile.
• Draft 1 & Draft 2 Prototypes: Interactive wireframes and UI designs provided for review and revision prior to the final build.

• Content Migration: Audit current content, migrate necessary data, and produce new high-impact multimedia assets.
• Technical Build: Build a secure, SEO-optimized website on a scalable CMS (e.g., Drupal or WordPress) that prioritizes functionality, SEO, and LLM optimization.
• Quality Assurance (QA): Conduct rigorous cross-browser, accessibility, and analytics integration testing prior to launch.
• Launch & Training: Develop a go-to-market digital launch plan and provide staff training for ongoing CMS management.
• Lead Generation & Integration: Design and implement secure inquiry forms for site selectors and investors, with a clear data flow to designated NYS stakeholders.
• Global Performance & Accessibility: Ensure the site is optimized for global performance (low latency) and adheres to WCAG 2.1 AA standards for universal accessibility.
• Data Security: Specify the proposed hosting environment and security protocols (SSL, SOC2, or similar) to protect consortium data.
• Ownership: The selected firm will grant full ownership and intellectual property rights for all final assets, code, and brand materials to NYSEDC/ESD upon project completion.

Click HERE to see the full RFP