When is the submission deadline?

Submissions are due November 18, 2026. Questions must be submitted by October 30, 2026.

What is the budget for this RFP?

The published budget is $45,000,000.

It was issued by Empire State Development. The work is located in New York, United States.

NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund Administrator (Due November 18, 2026)

Empire State Development is seeking a third-party firm to administer the $45M NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund, which supports startup companies and research institutions working on neurodegenerative disease technologies.

Must qualify as a for-profit or non-profit organization in New York State
Must be able to receive State funds
Must demonstrate experience managing grant programs of similar size
Must have a robust network within the New York State life sciences ecosystem
Must have proficient knowledge of life science commercialization processes
Must demonstrate capacity for handling more than 100 applications in a cycle
Must have processes to monitor and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse
Must comply with ISO Standards 27001, 27005, and 27035
Must comply with NYS and Federal Cyber Security and Information Security Policies and Laws
Must provide Identity Access Management, including authentication and transaction auditing
Must comply with GDPR standards for data collection and protection where applicable
Must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance of $2 million per occurrence and $4 million in the aggregate
Must maintain Cyber Liability insurance of $3 million
Must maintain Professional Liability insurance of $1 million

Release of RFP: October 21, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Questions: October 30, 2026

Deadline for ESD to Respond to Questions: November 6, 2026

Submission of Proposals: November 18, 2026 by 2:00 PM ET

Interviews: January 4th–8th, 2027

Announcement of Successful Respondent: January 2027

Anticipated Contract Start Date: January–February 2027

Primary procurement contact — name, title, email, and phone

Additional decision-makers and their departments

The selected firm will manage application development, distribution, and processing; conduct outreach and communications; establish a mentor program; identify and manage expert reviewers; and provide marketing and website support for the $45M NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund. The program aims to support New York-based academic and research institutions and startup companies in the neurodegenerative disease space. The contract is expected to be for a 3-year term.

NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund Administrator

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