Computing Assets and White Space Infrastructure Advanced SI/AI and HPC Computing Infrastructure • Up to 5 MW IT Load

Empire AI Consortium, Inc. is seeking information for the Gamma phase of the Empire AI Research Computing Center at the University at Buffalo in Amherst, New York. This Request for Information focuses on accelerator-based AI/HPC computing systems with an IT load of up to 5 MW, along with supporting white space infrastructure, including 480 V distribution, flywheel UPS, and cooling distribution. The total anticipated program budget is approximately 160 million dollars, which will be deployed across two tranches, Gamma and Delta, with the Delta phase planned for two to three years after Gamma. The project targets substantial completion of the base building in Q4 2027, with Gamma power-on expected around July 2028. The scope includes factory integration, installation, commissioning, and benchmark testing, as well as the delivery of engineering design documents stamped by New York State licensed professional engineers. While this is not a formal solicitation and no contract will be awarded directly from the RFI, the consortium is inviting responses from manufacturers, OEMs, resellers, and system integrators. Key requirements include compliance with New York State prevailing wage laws and certified payroll. Additionally, specific minority and women-owned business goals apply to the white space portion of the project, targeting 16 percent MBE, 14 percent WBE, and 6 percent SDVOB. Future white space infrastructure work is expected to be managed under a Construction Manager at Risk agreement.