Next Generation Aviation Strategic Plan for New York State, RFP

The contract involves a comprehensive Request for Proposals issued by Empire State Development to develop a strategic plan aimed at advancing Next Generation Aviation in New York State, with a focus on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility industries. The project encompasses a detailed analysis of the national and state-specific markets, existing infrastructure, workforce capabilities, and benchmarking against other regions. The plan will identify opportunities for industry growth, economic impact, and innovative use cases such as air taxis, drone logistics, and emergency medical transport, integrating these technologies into regional airports and urban airspace. Stakeholder engagement from public agencies, industry experts, and economic development leaders will be integral to the process, with the goal of creating actionable strategies that leverage New York’s assets and attract new businesses. The procurement emphasizes diversity and socioeconomic inclusion, setting goals for MWBE participation at 30% and SDVOB participation at 6%, with specific certification and reporting requirements throughout the contract lifecycle. The project is valued between five and fifteen million dollars, with a tentative start date of August 1, 2025, and a deadline for proposal submission by June 30, 2025. Respondents must demonstrate their capacity through detailed technical and administrative proposals, including staffing plans, methodology, cost breakdowns, and compliance with various state laws and certifications. Insurance, conflict of interest attestations, and adherence to procurement laws are mandatory, and proposals must be submitted electronically via a specified Dropbox link by the deadline. The contract will be governed by standard terms outlined in Schedule A, with ongoing reporting requirements to ensure compliance and transparency throughout the project duration.