Notice of Intent to Sole Source: Platinum Sponsorship of the 2020 Venture Summit West and the 2020 New York Venture Summit

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships, intends to enter into a sole source purchase order with YS Venture Group, Inc. for Platinum level sponsorship of two major industry events: the 2020 Venture Summit West in Santa Clara, California, held on March 23rd and 24th, and the 2020 New York Venture Summit on July 14th and 15th. These summits serve as premier gatherings that connect venture capitalists, corporate VCs, angel investors, technology transfer professionals, senior executives from early-stage companies, university researchers, incubators, and service providers. The sponsorship aligns with NSF’s goals to support its grantees and educators by facilitating engagement with emerging technologies and innovation, while also raising public awareness of NSF’s efforts to help small businesses develop and commercialize new technologies. NSF’s participation is strategically important for encouraging the formation of new companies and fostering learning about NSF’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, which is designed to catalyze technological advances with broad educational and societal benefits. By supporting these summits, NSF aims to expose its supported companies to thousands of educators and innovators who utilize technology to enhance connected learning environments. This contract is being pursued under the sole source exception provided by FAR 13.106-1(b), and the notice explicitly states it is not a solicitation for competitive proposals but serves informational purposes regarding the organization’s intent. The contract maintains focus on promoting innovation ecosystems while advancing NSF’s mission to enhance education and improve lives through technology.