NYS Screen Academy Curriculum, RFP

Empire State Development is soliciting proposals for a Program Development firm to create a comprehensive, standardized curriculum for the NYS Screen Academy. This state-wide initiative aims to provide foundational training for entry-level film and television trades, specifically focusing on technical skills, professional readiness, and safety for underrepresented New Yorkers. The selected contractor will be responsible for designing a multi-track curriculum based on current New York industry standards and developing an Industry Alignment and Credentialing Plan to ensure the program leads to certifiable employment and aligns with union-supported initiatives. Proposals must be submitted via Dropbox by December 14, 2026, and must be organized into separate administrative and technical volumes. Evaluation will be conducted by a selection committee using a 100-point scale, with the right to perform reference checks. While there are no specific MWBE or SDVOB participation goals, respondents must submit a Diversity Practices Questionnaire and adhere to strict non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity standards. Mandatory requirements include compliance with ESD IT security standards, such as ISO 27001 and GDPR, and the provision of comprehensive insurance coverage, including Commercial General Liability of at least 1 million dollars per occurrence. Bidders are required to provide a detailed, itemized budget as no government estimate has been provided.