NYCEDC Issues Request for Information (RFI) on Potential Offshore Wind Innovation and R&D Projects

Building on City’s $191M Commitment for OSW, RFI Seeks to Solve Industry Challenges and Create Economic Opportunities for New Yorkers

NEW YORK, NY—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) released a Request for Information (RFI) to catalyze local offshore wind (“OSW”) innovation. This RFI invites entities from the public and private sector to submit project proposals that have the potential to generate new technologies, businesses, and approaches to R&D and commercialization for the offshore wind industry specifically and the clean energy sector broadly.  

The RFI will provide NYCEDC with information regarding innovations that solve OSW industry challenges and create economic opportunities for New Yorkers. After receiving and reviewing RFI responses, NYCEDC may release one or more subsequent Requests for Proposals for innovation-related infrastructure, which could lead to one or more awards with resources from the City’s $191 million financial commitment to the 15-year Offshore Wind Vision Plan. Respondents to the RFI can be a private business, academic institution, philanthropic organization, non-profit entity, or partnership thereof. Examples of desired innovation include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Design (e.g., improving design of turbines, substations, etc.)
• Materials & Construction (e.g., improving raw material usage and component manufacturing)
• Systems & Planning (e.g., improving grid integration / resilience and supply chain logistics)

Respondents should articulate a vision that addresses the City’s goals as outlined in the RFI. In addition to advancing innovations in the OSW industry, respondents’ proposals should meaningfully advance equity goals and increase economic opportunities for New Yorkers, particularly residents in environmental justice communities.

“The RFI is a good step toward advancing New York City’s Offshore Wind Vision Plan and generating innovative ideas that help create new supply chains and clean energy infrastructure to maintain the OSW industry,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I look forward to seeing all the great proposals that come out of this request for information and thank NYCEDC for engaging a diverse set of stakeholders to build a more equitable, healthier, and greener city for all.”

“We are paving the way toward our vision of New York City as a world-renowned offshore wind hub,” said President and CEO of NYCEDC Andrew Kimball. “The RFI will help to identify innovation in this industry and leverage a unique opportunity to create well-paying future-focused green jobs, maximize local economic benefits, and generate clean energy - putting us one step closer to achieving an equitable economic recovery.”

NYCEDC does not intend to issue any awards or agreements on the basis of this RFI. This RFI should be viewed as a pre-competitive stage of solicitation

Responses to this RFI are due by 11:59PM EST on September 9, 2022.

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that creates shared prosperity across New York City by strengthening neighborhoods and creating good jobs. We work with and for communities to bring emerging industries to New York City; develop spaces and facilities for businesses; empower New Yorkers through training and skill-building; and invest in sustainable and innovative projects that make the city a great place to live and work. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.