Request for Proposals: Program Management and Training Development for Deep Tech Workforce

 Introduction 

InnovatePGH requests proposals for qualified firms or teams of firms with the appropriate expertise to serve as the “program management and training development specialist” for Build Back Better project 5 and our Deep Tech Workforce strategy. InnovatePGH is seeking a firm that will design and deliver early career deep tech training programs for under-represented groups and facilitate leadership-level training programs aimed at deploying leaders to advance the commercialization of the deep tech sector.

In Summer 2022, the Southwestern Pennsylvania New Economy Collaborative announced the receipt of a $62.7 million federal Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant awarded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (U.S. EDA). The southwestern Pennsylvania region is one of only 21 applicants receiving this grant funding, chosen from the 60 finalists involved in Phase 2 of the Build Back Better challenge. Phase 1 of the challenge received 529 application submissions, of which southwestern Pennsylvania was chosen as one of the 60 applications to move to Phase 2. 

Pittsburgh’s Build Back Better Regional Challenge is aimed at seizing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build the region’s robotics and autonomy technology sector through investments in five separate but intertwined projects. Project 5 seeks to connect local historically disadvantaged populations with opportunities in the robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Project 5 supports rural, coal impacted, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region.

About InnovatePGH

Founded in 2017 after the Brookings Institution published a report announcing, “Pittsburgh’s rise as a global innovation city”, InnovatePGH works to unify the critical mass of talent, university resources, transformative technology, and cultural assets in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood to create a sustainable innovation ecosystem with global impact. Surrounded by prestigious universities, cutting-edge medical centers, and world-renowned cultural institutions, the Pittsburgh Innovation District, located in the Oakland neighborhood, combines the critical mass of talent and amenities to support a next-generation innovation ecosystem

About Program Management and Training Development for Deep Tech Workforce

InnovatePGH seeks to establish a transformative program to foster a thriving deep tech workforce by empowering historically underrepresented groups and developing leadership to commercialize the deep tech sector. This initiative, funded through a strategic grant, will span three years and focus on workforce training, leadership development, and community engagement to meet the project needs. InnovatePGH is seeking a program management and training development firm to help drive strategic movement forward. 

The Program Management and Training Development Firm will provide: 

Curricula Design and Program Instruction: 

• Design curricula and training plans for early career roles in robotics, autonomy, and related tech field

• Develop tailored curricula for leadership development in the deep tech sector

• Recruit and deploy instructors with expertise in deep tech and culturally responsive training

• Implement strategies to ensure culturally relevant and impactful leadership training 

Project Management:

• Oversee all project activities related to training program implementation, curriculum development, and participant engagement.

• Manage a collaborative environment to ensure project milestones are achieved efficiently

• Map out quarterly and annual milestones for developing, implementing, and measuring the impact of early career and leadership level programming

• Develop work management documentation to clearly communicate project initiative across internal teams and to external stakeholders

Development & Documentation: 

• Promote early career and leadership-level programs through effective outreach

• Document participant stories, outcomes, and related activities to capture the program’s impact and success

Outcomes & Impact Management: 

• Provide regular updates showcasing milestones and success stories

• Develop marketing materials, participant testimonials, and impact reports

• Implement strategies and metrics for program evaluation

Budget and Timeline:

The maximum amount of funding for this project is $250,000. The work for this contract should be completed by September 30, 2026. 

This funding cannot be spent on any functions outside of the designated program and will require regular quarterly and semi-annually reporting to InnovatePGH. 

Selection Schedule: 

RFP Release Date

Deadline for Questions

Responses to Questions Posted

Proposals Due 

Interviews & Selection  

Contract Negotiation and Finalization

Submission Requirements

Any questions regarding this Request for Proposals (RFP) should be submitted via email to Zivya Sutton (zs@innovatePGH.com) on or before February 6, 2025 at 5:00 pm (EST) using the subject line “Deep Tech RFP Questions”.
Answers to questions will be made available to all respondents via email and posted on the innovatepgh.com website. 

Proposals must be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (EST) on February 20, 2025, to Zivya Sutton (zs@innovatePGH.com) with the subject “Deep Tech RFP Proposal.” Submittals received 

after this time and date will not be considered. The proposal should be divided into sections as described below.

1. Cover letter: Summarize your interest in the project. Include the name and contact information of the main person of contact. 

2. Company Profile(s)/Description: Provide a brief description of the team in as much detail as necessary to demonstrate the team’s ability to carry out the scope of services as requested in this RFP. Include a company profile and description for the prime and any sub-consultants that may be used for this effort.

3. Project Personnel: Provide an organized chart of the proposed team. 

4. Project Approach: Provide a concise summary of the firm or team’s approach to the project. If your proposal includes any variation to the proposed scope of work (reduced or additional services), please identify and provide justification for any modifications. Please provide an overview of the proposed project deliverables and milestones. 

5. Past Performance: Provide a maximum of three (3) examples of similar or related projects successfully completed within the last five years if applicable. Include a contact name, email address, and telephone number for each project described. 

6. Cost Proposal/Budget: Submittals must include a detailed budget for the project. 

Submissions should be brief and concise. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

Selection Criteria

Successful applications will include the following: 

• Demonstrate a history of successfully developing culturally relevant curricula designed to support marginalized communities in the tech sector. 

• Demonstrate a history and willingness to implement workforce training, leadership development, and community engagement opportunities. 

• Demonstrate a history of successful project management program implementation work with an ability to evaluate and iterate to align programming with project goals.