Tech Innovation for Waterfront Mapping RFP

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) invites firms to submit proposals for the design and implementation of mapping technologies to enable more efficient waterfront inspection.

NYCEDC is engaged in growing the drones and robotics industries in New York City by enabling pilot projects, expanding access to labs and R&D space, connecting startups with public sector challenges, and investing in workforce development. To further support this burgeoning industry – while addressing the core internal need of infrastructure inspection – NYCEDC seeks to award 2+ pilot contracts to enable the collection and analysis of (1) visual 360-degree panoramic imagery of the waterfront; (2) underwater imagery of infrastructure along the shoreline; (3) a tool that enables preventative maintenance through predictive analysis. A successful vendor or vendors from the pilot phase will be eligible for a long-term contract to conduct this collection and analysis at scale.

NYCEDC plans to select a consultant on the basis of factors stated in the RFP which include, but are not limited to: technical capability, experience and past performance, innovation and approach, cost efficiency, and MWBE-commitment.

An optional informational session will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 10A.M. virtually. Those who wish to attend should RSVP by email to WaterfrontInnovation@edc.nyc on or before December 9, 2025.

Respondents may submit questions and/or request clarifications from NYCEDC no later than 5pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP should be directed to WaterfrontInnovation@edc.nyc . Answers to all questions will be posted on January 16, 2025 . Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP will not be accepted after 5pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, however, technical questions pertaining to downloading and submitting proposals to this RFP may be directed to RFPREQUEST@edc.nyc on or before Monday, February 23, 2026.

Detailed submission guidelines and requirements are outlined in the RFP, available as of November 19, 2025.

Responses are due no later than February 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Please submit all documents in a single .zip file labeled with your company name. The Chrome Browser is the preferred method for uploading.

It is the policy of NYCEDC to comply with all federal, state and City laws and regulations which prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status and other protected category and to take affirmative action in working with contracting parties to ensure certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) share in the economic opportunities generated by NYCEDC’s projects and initiatives.

This project has MWBE participation goals, and all respondents will be required to submit an M/WBE Participation Proposal with their response. To learn more about NYCEDC’s M/WBE program, visit http://edc.nyc/opportunity-mwdbe . For the list of companies who have been certified with the New York City Department of Small Business Services as M/WBE, please go to the https://sbsconnect.nyc.gov/certification-directory-search/ .

NYCEDC established the Contract Financing Loan Fund programs for Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/W/DBE) interested in working on public construction projects. Contract Financing Loan Fund facilitates financing for short-term mobilization needs such as insurance, labor, supplies and equipment. Bidders/subcontractors are strongly encouraged to visit the NYCEDC website at http://edc.nyc/opportunity-mwdbe to learn more about the program.