Request for Management Services for The HIVE Technology Accelerator

Request for Qualifications

TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATOR MANAGEMENT SERVICES

THE HIVE

GRAND FORKS, ND

The Grand Forks Growth Fund, a Jobs Development Authority (JDA), seeks a qualified firm to manage and operate The HIVE, a technology accelerator dedicated to the goals of building the UAS industry in the region, creating associated high-tech jobs in Greater Grand Forks, and leveraging private investment. The successful firm will combine experience in facilities management with UAS sector and/or tech accelerator expertise and involvement and will be expected to assume responsibility for day-to-day management and operational control of The HIVE upon execution of a contract. In addition, the JDA will look to this firm to develop long-term strategies and recommendations to improve the economic impact and financial performance of The HIVE.

BACKGROUND

Grand Forks is the third-largest city in North Dakota, home of the University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks Air Force Base (16 miles to the west) and the seat of Grand Forks County. Grand Forks' population is approximately 60,000, while the Grand Forks, ND – East Grand Forks, MN MSA tops 103,000. In 2019, the JDA purchased the former Grand Forks Herald building; in 2021, the JDA was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to convert it to a technology accelerator. Four years later, this historic downtown building was completely renovated and attracted a variety of tenants/members. Based on the region’s vibrant UAS ecosystem, the facility – named The HIVE – is now committed to supporting and expanding the local UAS sector and its economic impact. As The HIVE moves beyond the construction and launch phases and into long-term operations, the JDA seeks a third-party entity to provide ongoing management, programming and technical support.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The HIVE was originally envisioned as a curriculum-based facility that would provide structured assistance and mentoring to UAS start-ups; however, with the local UAS sector dominated by companies well beyond “entry level,” it instead focused on assisting scale-ups as a better mechanism for meeting its goals of local UAS industry and job growth. The selected firm is expected to maintain and expand this focus by providing, at a minimum, the following:

Day-to-day facility management and staffing of The HIVE;

• Subject to JDA approval, develop and implement a plan and schedule to

• Recruit appropriate tenants/members to bring the facility to full occupancy;
• Provide/procure programming and events to support the needs of current and potential tenants and members;
• Connect tenants/members to area business and financial community members who can support their product development and growth (via both capital and expertise/ services);
• Create metrics and collect data to
• measure progress toward the above-stated goals and
• assess and improve the tenant/member experience;
• Recommend changes as needed to HIVE policies, procedures, programs and fees;
• Identify resources, partners and growth opportunities that benefit The HIVE, its mission, and/or its tenants/members;
• Collaborate with City staff to provide regular reports to the JDA and assist in the annual budget process.

The City/JDA will continue to directly pay for and/or provide building operating costs (utilities, internet, maintenance/janitorial services) and capital improvements. These are budgeted at approximately $290,575 for CY 2025. The successful respondent will be expected to take over management of The HIVE no later than January 1, 2026, and assume responsibility for providing staff (on- and off-site) with the experience and expertise necessary to successfully carry out and/or procure the functions and services described above. The respondent will be expected to provide ongoing services for a three-year period; renewal options will be negotiated.

SUBMISSION CONTENT

Firms responding to this RFQ must provide:

Letter of Intent – Briefly describe the respondent’s interest in providing a submission and identify all entities that will provide services. It must be signed by a principal or authorized representative who is qualified to make legally binding commitments on behalf of the respondent’s firm/team.

1. Statement of Experience and Qualifications – Provide a complete and concise description of the respondent’s relevant experience and expertise, focusing on the capacity to provide the services described herein. Include detail for key individuals and their specific role(s) in the organization.
2. Understanding of and Approach to Services – Provide a proposal that outlines the respondent’s approach to managing The HIVE and meeting the JDA’s goals for it, and that demonstrates an understanding of and familiarity with the industries, services, and outcomes described herein.
3. Cost Proposal -- In a separate sealed envelope labeled “Cost Proposal,” respondents shall provide a detailed fee schedule for the initial 12-month period; proposals regarding escalators and/or incentive payments for exceeding job creation goals, securing sponsorships and/or naming rights, etc. may be included.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

A selection committee will evaluate all submissions received on the basis of the above information. It is expected that an initial ranking process will result in a short list of firms to be interviewed; however, the City/JDA reserves the right to forego interviews and select a firm based on the submission alone. A contract will be negotiated with the highest-rated firm. If a contract cannot be agreed upon, the City reserves the right to terminate negotiations, then negotiate with the second and third ranked firms in order, if necessary, until a satisfactory contract has been negotiated.

Each submission will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Industry knowledge
2. Partnerships with relevant industries
3. Experience with developing and reporting metrics
4. Startup/Scale up mentorship
5. Facilities Management and budgeting

Selection Committee Members

Selection committee members will consist of elected officials, City of Grand Forks Staff and industry representatives.

TENTATIVE TIMELINE AND PROCESS

RFQ Issued April 8, 2025

Facility Tour and Q&A (optional) Week of April 14, 2025

Deadline for Submissions May 9, 2025 at 5:00 pm local time

Review of Submissions/Interviews Week of May 12, 2025

Notifications and Negotiations/Contract Development Week of May 19, 2025

Growth Fund Committee Review June 23, 2025

JDA Approval July 7, 2025

Contract Execution No later than August 1, 2025

INSTRUCTIONS

Both a hard copy and electronic (pdf) version of submission packets must be provided by the above deadline. By providing a submission, the submitting firm authorizes the City/JDA to verify all information contained therein, and submission materials become public record.

1. Direct inquiries and submissions to:

   Haley Rosaasen

   City of Grand Forks

   255 N. 4th Street

   Grand Forks, ND 58203

   hrosaasen@grandforksgov.com, (701) 746-2621

1. The JDA and City of Grand Forks reserve the right to waive irregularities, to reject any or all submissions, to re-solicit submissions, and to negotiate with selected respondents if such action is deemed to be in the best interests of the JDA/City.
2. The JDA/City retain the right to negotiate modifications to all submissions.
3. No reimbursement will be made for any costs incurred in responding to this Request.
4. No member, officer, or employee of the City of Grand Forks, its governing body or of any local public body having jurisdiction within the City of Grand Forks' service area, shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in any resultant contract or the proceeds thereof.