NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund Administrator

ESD intends to establish a $45M NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund as part of its Bolstering Biotech Initiative to accelerate development and commercialization of life science research and innovations that address neurodegenerative diseases (ND), such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neuron Disease, Huntington’s Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and others. The NeuroCatalyst Commercialization Fund (the “Fund”) is modeled after the successful Biodefense Commercialization Fund launched by the Life Science Initiative in 2021.

ESD is seeking competitive proposals for a qualified third-party firm (“Respondent”) to assist in the implementation of this Fund.

The Services to be performed will include, but are not limited to, overall hosting and management of application development, distribution, and processing; information sessions, outreach to and communications with prospective applicants and awardees; establishing an as-needed mentor program for grantees; identification and management of Expert Reviewers and Mentors; marketing the Fund; website and/or webcopy development and upkeep; and communications and outreach about the Fund to key stakeholders.

Under the direction of ESD, the Respondent will be responsible for the following:

• Data and Staffing Setup: The contract awardee will hire and/or appoint a Point of Contact, who will spearhead management of the application outreach and marketing, receipt, review and evaluation process; online presence; and communications to all applicants.
• Fund Outreach and Marketing: In coordination with ESD, create and distribute materials to raise awareness of the Fund to relevant stakeholders, prospective applicants, Expert Reviewers and Mentors.
• Application Development and Management: In coordination with ESD, develop and recommend application documents and processes for reviewing, tracking and scoring applications consistent with Fund Guidelines established by ESD. A cloud management and evaluation platform will be required for application reviewers.
• Application Review and Scoring: Ensure submitted applications are complete, manage scoring process by Expert Reviewers, compile and synthesize the scores, and clearly convey scores and reviewer comments to both ESD and the Advisory Committee.
• Communication with Applicants: Serve as the primary point of communication for all applicants, answer any questions that arise during the application process (with ESD’s help, as needed), report any feedback to ESD, and share decisions to fund, reject or request further information.
• Mentor Network: Recruit Mentors to assist grantees, upon request; coordinate mentor pairing and ensure grantees are receiving the requested assistance.
• Expert Review Panel: Recruit Expert Reviewers to review and score proposals, and provide feedback on grantees’ semi-annual reporting, from both technical and commercial perspectives.
• Website and/or Webcopy Development: Work with ESD staff to either create a website for the Fund, or draft text for an ESD website, that will serve as both a launching pad for application information and a tool to promote grantees, mentors and Fund achievements; assist with updates to keep website current.
• Deliverables/Reports to ESD: Provide deliverables and reports to ESD demonstrating successful completion of agreed-upon tasks and key performance metrics for the Fund; establish a Standard Operating Practice for collection of information from grantees.

**Submission method:** Proposals must be sent to the designated Dropbox: https://www.dropbox.com/request/5egtjip8yjh1jiw13mtc. Submission of proposals in a manner other than as described in these instructions (e.g., facsimile, hardcopies, emails) will not be accepted. Proposals deemed to arrive late will not be considered for award.

**Submission Deadline:** 2:00 PM ET on November 18, 2026

Submissions should be in Times New Roman with 12 pt font, and not to exceed 25 pages.

**Selection criteria** (maximum of 100 points):

• Firm & Staff Experience and Qualifications (40 Points)
• Project Plan / Approach (25 Points)
• Cost of Services (25 Points)
• Diversity Practices (10 pts)

Respondents should provide a proposed fee, broken down by year, for a 3-year contract likely starting in Q1 2027.

Interviews (if necessary): January 4-8, 2027. Anticipated Contract Start Date: January- February, 2027.