How to bid on Regional Innovation Clusters for the Small Business Administration

What the SBA is buying and why it matters

The Small Business Administration (SBA), Office of Investment and Innovation (OII), is looking for contractors to establish new Regional Innovation Clusters (RICs). These clusters are designed as public-private partnerships that will connect federal, state, and local resources with specific regional strengths.

The goal of these RICs is to boost technology innovation, economic growth, and support small businesses and entrepreneurship within and beyond the designated regions. This opportunity is for firms that can help build these foundational partnerships and drive economic development.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on August 03, 2026. All responses must be submitted by the deadline of August 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. Submissions received after this exact time will likely not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for professional services firms with expertise in economic development, public-private partnerships, technology innovation, and small business support. Firms that can demonstrate a strong understanding of regional economic ecosystems and how to align diverse resources will be well-suited.

The work involves creating and managing complex partnerships to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, making it ideal for organizations with experience in program development and stakeholder engagement.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link a second time to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly articulate your understanding of the SBA's vision for Regional Innovation Clusters. Highlight your experience in forming and managing public-private partnerships and your ability to align various resources effectively.

Provide specific examples of how your approach will catalyze technology innovation and support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Emphasize your proposed methodology for fostering economic growth within a region. Ensure your proposal is well-organized, addresses all requirements outlined in the solicitation, and is submitted punctually before the deadline.