BROOKLYN NAVY YARD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS FOR A NEW EXHIBIT AT THE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD CENTER AT BLDG 92 ( MAKING IT IN NYC: THE ERA OF NEW MANUFACTURING ) I. INTRODUCTION A. Invitation The (BNYDC) is seeking to retain a marketing consultant for MAKING IT IN NYC: THE ERA OF NEW MANUFACTURING, an exhibit to be located in Gallery 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92. A proposer will be hired to create and implement a marketing strategy and work in partnership with BNYDC. Proposals are being accepted for undertaking the work described in this Request for Proposal (RFP). B. Background For nearly 200 years, the Brooklyn Navy Yard was the borough s de facto nerve center. Employing upwards of 70,000 residents during World War II, many of the nation s mightiest warships launched from its banks along the East River. Its closure in 1966 marked the end of an era, leaving New York City to cope with a devastating loss of jobs and sense of community. Today--as the not-for-profit corporation that manages the Yard on behalf of its owner, the City of New York--the (BNYDC) promotes local economic development, develops underutilized areas and oversees modernization of the Yard s infrastructure. The 300-acre industrial park on the Brooklyn waterfront, is now home to over 300 industrial businesses employing nearly 6400 people, up from 3,600 in 2001 and projected to double in the next five years. The Navy Yard is now in the midst of its largest expansion since WWII, adding 1.8 million square feet of new industrial space and 2,500 jobs over the next two years. A recent economic impact study conducted by the Pratt Center found that the Navy Yard is responsible for $2 billion in annual economic output and another $2 billion in induced earnings in the local economy. BNYDC targets industrial sectors with viable long-term futures in the City. The Navy Yard is part of Brooklyn s burgeoning Tech Triangle with manufacturers that use the latest in design and technology-driven machinery and equipment that result in products that are both designed and manufactured locally. 1
Over the last decade, the Yard has become a key hub for the intersection of arts, culture and the economy in New York City. Of our 330 tenants, Design, Artisan and Entertainment/Media sectors represent nearly 50% of all businesses, occupying approximately 15% of the space, and employ over 2,000 of the Yard s workers. Many designers in the Yard rely on cutting-edge equipment, software, products and technologies. Since opening in the fall of 2011, BLDG 92, BNYDC s exhibition and visitors center, has welcomed over 120,000 visitors including school children and their teachers to learn about the past, present and future of the Yard. In that same time, BNYDC s Employment Center placed over 450 local residents in jobs within the Navy Yard. BLDG 92, through its design and programming, has received several awards and honors including a Heroes Award from the Robin Hood Foundation, a Neighborhood Achievement Award from NYC Department of Small Business Services and Best Tour by New York Magazine. Summary of Existing Marketing/Public Relations efforts BNYDC s External Affairs department supports broader outreach and awareness-raising efforts and activities that support BNYDC s mission, further key initiatives and programs, and generate revenue. Additionally, External Affairs serves as the liaison with a contracted marketing and public relations firm which provides services for BNYDC as an organization. BLDG 92 s Visitor Services team serves as initial point of contact and supports select community-based outreach efforts. C. Exhibit Description Making It in NYC: the Era of New Manufacturing will open in May of 2014 and run through early 2015. The exhibit helps shine light on the growing nationwide maker phenomenon, and focus it on the disruptive power of the artists, techies and traditional manufacturers who are driving the new manufacturing movement here in New York City. Exhibit-related tours, speaker series, hands-on workshops, arts and education programs will reflect the energy of this dynamic movement and introduce audiences directly to those who are making it in NYC, and looking to grow in five key sectors: - Building & Construction - Furnishings & Home Goods - Energy & Resiliency - Tech & Media - Fashion & Apparel The exhibit will be housed in Gallery 92 (which measures approximately 750 SF) and is being curated in-house by BNYDC, led by Daniella Romano, VP BLDG 92 Exhibits and Programs. Yard-based business Situ Design, has been selected to design and build the exhibit. Key advisors include the Brooklyn Historical Society, Industrial + Technical Assistance Corporation (ITAC), and Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum. Audiences 2
Current BLDG 92 workshops and behind-the-scenes tours draw NYC s savvy general public, including residents of Brooklyn s hottest neighborhoods like DUMBO and Williamsburg, and architects, designers, buyers and tastemakers from around the City who are eager to explore and find the next big thing. Business owners in and around the Yard, many of whom live nearby, also bring their families in on the weekends, and send their children s schools to BLDG 92 for exciting educational programs. In addition to the general public and schools, the Making it in NYC exhibit will target the maker and designer communities in NYC and around the country. The DIY movement has spurred zeal and expertise in small-scale craft and prototyping. Those designers and makers who think they have a viable product concept are exploring next steps; maybe even think they re ready to make the leap from making to manufacturing. Traditional manufacturers curious about new technologies and models of collaborative design and development will explore the current phenomenon of new manufacturing in both the exhibit, and its related programs. Objectives The best proposal will present an innovative marketing concept that reveals the various characteristics of new and advanced manufacturing by creatively promoting the goals of the exhibit as it relates to the Yard today. BNYDC s basic objectives for this BLDG 92 exhibit are as follows: Engage audiences with product development, from concept and design, to supply chain and niche manufacturing as a driver of NYC industry. Highlight personalities and personnel behind-the-scenes of the new manufacturing industry. Who are the entrepreneurs, where did they develop their vision and expertise? Who are the workforce? Where did they acquire their skills? How did they find their way into these jobs? Illustrate the value of local sourcing and collaborative work environments. Emphasize synergies of artists, small entrepreneurial enterprises, and established industrial leaders in NYC and in the Yard. Expose visitors to off-the-shelf and otherwise accessible methods of rapid prototyping, such as 3D printing, electronics and programming (Arduino). Reveal state-of-the-art and advanced technologies developed in private industry and academia, including software, equipment and materials. II. SCOPE OF WORK Develop and implement a marketing strategy that will draw traffic to BLDG 92 (and the Making it in NYC exhibit and programs) and, at a minimum, result in the following: 1. Calendar listings, press, and at least one exhibit review in a relevant media outlet 2. Detailed plan for media outreach with outlets identified 3. Written plan for marketability of public programs related to the exhibit 4. Identification of key partnership opportunities for events, programs or crossmarketing opportunities 5. Plan for how to leverage existing resources 3
6. Advertising plan 7. Support for opening event promotion and activities III. BUDGET The approved budget for this project is $5,000 and will likely run from mid-april through mid-october. BNYDC will consider all proposals, including those with budgets above the approved amount and may choose to extend the contract on a month-to-month for a fee of $1,000/month. Additional funds may be available for design services. IV. PROPOSAL EVALUATION The Project Proposal evaluation criteria will be as follows: 1. Proposed concept/approach; (30 Points) 2. Understanding of the project and project proposal; (20 points) 3. Individual/firm s general organization and experience; (20 points) 4. Project-related experience; (25 points) 5. Time schedule. (5 points) All proposals should contain a cover letter summarizing the respondent s understanding of the project, including the company name and address, and the name, address and telephone number of the person authorized to represent the responding firm. Respondents should outline previous experience including website links, marketing or promotional experience and detail about experience in providing relevant services. V. PROPOSAL ADMINISTRATION AND CONDITIONS A. Submission Deadline: 1) Respondents shall deliver a hard copy of the proposal to the below contact. In lieu of a hard copy, respondents can also email proposals to aglover@brooklynnavyyard.org. All proposals (in hard or soft copy are due by 5pm on Friday, March 28, 2014. Aisha Glover VP, External Affairs 63 Flushing Avenue, Unit 300 Brooklyn, N.Y. 11205 B. Inquiries must be submitted via email to: aglover@brooklynnavyyard.org and received at least one week prior to submission deadline. C. RFP Schedule: The following is the estimated timetable for receipt, evaluation, and selection of proposals meant to assist respondents in planning. 1) Site Visits BLDG 92 is open to the public Mon-Wed 12-6pm 4
2) Proposal Submission Deadline Friday, 3/28/2014, 5pm 3) Proposal Selection Friday, 4/5/2014 4) Complete Contract processing within thirty (30) days from date of Proposal Selection. 5
DECLARATION OF UNDERSTANDING By signing in the space provided below, the undersigned certifies that the respondent (i) has read and understands the scope and requirements of this project, as described in the RFP and all attachments; (ii) has the capacity to execute this project, (iii) agrees to accept payment in accordance with the requirements of this RFP and the standard Contract, attached hereto, and (iv) will, if its proposal is accepted, enter into the attached Contract with the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. The undersigned further stipulates that the information in his Proposal is, to the best of his/her knowledge, true and accurate. Authorized Signature, Title Date Firm Business Address City State Zip Telephone Number Fax Number Federal Tax Identification Number (Social Security # for Individuals) [ ] Corporation [ ] Partnership [ ] Individual [ ] Other (State) (Seal, if a Corporation) 6