MassCEC / Offshore Wind / Funding / Ocean Innovation Network
The Ocean Innovation Network Program will provide competitive funding for assets and initiatives that will strengthen the route to commercialization for start-ups and early stage companies working in marine science and technology and promote and connect organizations and entities to further grow existing clusters of businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions fostering mutual growth, innovation, and competitiveness through collaboration. Through this Request for Proposals, MassCEC is seeking applicants to MassCEC’s Ocean Innovation Network Program for funding through grants and service agreements in two complimentary program tracks:
Track 1: Development and Operation of OceanTech Testing Facilities and Sites
In this track, MassCEC seeks to advance the development of ocean testing and product validation sites, covering a range of archetypes from dockside test sites to open-ocean test beds. Cost-shared funding will be made available for:
- Design, engineering, permitting, construction, deployment, and commissioning costs to create, improve, or expand access to facilities that enable testing and validation of ocean technology in representative ocean environments;
- Initial phase of operations and maintenance (18-24 months) for the funded sites/facilities
Track 2: Ocean Innovation Network Support
In this track, MassCEC seeks to support and grow the ocean technology innovation ecosystem and smooth the path to commercialization. Cost-shared funding will be made available for:
- Improving and enhancing existing co-work, office and maker spaces for start-up and early-stage companies;
- Providing business coaching and supply-chain networking;
- Supporting industry engagement and initiatives through events, workshops, roundtables, and working groups;
- Coordinating access and vessel transportation, technical support, and deployment logistics to test sites/facilities;
- Conducting marketing, outreach, and promotional activities to support startup engagement and industry visibility;
- Scholarships that reimburse startup companies for expenses related to commercialization and in-water testing, including access and use of test sites.
Through this Program, MassCEC seeks to accelerate the growth of Massachusetts’ ocean technology innovation ecosystem through targeted investments that leverage existing assets, programs, partnerships, and concentrations of maritime industry and infrastructure, and further establish marine science and technology clusters to advance the Commonwealth as a leader in ocean technology innovation.
In addition to this grant opportunity, MassCEC is committing program resources to promote and highlight the Ocean Innovation Network, its projects, partners, and success stories. MassCEC anticipates working closely with awardees, as well as the broader ocean technology community, to identify opportunities, share resources, and connect the companies, institutions, nonprofits, and government agencies that comprise the MA ocean technology cluster.
Procurement Schedule
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Application Process
Applicants must use and submit the pre-formatted application template Attachment A.
Proposals should be:
- Submitted via email to offshorewind@masscec.com
- Submitted in MS Word or PDF Format, using Calibri font in 11 pt. size
- Maximum of one file submitted; proposal followed by attachments
As described in Attachment A (Application Form), Applicants must provide detailed information about their organizations, experience and capabilities, their proposed scope of work, estimated budget, and supporting information for related elements such as user access plans, user costs, marketing and outreach, and other pertinent information.
Application Required Documents
- Application Form (This Attachment A)
- Signature Page (Attachment B)
- Previous year’s financial statements (One full Fiscal Year or one full Calendar Year)
- Resumes of Applicant Team
The application must be sent as one document, preferably as a searchable PDF file. Applicants should answer the questions as clearly and succinctly as possible.
Letters of Support
Letters of support are welcome and encouraged, but not required. Letters from relevant industry stakeholders that substantiate the Applicant’s project impact and market needs will be viewed favorably.
Application Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Applicant Eligibility
1. Would an applicant be eligible for funding under Track 2: Ocean Innovation Network Support, if the entity is registered to do business in another state? What if the project site is located in another state, but would be operated by an entity registered as a MA 501(c)(3)?
a. Applicants must be based in and registered to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A Massachusetts-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit could be eligible for Track 2 funding only if the primary base of the activity to be funded is in Massachusetts.
2. Does MassCEC anticipate offering similar funding opportunities in the future that would be available to state and quasi-state agencies?
a. Future funding opportunities under the Ocean Innovation Network are possible, but MassCEC has no funds committed for follow-on rounds at this time. The scope, focus, and eligibility criteria for future opportunities will be evaluated in light of this solicitation’s outcomes and may or may not include state and federal agencies.
3. Understanding that federal and state agencies are ineligible to apply to this solicitation, would such agencies be permitted as subcontracted partners on a proposal?
a. Federal or state agencies may participate as subcontractors within reason. Because this solicitation is intended to directly support local, private, and nonprofit entities in Massachusetts, proposals that pass the majority of funds through to a federal or state agency are unlikely to be competitive.
MassCEC / Offshore Wind / Funding / Ocean Innovation Network