Renovation of a mixed-use development in Albany, New York. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a museum; recreation facility; restaurant; and retail development.

As part of Phase II of the revitalization plan, ESD is seeking a vendor to develop a Comprehensive Plan for the renovation and future operations of the revitalized NYSM. The Comprehensive Plan will explicitly build upon the Vision Study conducted in Phase I of the project, which outlines core principles and goals of the revitalization. The Vision Study is being developed by ESD and SED in partnership with a Task Force of museum industry experts, educators, government leaders, and community stakeholders, which will continue to be engaged throughout the Comprehensive Plan process. The Comprehensive Plan will provide ESD/SED/OGS with detailed designs for new exhibitions and other aspects of the physical renovation, operational changes needed to manage the newly renovated space and new exhibitions, enhancements to the overall visitor experience, and more. The Vendor will be provided access to the full Vision Study and all supporting materials to guide their work during Comprehensive Plan development. The Comprehensive Plan will then be used to inform future contracts for the delivery of the renovation. New York State certified Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses ("MWBEs") and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses ("SDVOBs") may request that their firm's contact information be included on a list of MWBE and SDVOB firms interested in serving as a subcontractor for this procurement. The listing will be publicly posted on the Contract Reporter and ESD's website for reference by potential Respondents. A firm requesting inclusion on this list should send contact information and a copy of its NYS MWBE or SDVOB certification to NYSMuseumPlan2026RFP@esd.ny.gov. Nothing prohibits an MWBE or SDVOB vendor from proposing as a prime contractor. ESD seeks qualified vendor(s) to develop a Comprehensive Plan for the $150M revitalization of the New York State Museum, reimagining the institution as a modern, world-class civic and cultural asset that inspires, engages, and serves New Yorkers and visitors for decades to come. The Comprehensive Plan will be based on the Vision Study and Visitor Study conducted by the NYSM and ESD in 2026 and should align directly to the principles and goals developed therein. ESD anticipates that successful application may require a teaming approach to proposal development, with different skillsets and capabilities needed to fulfill the scope outlined below. Development of the plan must include engagement with the State Museum Visioning Task Force established by Governor Hochul and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa to guide the revitalization project. The Comprehensive Plan will be developed in two concurrent modules: (1) Physical Renovation and Visitor Experience Plans, and (2) Operational and Strategic Plan. Respondents may choose to recommend additions or changes to the tasks outlined under each Module and should identify the firm(s) responsible for each Module. The final deliverable for the project will be a single Comprehensive Plan that integrates planning, timelines, budgets, and designs for all Modules. Deadline for Submission of Questions June 11, 2026 Deadline for ESD to Respond to Questions July 1, 2026