The University of Central Arkansas (the “University”) is issuing this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) to engage a consultant to provide services in innovation and entrepreneurship. The consultant will assess opportunities for commercialization, technology transfer, and related initiatives—including the launch of an innovation campus—in collaboration with campus leaders, faculty, staff, and community partners. The consultant will also partner with University leadership to coordinate and host speakers and workshops both on campus and in the community, organize student pitch competitions, curate professional speakers for faculty, and support professional development programs. In addition, the consultant will assist students participating in statewide entrepreneurship initiatives and provide strategic guidance to deans and leadership teams to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in academic and operational decision-making, including but not limited to the development of targeted certificate programs aligned with regional and state workforce and talent needs. Proposer shall: a. Propose a timeline for any developments b. Develop a budget based on: financial, facilities, and personnel resources necessary to promote the successful implementation of the needs expressed in section 3.0 Scope of Work c. Provide recommendations and plans for the University to become an innovation hub including, but not limited to, the items expressed in section 3.0 Scope of Work d. Consultants work and reports to be completed and delivered quarterly e. Report will be both in a document and in a presentable format.
