The Agency of Commerce and Community Development (hereafter ACCD) has been charged with the responsibility of managing the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership announced by Governor Peter Shumlin in his Budget Address to the legislature in January, 2012. ACCD is seeking bid proposals from firms competent to deliver research, meeting facilitation and note taking, and final report writing services during the course of June, 2012 and November, 2012. ACCD recognizes the important contribution and vital impact that small businesses have on the States economy. In this regard, ACCD subscribes to a free and open bidding process that affords all businesses equal access and opportunity to compete for State contracts for goods and services. ACCD also encourages businesses owned by minorities and women to compete for State contracts. ACCD will be working with an Advisory Group of approximately 50 individuals and a Steering Group of approximately 12 individuals to compile a report and make recommendations on strategies and policies to enhance Advanced Manufacturing in Vermont. A national initiative undertaken by the White House is on a parallel course for national policy. Two meetings in Vermont are anticipated for the full Advisory Group as well as two to four meetings of the Steering Group. At this point at least four sub-working groups will be formed and will hold meetings over the Summer and Fall. Each group will determine how many meetings and the logistics of those meetings that they feel will be necessary. The final report will be published in October, 2012. Costs of printing and publication and the meetings of the groups are not the responsibility of the vendor. The selected contractors will be expected to enter into a contract with the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and comply with applicable Vermont and federal contracting requirements and purchasing policies including, but not limited to, regulations such as Bulletin 3.5, State of Vermont Contracting Procedures and the Americans with Disabilities Act, where applicable.
