RFQ for Polymer Industry Cluster innovation pilot facility
Project Overview:
The Greater Akron Chamber, on behalf of the Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC), is pleased to release a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from Design-Build (DB) firms for the PIC innovation pilot facility to be constructed at 100 Lincoln Street, Akron, Ohio.
This facility will enable researchers, startups, and industry partners to produce initial scale-up quantities (10–100 kg) of polymers for prototype testing and validation. A preliminary design concept has been developed consisting of approximately 19,000 square feet including:
- Four primary process bays (bioprocess, high-pressure, and general purpose) – Maximum expected reactor capacity: 200 liters
- One bay dedicated to isolation and purification, e.g. distillation, filtration, and drying – Enclosed storage areas for raw materials (quantity limited to active project needs)
- Storage racks for finished process equipment and piping storage
- Utility and MCC rooms
- A maximum high bay ceiling height of 40’ – Office space for fewer than 5-10 employees
- Male and Female restrooms including a shower stall and lockers
- Exterior appearance to be consistent with surrounding campus buildings
- Telecom, network, emergency alarm and security systems – Parking for approximately 16 vehicles
The project scope encompasses the installation of utility connections for each process bay, including power, water, compressed air, vacuum, cooling water, and steam. The configuration of utilities will be defined during design. The scope does not include installation of chemical process equipment; however, an understanding of chemical process engineering will be required for facility design. Contact us to request supporting materials.
- Conceptual floor plan (BLDGLOPLAN3.pdf)
- Site plan (SITEPLAN3.pdf)
Submittal Instructions:
- Submit proposals using form PIC Statement-of-Qualification
- Provide one electronic PDF copy via email.
- File must be named: ‘PIC Facility – [Firm Name] – SOQ’.
- Maximum file size: 25 MB.
- Maximum number of pages: 17 plus an appendix with resumes.
- Minimum font size: 10
Address submittals and questions to:
Marshall Moore
Polymer Industry Cluster / Greater Akron Chamber
388 South Main Street, Suite 205 Akron, Ohio 44311
Email: mmoore@greaterakronchamber.org
Deadline for Questions: September 19, 2025, 12:00 PM EDT
Submittal Deadline: September 30, 2025 5:00 PM EDT
Once RFQ submissions have been evaluated, you may be notified to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP). Selection will follow the Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process. No fee or price proposals are requested at this stage.