Port Infrastructure Request for Proposals (RFP) 6041

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced Request for Proposals (RFP) 6041, a substantial funding opportunity designed to advance maritime port infrastructure to support the growth of the offshore wind industry in New York. With up to $300 million in available state capital funding, this competitive grant program seeks to catalyze projects that both enhance the state’s offshore wind readiness and provide multi-use capabilities that bolster New York’s economic resilience. Through this solicitation, NYSERDA aims to fund projects ranging from large-scale port upgrades capable of hosting component manufacturing to smaller enhancements facilitating logistics, vessel repair, or related maritime activities. All projects must be located within New York State and involve improvements to existing port infrastructure; greenfield sites are ineligible. To be considered eligible, projects must be designed to support offshore wind development—either currently or in the future—while demonstrating additional utility for non-offshore wind purposes to ensure long-term viability amid market fluctuations. Proposers may be single entities or collaborations, but only one designated grant recipient will receive funds. Projects must have a minimum total cost of $1 million, request no more than $100 million in funding, and funding cannot exceed 75% of the total cost. All awarded funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis across defined construction milestones. Required match funding must be secured externally and cannot include prior investments made at the site. Structural U.S. iron and steel sourcing is strongly encouraged and evaluated, with funding tied to fulfillment of committed amounts. If unmet, awards may be reduced accordingly. The grant operates on a multi-round basis. Round 1 opens December 19, 2025, and proposals are due by March 26, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Future rounds are scheduled through November 2027, but NYSERDA retains the right to adjust or cancel later rounds based on funding availability. Applications are submitted online via NYSERDA’s Salesforce portal. Proposals must include a detailed scope of work, financing plan, environmental risk assessments, timelines, and community engagement plans, including workforce and labor commitments. Additional documents like budget forms, organizational qualifications, and letters of support are also required. Evaluation criteria include the project's value proposition to the offshore wind industry, its multi-use capacity, construction readiness, financial and technical viability, job creation, and commitment to community benefits. Projects must begin construction within two years of award and show progress toward commercial operations to maintain eligibility for full reimbursement. Grant recipients must also comply with prevailing wage laws and are encouraged to adopt Project Labor Agreements to reduce project risk. Technical questions may be directed to the designated offshore wind email contact at NYSERDA, while procedural questions related to Salesforce submissions can be directed to James Cowman. Full solicitation documents and updates are available on NYSERDA’s offshore wind investment webpage, and applicants are advised to consult the complete RFP and appendices to ensure compliance with all submission requirements and conditions.