REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (“RFP”) NO. 2021-01 COUNTY OF HAWAI’I DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: INNOVATION GRANTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022 SEALED PROPOSALS for the Innovation Grants for Fiscal Year 2021-2022, RFP No. 2021-01, must be received on or before 4:30 p.m. Hawai’i-Aleutian Standard Time, Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in either of two locations. In Hilo, deliver to the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development, 25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301, Hilo, HI 96720. In Kona, deliver to the County of Hawai’i, Department of Research and Development, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building C (Second Floor), Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. The deadline noted above is not a post-mark date. Proposals must be received by the County by the above referenced deadline at either of the above locations. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered and will be returned to the applicant unopened. The County reserves the right to reject any proposal. Pursuant to Chapter 103D, Hawai’i Revised Statutes (“HRS”), the Hawai’i County (“County”) Department of Research and Development (“Department”) is requesting proposals for innovation grant awards in preparation for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The intent of the grant programs is to support research, programs, or projects that advance innovation in the areas of economic development, community- and place-based tourism, agriculture and food systems, creative industries, energy, and sustainable development in Hawai’i County. Proposals must address and support the Department’s goal related to innovation, community well-being and economic development, and program objectives for the above subject areas. Proposals submitted shall be reviewed and considered for the receipt of funding, to supplement existing or proposed project or program budgets for the applicant organizations. Proposal forms, specifications and special provisions can be obtained at the Department’s Innovation Grant website at www.hawaiicounty.gov/rdgrants or by calling (808) 961-8366. The deadline for submitting written questions is April 12, 2021. The Department of Research and Development will host an informational webinar on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 3:30 p.m. Register online at www.hawaiicounty.gov/rdgrants. A recording and transcript of the webinar will then be posted on the Department’s webpage listed above. All proposals reviewed and recommended for funding by the Department shall be subject to the County’s executive and legislative review of the Department’s budget for fiscal year 2021-2022. Notification of the Department’s approval and recommendation for funding will be made by June 30, 2021. Douglass S. Adams Director, Department of Research and Development (HTH/WHT1319533 3/31, 4/4/21)