New Life Sciences Laboratory Will Advance Medical Research and Drive Billions of Dollars in Economic Development and Job Growth to the Capital Region
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced three design-build teams have been selected to receive a Request for Proposals, enabling them to compete for a contract for the design and construction of a new $750 million world-class, state-of-the-art public health laboratory that will replace Wadsworth Center's aging facilities. The lab is expected to attract approximately 1,200 life sciences jobs and generate about $2.3 billion in economic activity for the region over the life of the project.
"New York's commitment to the life sciences sector has never been stronger, and with this project we will build one of the world's most sophisticated public health research laboratories that will further advance our position as a leader in this emerging industry," Governor Cuomo said. "Innovative research and development will advance scientific breakthroughs out of the lab and into the real world, saving lives, creating jobs and driving billions of dollars in economic development across the state."
"This new state-of-the-art public health laboratory to replace the Wadsworth Center will continue to grow the life sciences industry in the region," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The 21st century lab is expected to generate 1,200 life sciences jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity in the Albany area. This project builds on our investments in the technology of the future to lead the way in research and development and strengthen the economy of New York State."
Envisioned as "A Lab for the 21st Century," the new facility, to be located on Albany's W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus, will function as a magnet for future private-sector investments and public-private collaboration, accelerating innovation and value creation. The modern facility and committed co-investments will serve as a flagship project for New York State, signaling a strong and long-term commitment to the Capital Region's growing life sciences industry.
The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will oversee the design and construction of the state-of-the-art facility, working closely with the New York State Department of Health and Empire State Development. DASNY is authorized to use design-build for the project. This alternative project delivery method combines design and construction services in a single contract to expedite project delivery and provide savings, while maintaining a high level of quality.
DASNY previously issued a Request for Qualifications seeking qualified design-build entities to design and construct the new life sciences laboratory. Following thorough review, a shortlist of design-build entities have been selected to continue with the development process and respond to the RFP. The teams selected to receive the RFP and compete for the design-build contract are:
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "New York is committed to growing the state's life science industry, and the state-of-the-art Wadsworth Center Laboratory will support groundbreaking medical research while catalyzing medical innovation, economic development and job creation in the Capital Region."
Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President & CEO of DASNY said, "DASNY is proud to contribute to Governor Cuomo's life sciences initiative and help strengthen New York's economy by building a state-of-the-art laboratory in which the world's best minds will innovate, collaborate, and make pioneering discoveries. Building complex, 21st century infrastructure requires sophisticated delivery methods. Design-build will help us complete this vitally important facility on time, on budget, and as swiftly as possible."
Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "This laboratory will build on the Wadsworth Center's extraordinary accomplishments, serving as a central hub where employees, researchers, executives, and academics can interact and accelerate scientific breakthroughs. It will advance public health research, foster groundbreaking work, and open the door of possibility to new cures and treatments - protecting and improving countless lives."
Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said, "Building the new state-of-the-art Wadsworth Center Lab on the Harriman Campus will provide a strong anchor for Governor Cuomo's life sciences initiative in New York State."
Senator Neil D. Breslin said, "I applaud Governor Cuomo for his commitment to advancing this life sciences initiative. His determination will ensure future generations will benefit from the scientific advances that will be formulated from right here in the Capital Region."
Assembly Member Patricia A. Fahy said, "This substantial investment will re-build a world-class life science lab and position the Capital Region to attract greater private research dollars, new residents, and reclaim our area's title as a national leader of health, science, and technological research. The labs' new location presents a serious opportunity for the development of a newly walkable community and other quality of place improvements connecting the Harriman Campus to the broader community. Moreover, the local and regional economy will benefit thanks to extensive multiplier effects in job growth and wages as a result of this smart investment. I thank Governor Cuomo for his efforts on this and for an opportunity to show what we can do when these resources are combined with some of the best minds the world has to offer."
Assembly Member John McDonald said, "Locating the new public health laboratory at the Harriman state office campus is a victory for the Capital Region. The move will foster innovation and collaboration within the Wadsworth Center, as well as among the Wadsworth Center and outside partners - bringing with it a significant number of new jobs."
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, "This is a great day for Albany County as well as the entire State of New York. Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, we are in prime position to be among the nation's leaders in life sciences research and discovery."
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, "Today's announcement is going to send ripples of excitement throughout the scientific community and will provide a boon to New York's economy. Thank you, Governor Cuomo, for your steadfast support of the Capital Region and the laboratory project."
To foster participation in the project by minority-owned, women-owned, small, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, DASNY will be hosting an Industry Day with the three selected teams. This event will provide a forum for various firms from all disciplines and specialties to learn more about the project, identify opportunities, and network with these RFP recipients for possible subcontracting opportunities on the project. The event will take place:
Tuesday, March 26
1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Albany Capital Center
Albany, NY
All interested parties desiring to attend must RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 20.
New York State's $620 Million Life Science Initiative
The lab is being developed in coordination with New York State's $620 million initiative, enacted in the FY 2018 budget, to spur the growth of a world-class life sciences research cluster in New York, as well as expand the state's ability to commercialize this research and grow the economy.
This multi-faceted initiative includes $100 million to expand the Excelsior Jobs Program Tax Credit across the life sciences industry, $100 million for a life sciences research and development refundable tax credit program and $320 million in other forms of investment. This includes State capital grants to support the development of wet-lab and innovation space, operating support and investment capital for early stage life sciences companies that leverages an additional match of at least $100 million from the private sector.
The Life Sciences sector encompasses the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical technologies, life systems technologies, and includes organizations and institutions that devote the majority of their efforts to the various stages of research, development, technology transfer and commercialization. Every day, firms in this sector are developing new medical and pharmaceutical breakthroughs that have the potential to save lives, whether through new therapies or the early detection of diseases like autism and cancer. These firms are also making significant advancements in the realms of agriculture and environmental biotechnologies, helping create a cleaner and more sustainable future.
By strengthening incentives, investing in the facilities, and improving access to talent and expertise, New York will significantly increase its share of industry-funded research and development, support the commercialization of existing academic research, and usher in the next generation of advanced technologies. Beyond the advancements in science, this initiative will position New York as a magnet for emerging manufacturing-based enterprises, bolstering regional economies and creating thousands of jobs.