--- title: "RFI for University Partnership: Better Data Better Jobs" description: The NC Global TransPark Region issued an RFI for a university research partnership. We seek applied data on workforce availability and quality of life. image: https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/vabbfhs6cXP9nVyYaUgiS9YCMXs.avif --- [![EDR Logo 12-21](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EDR%20Logo%2012-21.jpg?width=2475&height=800&name=EDR%20Logo%2012-21.jpg "EDR Logo 12-21")](https://ncgtpedr.com) - [About Us](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Our Team](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us#team) - [Our Board of Directors](https://ncgtpedr.com/about-us#board) - [Our Investors](https://ncgtpedr.com/invest#investors) - Data & Grants Show submenu for Data & Grants - [NC Global TransPark](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=district-458da14f-8f13-4e3f-886e-766c7d35b318&community_level=district&community_state=37&community_loc=458da14f-8f13-4e3f-886e-766c7d35b318) - [Wayne County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-191&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=191) - [Lenoir County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-107&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=107) - [Greene County](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/?community=county-37-079&community_level=county&community_state=37&community_loc=079) - [Incentives & Grants](https://edpnc.com/incentives/) - [News](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news) - [Invest In Us](https://ncgtpedr.com/invest) - [Available Industrial Sites](https://app.sitehunt.io/public/portal/289/) Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # RFI for University Partnership: Better Data Better Jobs ![EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hubfs/EDR%20Letters-WEB-3.jpg) [EDR](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/author/edr) Dec 23, 2025, 12:58:50 PM - [Economic Development](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/economic-development) - [Global TransPark](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/global-transpark) - [Greene County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/greene-county) - [Lenoir County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/lenoir-county) - [Wayne County](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/tag/wayne-county) The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region is officially announcing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify strategic partners for applied data analysis. This initiative is designed to enhance the regional business recruitment efforts for Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties. The Region is specifically seeking a collaborative partnership with an accredited university or a university affiliated research center. This partnership will provide the academic rigor and credible analysis required to support high stakes location decisions for industrial employers. The Purpose of the RFI The primary goal of this RFI is to move beyond standard software outputs. While automated tools provide a baseline, the Region requires customized interpretation and site specific research that directly addresses the needs of corporate site selectors. Core Areas of Analysis The requested research will focus on two critical pillars of industrial recruitment: 1. Workforce Availability and Labor Access Understanding the true depth of the local labor pool is essential. This analysis will go beyond simple geographic boundaries to examine real world commuting behavior and travel times. By analyzing current skills and occupational alignment within our workforce, the Region can provide defensible proof that our local talent is prepared for advanced manufacturing and logistics roles. 2. Quality of Life Metrics Prospective employers prioritize the well being and retention of their workforce. The Region intends to quantify the factors that make Eastern North Carolina an ideal location for families and professionals. Key metrics include housing affordability, healthcare access, educational resources, and daily services. This data will be used to demonstrate that our region offers a high standard of living alongside a competitive business environment. The Value of University Expertise The North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region recognizes the neutrality and institutional credibility that university partners provide. Formal research conducted by a respected academic institution carries significant weight with corporate decision makers and global consultants. Submission Information Interested university programs or professional firms are invited to review the full RFI document. [Click Here to View the Full RFI](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fu0gslu8r943fvgjb3wkt/Request-for-Information.pdf?rlkey=0nr17qe3g7qt4d1p675ppndo8&st=d4y0rbym&dl=0) Response Deadline: February 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST Direct Inquiries: Trey Cash, Chief Operating Officer (Trey.cash@ncgtpedr.com) The Region remains committed to using the highest quality data to drive investment and create quality jobs for our citizens. ## Read On [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_5546-copy.jpg?width=352&name=IMG_5546-copy.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-attends-center-for-industrial-technology-and-engineering-beam-dedication) ##### [EDR Attends Center for Industrial Technology and Engineering – Beam Dedication](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-attends-center-for-industrial-technology-and-engineering-beam-dedication) Julie Graham, EDR’s Wayne County Existing Industry Director, attended the beam ceremony for the... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Group-Discussion-1.jpg?width=352&name=Group-Discussion-1.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/pathway-to-success-workshop-event-attended-by-edrs-julie-graham) ##### [Pathway to Success Workshop Event Attended by EDR’s Julie Graham](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/pathway-to-success-workshop-event-attended-by-edrs-julie-graham) Julie Graham, Wayne County Existing Industry Director, attended the Pathways to Success workshop at... [![](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Regional-Grand-Champion-Anthony-Flow-2.jpg?width=352&name=Regional-Grand-Champion-Anthony-Flow-2.jpg)](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-region-forklift-rodeo-2023) ##### [EDR Region Forklift Rodeo 2023](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/ncgtpedr-news/edr-region-forklift-rodeo-2023) The 2023 NC Global TransPark Economic Development Region Forklift Rodeo, held on Thursday, October... ![Heart of Eastern NC-EDR Logo-1](https://blog.ncgtpedr.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heart%20of%20Eastern%20NC-EDR%20Logo-1.jpg?width=300&height=144&name=Heart%20of%20Eastern%20NC-EDR%20Logo-1.jpg "Heart of Eastern NC-EDR Logo-1") North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation serving as the pivotal hub for industrial development, business recruitment, and site selection throughout Greene, Lenoir, and Wayne Counties and the North Carolina Global TransPark. Address 2780 Jetport Road Suite D Kinston, NC 28504 Phone (252) 543-8550 --- [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?viewas=100000686899395&id=100069259629309) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/nc-global-transpark-economic-development-region/?viewAsMember=true) [Follow us on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@NCGlobalTransParkEconomicDevel) [Email us](mailto:info@ncgtpedr.com) © 2026  North Carolina Global TransPark Economic Development Region, Inc. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 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