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
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.