Deadline: March 16th, 2026 05:01 PM EDT
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The RFI Opportunity
This Request for Information (RFI) invites interested and eligible parties to self-nominate for participation in a special “Shark-tank” like session at the National Meeting with an outcome of identifying the most promising new and emerging non degree education, training, and/or workforce development program that directly addresses the challenges of building the biopharma manufacturing pipeline.
This interactive session will kick off with a brief overview of the Impact Assessment Framework, equipping the audience with the lenses through which program impact is measured by NIIMBL. Then, three organizations will take the stage to pitch their most innovative and impactful workforce programs. Each organization will have 30 minutes to present their program and respond to questions from a panel of experts representing industry, academia, and government.
Background
The National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL) is dedicated to advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, developing standards to enhance manufacturing efficiencies and speed, and cultivating a leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce.
NIIMBL is home to the nation’s collective passion and expertise in biopharmaceutical education, training, and workforce development. Building on this leadership, NIIMBL is developing the Workforce Impact Assessment Framework, a comprehensive guide for evaluating the holistic impact and value of workforce initiatives across the biopharma ecosystem with plans to launch the framework in early 2026.
NIIMBL is organizing a special workforce session at this year’s National Meeting, scheduled for June 23-25, 2026. The session will feature a “Shark Tank”-style pitch event, where up to three organizations will be invited to pitch to a panel of experts. This interactive session will kick off with a brief overview of the Impact Assessment Framework, equipping the audience with the lenses through which program impact is measured by NIIMBL. Then, three organizations will take the stage to pitch their most innovative and impactful workforce programs. Each organization will have 20 to 30 minutes to deliver a 5-to-7-minute pitch and respond to questions from a panel of experts representing industry, academia, and government.
Following the pitches, both the audience and the expert panel will vote to determine which program demonstrates the greatest potential for advancing the biopharmaceutical workforce.
The winner will be announced during the closing banquet and will receive two complimentary registrations and hotel accommodations for NIIMBL's 2026 U.S. Biopharma Workforce Partnership Conference in Puerto Rico —plus well-deserved recognition as the 2025 Most Impactful Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Workforce Program.
Note: This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for funding proposals.
Self-Nomination Eligibility
Organizations eligible for self-nomination must meet the following criteria:
Organization Type
Any university, community college, or non-profit NIIMBL member organization is eligible to self-nominate. Limit one nomination per organization.
Program Type – Non-Degree Training Programs
Programs must be non-degree in nature, meaning they do not confer an academic degree. These programs are designed to educate, train, recruit, and/or upskill biopharmaceutical manufacturing talent. Examples include, but are not limited to:
Short courses
Bootcamps
Apprenticeships
Certificate programs
Badging and microcredentials
Other non-credit bearing initiatives
Program Status – New and Emerging
Programs must be new and emerging, defined as:
Developed and piloted with at least one cohort of students or professionals
No more than five years in operation
Established programs that have been operating beyond these limits are not eligible.
Submission Details
Please submit a Word file (A, B, and C) that has the following information:
A) A brief description (500 words maximum) of your non-degree education, training, or workforce development program or solution suitable for NIIMBL to understand your program and verify eligibility as defined in Section 3.
B) An assessment of your program (1500 words maximum) or solution’s impact across four dimensions of impact described in the soon to be released Impact Assessment Framework. Some questions you may consider include:
(1) Industry & Partner ROI. What evidence can you provide for your initiative that addresses a clearly defined workforce need and has received meaningful industry support (e.g., funding, equipment, hiring commitments)?
(2) Learner Impact. How has your initiative improved learners’ career outcomes, such as job placement, promotions, or skill marketability?
(3) Programming & Instruction. How are your learning objectives and instructional methods aligned with industry-defined skills and job roles?
(4) Effective Business Processes. What systems or strategies have you implemented to ensure the initiative’s long-term sustainability and scalability?
NOTE: While the NIIMBL Workforce Impact Assessment Framework has not yet been released at the time of this RFI, applicants are encouraged to consult the Workforce Impact Assessment Preview Document we have made available online for additional context about this project and assessment questions that may help inform or strengthen their responses.
C) Organization & Presenter Background (Word file, 500 word maximum)
Briefly describe the individual who will deliver the pitch, including relevant background and experience. Provide a short overview of your organization, including size, age, mission.
Please click here for more details on this RFI.
