Empire AI Research Computing Center

Project and Procurement Information

About the Project

Empire AI Consortium Inc. (EAI) is developing the Empire AI Computing Center, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence research computing facility on the University at Buffalo’s North Campus. The new facility will support a shared academic research resource for leading New York institutions and is designed to reach up to 15 megawatts (MW) of computing power, with sustainable features such as a closed-loop water system that helps heat the campus. The project, funded in part through Empire State Development, carries an estimated construction budget of $74.5 million and targets substantial completion in late 2027.

Contractor/Vendor Interest Form

All contractors, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and professional services with an interest in pursuing this project should complete the interest form:

CLICK HERE FOR INTEREST FORM
5 EAI RCC_DD_BASIS OF DESIGN_20260814
Empire AI Research Computing Center Interior

Commitment: Community Investment Framework

A Safe and Collaborative Workplace

Gilbane understands that team chemistry, morale, and the health of project participants are critical. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a respectful and safe workplace culture. We know a positive jobsite environment built on teamwork promotes safety and productivity. Everyone on our project will be expected to actively care for each other and ensure that each and every team member feels physically and emotionally safe.

Our Commitment to Diverse and Local Businesses

Our team will seek to maximize opportunities for positive community impact by prioritizing local hiring. Diverse and local business and workforce participation will be a key criterion that Gilbane will review during proposal evaluations. Specific participation goals for the project will be established. Our team will seek to maximize opportunities for positive community impact with MBE/WBE/SVODB and local participation in the project.

FAQs

Can I provide bids to multiple Prime Contractors for the same Proposal Package?
Yes. We encourage you to consider doing so to increase your chances of being included on the team ultimately selected.
As a potential lower-tier vendor, do I need to complete the prequalification process to participate in a work opportunity with Prime Contractors?
No. Only vendors seeking to participate as a Prime Contractor need to go through the prequalification process. Lower-tier vendors should notify of their interest via Vendor Interest Registry link on this project website.
How do I determine which Prime Contractor I should reach out to for potential participation in the Project?
We encourage vendors of all sizes and capabilities to carefully review the “Contracting Opportunities” tab on this project website to determine which Proposal Packages best fit your firm’s capabilities. Contact information and a list of Prime Contractors will be made available in that link, including the best contact to discuss your potential participation.
Will the Prime Contractor provide smaller scopes of work to help me determine what I can reasonably bid on, or is this my responsibility?
Prime Contractors will work to create smaller scopes for sub-tier vendors to bid on to the extent possible. Of course, if your firm is interested in a particular portion of the Proposal Package, please communicate that to the Prime Contractors. 
What do I do if I have not been able to successfully connect with Prime Contractors?
Gilbane has requested that Prime Contractors be as responsive as possible to all inquiring lower-tier vendors. If you have reached out to the contact person listed on the “Contracting Opportunities” tab and have not received an answer within three (3) working days, please notify Gilbane via LWashburn@GilbaneCo.com. 
How do I access drawings and specifications for the Proposal Package I am interested in?
The applicable drawings and specifications will be provided to lower-tier vendors by the Prime Contractors they will be providing bids to.
Where should I look for bidding opportunities and advertisements?
In the Contracting Opportunities section of this website. 
When and where is the next information session I can attend?
Gilbane holds Meet the Primes sessions at the start of each new work release process as well as various other project information/outreach sessions. All sessions are posted in advance on this project website, and we encourage you to check here frequently.
Is there a schedule of future Proposal Package opportunities that I can monitor to be prepared to participate?
All work releases are posted on this project website under the “Contracting Opportunities” tab, and we encourage you to monitor this website regularly. 
I am a small, non-union contractor. How can I participate if I am unable to meet the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirements?
While there is a PLA on the project, it does afford avenues for non-union contractor participation under certain conditions. Individual circumstances can be reviewed with Gilbane or the Prime Contractors.

©2026 Gilbane Building. All rights reserved.