Operator for the Harlem African Burial Ground Cultural Education Center RFP

New York City Economic Development Corporation (“NYCEDC”), in cooperation with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, is seeking proposals from parties (“Respondents”) interested in conceptualizing and operating (as either tenant of the Developer or as owner) a Cultural Education Center and providing programming on the history of the Harlem African Burial Ground and its continued relevance (the selected Respondent, the “Designated Operator"). It is expected that Respondents will act as a single Designated Operator with nonprofit status. Respondents may be, among others, existing nonprofit organizations, proposed new nonprofit organizations, or consortiums or partnerships that include individuals, nonprofit organizations or for-profit entities.

As a cemetery for free and enslaved Africans from the mid-1600s to the mid-1800s, the Harlem African Burial Ground (the “Burial Ground”) is a sacred site of New York City’s early history, with great significance for communities of Black and Indigenous descent. For decades, the Burial Ground was forgotten and disrespected, but tireless research and advocacy brought this history to light. The historic footprint of the Burial Ground is located on an approximately 18,000-square-foot portion of Manhattan Block 1803, Lot 1, also known as 2460 Second Avenue. The City-owned site, which encompasses an entire Manhattan city block, will be home to a future mixed-use project that will include a permanent outdoor memorial honoring those buried at the Burial Ground along with the Cultural Education Center. A 15,000 square foot Cultural Education Center was analyzed during environmental review and ULURP as the maximum envelope. Respondents should propose a facility that is sized to meet the Respondent’s specific programmatic vision and that is cost effective within that envelope. EDC reserves the right to work with the selected Operator on refining the space proposal.

It is expected that once the Cultural Education Center is operational, the Designated Operator will develop responsive, culturally appropriate programming for the Cultural Education Center and the Outdoor Memorial. Respondents should create a proposal for the Cultural Education Center that is responsive to the needs and desires of East Harlem, demonstrates knowledge of the neighborhood’s socioeconomic and demographic context, and outlines clear mechanisms for residents’ continued engagement. It is expected that the Designated Operator will consult with the Harlem African Burial Ground Initiative, designated in 2011 by Manhattan Community Board 11 as the organization representing the interests of the historic Burial Ground, regularly on matters related to the Cultural Education center.

NYCEDC plans to designate an operator on the basis of factors stated in the RFP which include, but are not limited to: readiness to advance a clear mission and vision for the cultural education center; financial health and successful financial management of related projects; and experience and/or demonstrated understanding of non-profit operations, stewarding cultural spaces, and providing programming related to the cultures and communities of East Harlem and Greater Harlem.

Respondents may submit questions and/or request clarifications from NYCEDC no later than 5pm on Monday, February 23, 2026. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP should be directed to HABGOperator@edc.nyc . Answers to all questions will be posted by Monday, March 2, 2026. Questions regarding the subject matter of this RFP will not be accepted after 5pm on Monday, February 23, 2026, however, technical questions pertaining to downloading and submitting proposals to this RFP may be directed to RFPrequest@edc.nyc on or before Monday, May 4, 2026.

Detailed submission guidelines and requirements are outlined in the RFP, available as of December 17, 2025.

Responses are due no later than May 4, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Please submit all documents in a single .zip file labeled with your company name. The Chrome Browser is the preferred method for uploading.

It is the policy of NYCEDC to comply with all federal, state and City laws and regulations which prohibit unlawful discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status and other protected category and to take affirmative action in working with contracting parties to ensure certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) share in the economic opportunities generated by NYCEDC’s projects and initiatives. Please refer to the Equal Employment and Affirmative Compliance for Non-Construction Contracts Addendum in the RFP.