Strategic Road Map for Pharmaceutical Industry Cluster Development in Iowa

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) is seeking a consultant to develop a strategic roadmap for growth in the pharmaceutical sector in the state of Iowa. The selected consultant will provide services including an in-depth analysis of Iowa's pharmaceutical ecosystem, identification of major pharmaceutical and life sciences employers, analysis of partnerships between academic institutions and industry players, and development of a comprehensive and actionable strategic roadmap. The contract term will begin on February 1, 2026, and end on February 28, 2027, with the possibility of renewal for up to one year. • The consultant will conduct an in-depth analysis of Iowa's pharmaceutical ecosystem, including evaluating the capabilities of Iowa's workforce and talent pipelines. • The consultant will identify major pharmaceutical and life sciences employers, suppliers, and related industries, and map supplier locations to assess supply chain strengths and gaps. • The consultant will analyze partnerships between academic institutions, research centers, and industry players to assess the state's capacity for innovation and commercialization of pharmaceutical technologies. • The consultant will develop a targeted strategy for attracting pharmaceutical employers, including a database of prospective companies and key contacts, marketing and branding recommendations, and suggested enhancements to incentive packages. • The consultant will synthesize findings into a clear, actionable roadmap that includes recommendations for infrastructure and facility development, workforce training and development programs, business attraction and retention initiatives, policy and regulatory changes to support growth, metrics for tracking progress, and a phased implementation plan.