2025_Accelerate_CA_Fiscal_Agent_RFP_FINAL_updated_4.21.26.pdf

ACCELERATE CALIFORNIA INNOVATION GRANT PROGRAM

FISCAL AGENT - REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications from eligible organizations (“Fiscal Agent”) to apply to administer a grant program for the State and distribute grants up to

$100,000.00 to eligible entrepreneurs and startup small businesses in California.

Opening Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026

Closing Date: Thursday April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PT

Proposals submitted after the stipulated deadline will be rejected without being evaluated with no exceptions.

Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA)

Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development 1325 J Street, Suite 1800 Sacramento, CA 95814

Business.ca.gov Phone: 1-877-345-4633

Office of the Small Business Advocate Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

Contents Introduction

Background and Purpose

Roles and Responsibilities

CalOSBA Responsibilities

Fiscal Agent Responsibilities

Definitions

Award Information

Available Funding

Period of Performance

Funding Information

Funding Method

Collateral Requirements

Contract Execution

Eligibility Requirements

Scope of Work:

Oversight & Reporting Requirements

Dates and Deadlines

Points of Contact

Administration

RFP Response Requirements

Reservation of Rights and RFP Amendments

Award and Protest

Public Records Act

Standard Contract Terms

GenAI Disclosure

Small Business and DVBE Incentive Program

Small Business Incentive Program

Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive Program

Insurance Requirements

Proposal Evaluation

Scoring Criteria

Disqualification

Application and Submission Requirements

Proposal

SECTION I: Applicant Information

SECTION II: Narrative

SECTION III: Attachments

Introduction The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) is administering a one-time grant through Accelerate California Innovation Grant Program (“Program”). The purpose of the Program is to bring innovative ideas and products into the marketplace, drive scientific and technological advances, and help small businesses compete. Grants will be awarded to individual businesses to be used exclusively to support proof of concept, research, design, and development projects through direct grants to entrepreneurs and startups in California who are a part of the Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hub Program.

Background and Purpose Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hub Program (Accelerate CA) was created in 2013 by Assembly Bill No. 250 (Code (GC) §§ 12096 - 12098.5), amended in Senate Bill 151 (Government Code Section 12099.1) and recently amended in 2022 via SB 193 (Government Code § 12099.1) to accelerate the startup and growth of technology and science-based firms in key industry areas with a focus on diverse founders, including women, people of color, and underserved geographies and regions. Accelerate CA offers diverse founders the opportunity to develop and accelerate their innovative ideas by serving as a conduit to local resources, access to capital, critical mentorship, and expert training services.

In addition to the technical assistance provided by Accelerate CA, SB 193 (Government Code § 12099.7.5) tasked CalOSBA to administer the Accelerate California Innovation Grant Program to provide acceleration grants to small businesses and entrepreneurs that participate in the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hubs. The purpose of the acceleration grants is to spur high-growth industries and startups and build a pipeline of scalable firms and well-paid jobs and increase access to private investment for diverse founders as well as those in geographically isolated and underserved regions.

CalOSBA is seeking a third-party administrator to serve as a Fiscal Agent for the Program and administer the grantmaking component of the Program for CalOSBA for the remaining program term. The Fiscal Agent will be tasked with disbursing grants of up to $100,000.00 to eligible small businesses in California by March 31, 2028.

Roles and Responsibilities To ensure clear accountability and efficient program administration, responsibilities for the Program are divided between CalOSBA and the Fiscal Agent as follows:

CalOSBA Responsibilities CalOSBA is responsible for program oversight, application administration, grant selection, and final approval, including:

• Administrative oversight of all contractual obligations

• Administer application and grant selection process

• Communication with the Accelerate CA Hubs and grantees

• Reviewing and approving the final report

Fiscal Agent Responsibilities The Fiscal Agent is responsible for grant administration, compliance, and fund disbursement, including:

• Validating business eligibility and good standing for prospective grantees from CalOSBA

• Executing grant agreements and any required related agreements with awarded grantees

• Disbursing all grant funds in accordance with program requirements and timelines

Definitions Definitions that pertain to this Program Announcement are provided below.

I. “Eligible small business” means a business that is domiciled and registered with the California Secretary of State to do business in California and at least one of the owners is domiciled in California. The business may be incorporated out of state, but primary operations must be in California.

II. “Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub” refers to a recipient of operational funding under Accelerate California program guidelines and indicates a coalition of interrelated firms, local governments, economic development organizations, educational entities, and industry professionals that collectively drive economic growth within a defined geographic area and for defined underserved business owners and underserved markets that are selected by CalOSBA and is responsible for all the following:

a. Carrying out the state’s objectives of the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub Program.

b. Serving as the primary agent responsible for coordinating services and resources and maintaining the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hub agreement with CalOSBA.

c. Serving as the primary liaison to the state.

III. “Accelerate California Innovation Grant Program” means the program administered by CalOSBA to award grants to entrepreneurs and small businesses participating in the Accelerate California: Inclusive Innovation Hubs.

IV. “Grantee” means an entrepreneur or startup business that has been approved by CalOSBA to receive an Innovation Grant Award.

V. “Prospective grant recipient” means an Accelerate CA Hub small business client deemed eligible to apply for an Accelerate California Innovation Grant.

VI. “Research” or “research and development” means one of the following activities:

a. a systematic, intensive study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the subject studied.

b. a systematic study directed specifically toward applying new knowledge to meet a recognized need.

c. a systematic application of knowledge toward the production of useful materials, devices, and systems or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet specific requirements.

VII. “Rural” all territory, population, and housing units that are not defined as urban. To qualify as an urban area, the territory must encompass at least 2,000 housing units or at least 5,000 persons. The term “rural” encompasses all population, housing, and territory not included within an urban area. Rural areas can be identified with the U.S. Census Bureau’s TIGERweb Decennial (census.gov) online map.

VIII. “Underserved” means, with respect to geographic areas and business owners, currently or have historically experienced relatively limited access to resources, such as early-stage investment capital, technical assistance, mentorship, financial services, community engagement, and investment.

a. Underserved geographic areas shall include low-wealth or rural regions, or regions designated or otherwise termed as disadvantaged by a federal entity.

b. Underserved business owners shall include entrepreneurs and the owners of startup businesses that are women, minority, formerly incarcerated, disabled, or veterans.

IX. “Startup” means a company in the first stages of operations, such as pre-revenue and proof of concept. “Startups” may be founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand. “Startups” generally start with high costs and limited revenue and typically look for capital from a variety of sources, such as angel or venture capitalists.

Award Information Available Funding CalOSBA/GO-Biz expects to issue $4,400,000 in grant funds for the Innovation Grant Program.

The Fiscal Agent may request up to $220,000 (5% of total program funding) for program administration. The Fiscal Agent, in turn, is expected to award one-time grants to eligible small businesses through a competitive grant process developed by CalOSBA. The Fiscal Agent must demonstrate capacity to deploy the full funding amount statewide.

Period of Performance The agreement term will begin June 1, 2026 to March 31, 2028. During this period of performance, the disbursement of funds to selected grantees is expected to be completed, all funds exhausted, and all applicable reporting requirements satisfied. Any unused money by the Fiscal Agent must be transferred back to CalOSBA/GO-Biz by March 31, 2028.

Funding Information Funds provided under the Program must be used solely for the purposes stipulated in this Announcement and subsequently in the Agreement between CalOSBA and the Fiscal Agent. All costs proposed in an applicant’s budget must meet the tests of allowability, allot-ability, and reasonableness.

The Fiscal Agent is authorized to use up to $220,000 for costs incurred for program administration. CalOSBA is seeking competitive proposals with platform efficiencies to reduce the cost and maximize grants awarded to eligible small businesses. All costs must be justified in detail (see proposal – budget section below).

Each grant shall not exceed $100,000.

This Program does not have a match requirement.

Funding Method CalOSBA/GO-Biz will process an agreement that must be fully executed by June 1, 2026.

Following execution of the agreement, the Fiscal Agent will receive an upfront payment for the total amount to disburse through grants to eligible small businesses. Administrative costs will be processed monthly in arrears with a final payment to be held until all disbursements have been made and final reports have been submitted and approved.

Collateral Requirements The Fiscal Agent is expected to use a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union outside the Centralized State Treasury System to hold state funds. Accordingly, the Fiscal Agent agrees to comply with the requirements of the State Administrative Manual Section 8002 and California Government Code section 16521, specifically the requirement that the bank, savings and loan association, or credit union used will deposit securities as collateral with the State Treasurer valued at 110 percent of the uninsured portion of the collected funds deposited with the bank, savings and loan association, or credit union. The Fiscal Agent must be able to obtain approval as a Fiscal Agent per Department of Finance, Fiscal Systems and Consulting Unit (FSCU) regulations. Applicants will be expected to acknowledge this requirement as part of their application. Applicants must demonstrate ability to meet this requirement prior to contract execution.

Contract Execution Selected Fiscal Agent will be required to complete the following forms in order to enter a fully executed contract with CalOSBA/GO-Biz:

• STD213 – State of California Standard Agreement

• STD204 – State of California Payee Data Record Form

• STD021 – State of California Drug-Free Workplace Certification Form

• Scope of Work

• Budget Details and Payment Provisions

• Budget Cost Breakdown

• State of California – Bidder Declaration

• State of California – DARFUR Contracting Act Compliance

• State of California – Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC)

Work may not begin until the contract has been executed.

Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Able to receive State funds

• Demonstrated experience with CalOSBA in developing and managing grant and/or loan programs including but not limited to application development, translation/interpretation, validation, verification and approval processes, fraud prevention, disbursement, customer service, compliance, and reporting

• Demonstrated ability to partner with relevant entities for the Program, including, but not limited to, agencies in the workforce, social and health services, homelessness, and justice systems to better serve high-barrier populations and ensure greater system collaboration

• Strong plan for a transparent validation process for small businesses to receive the one-time grants.

Scope of Work:

The Fiscal Agent shall perform the following tasks consistent with the Roles and Responsibilities section.

Task 1: Design Grantmaking Process

• Design grantmaking process with appropriate internal controls

• Establish program guidelines, workflows, and systems for application validation

• Coordinate with CalOSBA

Task 2: Application Intake

• Receive and securely process application data and documentation from CalOSBA for eligibility verification.

Task 3: Eligibility Verification and Compliance

• Verify applicant eligibility, including business status, location, and documentation

• Conduct compliance checks (e.g., identity verification, OFAC, fraud screening)

Task 4: Application Review and Quality Control

• Perform application validation of applicants’ required documentation including government-issued owner/applicant identification and business organization documents.

• Ensure standardized quality control procedures

Task 5: Award Processing and Disbursement

• Prepare and manage grant agreements

• Facilitate secure fund disbursement (e.g., ACH)

• Administer payments

Task 6: Reporting and Closeout

Provide reporting in accordance with Oversight & Reporting Requirements

Fiscal Agent Deliverables

• Operational application and grant management system

• Verified applicant eligibility determinations

• Executed grant agreements

• Disbursement and financial tracking records

• Required progress and final reports

Oversight & Reporting Requirements Upon approval of a grant award, the Fiscal Agent will be subject to the following oversight and reporting requirements:

1. Fiscal Agent will furnish a report aimed at assuring the effectiveness of its controls pertaining to the security, availability, and processing integrity of the systems used to process client information.

2. A comprehensive listing of grant applications, including applications selected and columns configured based on the relevant phase.

3. A detailed list of program payments including grants to participants and payment requests for program administration costs with transaction dates and dollar amounts.

CalOSBA/GO-Biz has the right to conduct a programmatic and financial review of any grant recipient and sub grant recipient.

The Program will require awarded Fiscal Agent to design verification processes and self-certifications and attestations to help ensure eligibility and equitable distribution and limit misuse.

The Program will also require awarded Fiscal Agent to coordinate with CalOSBA to communicate application review status and resolve issues. The final report on Program outcomes is due within sixty (60) days after Program close.

Dates and Deadlines All dates and deadlines as set forth in this Announcement and subsequent grant agreement are non-negotiable and may not be extended.

Thursday April 9, 2026 RFP application period opens – posted on Cal eProcure

Tuesday April 14, 2026 by 3:00PM PST Deadline to submit questions Thursday April 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM PST Answers to questions posted on Cal eProcure Thursday April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST RFP application period closes – all submissions must be received via email at Go-Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov

Thursday April 30, 2026 by 5:00 PM PST

Notice of Intent to Award posted on Cal eProcure

TBD Grant Agreement execution by CalOSBA/GO-Biz will commence after approval as a Fiscal Agent. Program shall begin after grant agreement execution.

March 31, 2028 All funds must be disbursed to eligible ESEs and nonprofits.

Points of Contact Questions and correspondence regarding this Announcement shall be directed to:

Primary Contact: Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz) Email: GO-Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov

All questions regarding this Announcement shall be submitted in writing (e-mail only) no later than Tuesday April 14, 2026 by 3:00PM PST. Questions submitted after the deadline will not be answered. Questions and Answers will be shared on Cal eProcure no later than Thursday April 16, 2026 by 5:00 PM PST.

Prospective applicants shall not contact CalOSBA or GO-Biz employees with questions or suggestions regarding this Announcement except through the primary contact listed above.

Any unauthorized contact may be considered undue pressure and cause for disqualification of the applicant.

mailto:GO-BizBSU@gobiz.ca.gov

Administration RFP Response Requirements This RFP and the Proposer’s response to this document will be made part of CalOSBA/GO-Biz’s proposer’s file.

Plagiarism, including but not limited to taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own, and failure to cite someone else’s work or ideas, is prohibited and is grounds for disqualification. Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to complete any portion of an application, without citation, may be considered plagiarism and may also be grounds for disqualification.

Reservation of Rights and RFP Amendments CalOSBA/GO-Biz reserves the following rights, which may be exercised at its sole discretion and without liability to any Applicant:

1. Right to Amend, Supplement, or Cancel the RFP CalOSBA/GO-Biz reserves the right to amend, supplement, clarify, revise, delay, or cancel this Request for Proposals (RFP), in whole or in part, at any time prior to the proposal submission deadline or prior to execution of a final agreement. Amendments may include, but are not limited to, changes to the scope of work, key dates, funding availability, evaluation criteria, or submission requirements. Issuance of this RFP does not obligate GO-Biz to make an award or to enter into any agreement.

2. Notice of Amendments All official amendments, addenda, and clarifications to this RFP will be posted on the GO-Biz website at: Cal eProcure

It is the sole responsibility of each Applicant to monitor the website for updates, amendments, or additional information related to this RFP. GO-Biz is not responsible for failure of an Applicant to receive notice of an amendment. Failure to acknowledge or respond to an amendment may result in disqualification. The Notice of Intent to Award will post to Cal eProcure and remain posted for five (5) business days.

3. Right to Reject Proposals CalOSBA/GO-Biz reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive minor irregularities or technical defects in proposals received, and to request clarification of information submitted.

4. Right to Award in Whole or in Part CalOSBA/GO-Biz reserves the right to:

a. Award funding in whole or in part;

b. Award less than the total amount requested;

c. Make multiple awards under this RFP;

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx

d. Not award all available funds; or

e. Issue additional solicitations for similar services.

f. Selected Applicants may be required to negotiate scope or budget adjustments consistent with available funding.

5. Right to Negotiate and Request Additional Information

CalOSBA/GO-Biz may request additional information, conduct interviews, seek clarifications, or enter into negotiations with one or more Applicants prior to final award. Failure to respond timely to such requests may result in disqualification.

6. Proposal Preparation Costs All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal are the sole responsibility of the Applicant. CalOSBA/GO-Biz shall not be liable for any costs incurred in connection with this RFP, including in the event of amendment or cancellation.

Award and Protest A. A contract award may not be made until GO-Biz posts a notice of the proposed contract award in a place accessible by the general public, including any Internet site identified in the RFP for at least five working days prior to awarding the contract. (PCC § 10345(b).)

B. Inspection of bids is required as follows:

1. All proposals and all evaluation and scoring sheets shall be available for public inspection at the conclusion of the committee scoring process. (PCC § 10344(c)(2).)

C. There are time limits in which to file a protest. A protest must be filed with GO-Biz GO- Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov and DGS OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov after notice of intent to award the contract, if notice was required, but before the actual award. (PCC § 10345.)

D. Once a protest is filed, the contract may not be awarded until the protest is withdrawn or DGS has rendered a decision. (PCC §§ 10345(a)(2), 10345(b)(1).)

E. After filing a protest, the protestant has five (5) calendar days to file a detailed written statement of the protest grounds if the original protest did not contain the complete grounds for the protest. (PCC §§ 10345(a)3), 10345(b)(2).)

F. Upon receipt of a protest, DGS/OLS:

1. Sends the protestant an acknowledgment letter which includes copies of the protest statutes and regulations and informs the protestant that it must submit a full and complete statement specifying grounds of protest within five calendar days of filing of the notice of protest.

2. Requests information on a designated form from GO-Biz regarding the agency contact person and other administrative details. GO-Biz will complete and return the form to DGS/OLS within 24 hours. In addition, if GO-Biz is aware of any mailto:GO-Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov mailto:GO-Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov mailto:OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov reason that the protest should not go forward, this would be communicated to DGS/OLS at this time. (See SCM 1, section 6.03).

3. Reviews the protest to determine whether DGS has jurisdiction. If DGS does not have jurisdiction, DGS/OLS issues a written notice of dismissal.

4. Assigns a Hearing Officer to the protest if DGS has jurisdiction. The Hearing Officer determines whether the protest will be resolved by written submission or public oral hearing.

a. Written Submission Process: DGS/OLS sends a Hearing Notice to all interested parties, setting the due date for written submissions.

b. Oral Hearing Process: DGS/OLS sends a Hearing Notice to all interested parties of the date, time and place of the hearing at least five (5) calendar days before the hearing date. The Hearing Notice will also include a due date for written submissions. DGS/OLS will arrange for the hearing to be recorded.

Public Records Act By submitting an application, the applicant acknowledges that CalOSBA/GO-Biz is subject to the California Public Records Act (PRA) (Government Code section 7920.000 et. seq.).

Consequently, materials submitted by an applicant to GO-Biz may be subject to disclosure pursuant to a PRA request. In the event that records of the applicant are requested, GO-Biz will notify the applicant, as soon as practicable, that a PRA request for the applicant’s information has been received, but not less than five (5) business days prior to the release of the requested information, to allow the applicant to seek an injunction. CalOSBA/GO-Biz will work in good faith with the applicant to protect any confidential information to the extent an exemption is provided by law.

Standard Contract Terms All agreements entered into with the State of California will include reference to General Terms and Conditions that may be viewed and downloaded here: Standard Contract Language.

GenAI Disclosure The State of California seeks to realize the potential benefits of GenAI, through the development and deployment of GenAI tools, while balancing the risks of these new technologies.

Applicant must notify the State in writing if it: (1) intends to provide GenAI as a deliverable to the State; or (2), intends to utilize GenAI, including GenAI from third parties, to complete all or a portion of any deliverable that materially impacts: (i) functionality of a State system, (ii) risk to the State, or (iii) Contract performance. For avoidance of doubt, the term “materially impacts” shall have the meaning set forth in State Administrative Manual (SAM) § 4986.2 Definitions for GenAI.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language?search=general%20terms

Failure to report GenAI to the State may result in disqualification. The State reserves the right to seek any and all relief to which it may be entitled to as a result of such non-disclosure.

Upon notification by an applicant of GenAI as required, the State reserves the right to incorporate GenAI Special Provisions into the final contract or reject bids/offers that present an unacceptable level of risk to the State.

Government Code 11549.64 defines “Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)” as an artificial intelligence system that can generate derived synthetic content, including text, images, video, and audio that emulates the structure and characteristics of the system’s training data.

Small Business and DVBE Incentive Program Small Business Incentive Program Current law encourages state departments to first consider a California-certified small business (SB) and microbusiness (MB) for contracting opportunities. The State of California is committed to supporting SB and MB participation in state contracting and seeks to use certified SBs and MBs whenever possible.

In accordance with GC Section 14835, et seq., certified small businesses and microbusinesses are encouraged to apply and can claim a five percent (5%) preference when submitting a bid on a state contract. A non-small business may receive a preference of five percent (5%) if the business commits to subcontracting at least twenty-five percent (25%) of its net bid price with one or more small businesses or microbusinesses.

A. The SB preference provides certified SBs and MBs a calculation preference in the amount of five percent (5%) of the highest scored, responsible, and responsive proposal submitted by a proposing firm who is not a certified small business.

B. The five percent (5%) preference is used only for computation purposes, to determine the winning bidder and does not alter the amounts of the resulting contract. A contract awarded on the basis of the five percent (5%) preference is awarded to the small business or non-small business for the actual amount of its bid.

A complete copy of the firm’s current Small Business certification with the Department of General Services (DGS) must also accompany the response.

Helpful resources pertaining to the small business program may be found here:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion- List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business

Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive Program Prime contractors, with the exception of a certified Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE), who subcontract work to DVBEs a minimum of five percent (5%) of its net bid price to https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business meet the DVBE participation goal will receive a five percent (5%) preference during the evaluation.

In accordance with section 999.5(a) of the Military and Veterans Code, an incentive will be given to bidders who meet or exceed the DVBE program requirement. For evaluation purposes only, the State shall apply an incentive to bids that propose California-certified DVBE participation as identified on the Bidder Declaration and confirmed by the State. A five percent (5%) preference will be given. A contract awarded on the basis of the five percent (5%) preference is awarded to the DVBE for the actual amount of its bid.

A complete copy of the firm’s current DVBE certification with the Department of General Services (DGS) must also accompany the response.

Helpful resources pertaining to the DVBE program may be found here:

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion- List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business

Insurance Requirements Insurance requirements may apply when the total contract value exceeds $100,000.

Contractors may be required to maintain Commercial General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Professional Liability (applicable to contracts over $1,000,000).

Proposal Evaluation A Fiscal Agent will be selected based on an evaluation criterion based on past experience, program design, program implementation plan, program management and staffing plan, and budget and financial controls. In addition, applicants should demonstrate strong support for small businesses, underserved small business groups and communities, and strong relationships with small business technical assistance providers will be given preference. California is seeking a Fiscal Agent with established platforms or networks of CDFIs and/or other small business providers to distribute grants to eligible small businesses in the entire state. The Fiscal Agent will also be evaluated on the following criteria:

a. The proposed use of the requested funding, including the specificity, measurability, and ability of the Fiscal Agent to document and achieve the goals and objectives identified in its application

b. The proposed management strategy of the Fiscal Agent to achieve the goals and objectives identified in its application

c. The Fiscal Agent’s ability to complement and leverage the work of other local, state, federal, and nonprofit or private business technical assistance resource providers https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS?search=small%20business

d. The Fiscal Agent’s historical performance with private funding sources and the strength of its fiscal controls

Scoring Criteria CalOSBA/GO-Biz staff will rank all the applications based on the total number of points received in the Proposal section below. Final award determination will be based on rankings of applicants. If full award point values are equal, CalOSBA/GO-Biz has the discretion to determine the final Fiscal Agent.

CalOSBA/GO-Biz may ask applicants for follow-up meetings to review and clarify design, technical and cost aspects of their proposals. This must not be construed as a commitment to fund the proposed effort.

Proposals will be evaluated by individuals in a committee. The committee will evaluate each proposal and score each proposal individually using the scoring criteria. Proposals will be considered for their merits in accordance with the Scope of Work.

Applicants must score enough technical points (non-budget/cost) to advance in the evaluation phase and also to be eligible for invitation to any applicable interview or presentation phase.

Technical scores are subject to change after interviews.

Evaluation Score Sheet Maximum Possible Score

1. Applicant Experience / Past Performance Score 0–4: Firm demonstrates little or no relevant experience, with limited comparable projects, insufficient qualifications, and minimal evidence of successful outcomes.

Score 5–8: Firm demonstrates some relevant experience, though prior work shows moderate alignment with the scope and limited evidence of measurable results.

Score 9–12: Firm demonstrates strong relevant experience with qualified personnel and successful delivery of projects similar in scope and complexity.

Score 13–15: Firm demonstrates extensive, highly relevant experience with exceptionally qualified personnel and a consistent record of delivering successful outcomes on comparable projects.

2. Application Validation and Award Distribution Design Score 0–6: Proposal shows limited understanding of program requirements and presents an unclear or incomplete approach to validation, disbursement, and compliance.

Score 7–13: Proposal demonstrates a basic understanding with a feasible but moderately detailed approach and work plan.

Score 14–20: Proposal demonstrates a strong understanding with a clear, logical, and well-structured approach to program administration.

Score 21–25: Proposal demonstrates exceptional understanding with a comprehensive, strategic, and highly effective approach, including strong data systems, security, and process design.

3. Program Implementation Schedule Score 0–1: Timeline is unclear, unrealistic, or does not align with program requirements.

Score 2–3: Timeline is generally feasible but lacks detail or clarity in key milestones.

Score 4: Timeline is clear, feasible, and aligned with program deadlines.

Score 5: Timeline is detailed, realistic, and demonstrates strong ability to meet or exceed required deadlines.

4. Program Management / Staffing Plan Score 0–2: Staffing plan is unclear or insufficient; lacks relevant expertise.

Score 3–5: Staffing plan is adequate but lacks depth, clarity, or demonstrated capacity.

Score 6–8: Strong staffing plan with qualified personnel and clear roles and responsibilities.

Score 9–10: Exceptional staffing plan with highly qualified personnel, clear structure, and strong alignment to program goals.

5a.

Budget and Financial Management - Budget Narrative / Cost Proposal Score 0–4: Cost proposal is unclear, poorly justified, or misaligned with the scope of work.

Score 5–8: Cost proposal is generally reasonable but lacks full transparency, detail, or clear justification.

Score 9–12: Cost proposal is clear, well-structured, and appropriately aligned with the proposed scope of work.

Score 13–15: Cost proposal is highly detailed, transparent, and demonstrates strong value and cost-effectiveness.

5b.

Budget and Financial Management - Financial Management and Controls Score 0–4: Financial systems and controls are unclear or insufficient.

Score 5–8: Financial controls are adequate but lack detail or demonstrated reliability.

Score 9–12: Strong financial management systems with appropriate controls and oversight.

Score 13–15: Exceptional financial systems with robust controls, audit readiness, and risk mitigation measures.

When scoring a proposal, cost/value effectiveness and cost adequacy may be judged, evaluated and awarded points as part of the technical score, but this must be in addition to cost points. GO-Biz will use the suggested formula in SCM Vol 1, 5.25, B to calculate points for cost.

TOTAL 85

Disqualification CalOSBA/GO-Biz may disqualify applications or deny applications for the following reasons:

a. Incomplete application

b. Ineligible applicant

c. Plagiarism

d. Failure to comply with guidance as set forth in this Announcement

e. Late applications will not be accepted

Application and Submission Requirements Proposal and attachments must be submitted in one email containing the following:

1. Proposal saved as .pdf

2. Budget saved as .xls

3. Completed and signed STD204 saved as .pdf

4. Completed and signed STD021 saved as .pdf

5. Optional: Letters of support or recommendation (no more than 3)

File Format: Organization Name_Accelerate CA_Fiscal Agent_Proposal_Date

Subject Line: Organization Name – Accelerate CA Fiscal Agent Proposal Submission

Applicants must email all grant application materials to GO-Biz.BSU@gobiz.ca.gov no later than Thursday April 23, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST. No mailed/hard copy submittals will be accepted. No late applications will be accepted or considered under any circumstances. It is recommended that you submit your application in advance of final deadline to receive a confirmation of receipt.

Proposal

SECTION I: Applicant Information Legal Name of Applicant:

DBA (if applicable):

Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number:

Mailing Address (and physical address if it is different):

Street 1:

Street 2:

City:

County:

State: California Only Zip Code:

Name and Contact Information of person to be contacted regarding this application:

First and Last Name:

Title:

Telephone Number:

Email:

Website:

Signature of Contact (E-signature is acceptable)

Date

By signing, I certify that the information in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

SECTION II: Narrative Narrative responses must not be more than fifteen (15) pages total, double-spaced, one-inch margin, Times New Roman, 12 point. Total points available is 85.

1. Applicant Experience/Past Performance: Describe in detail the applicant’s experience with CalOSBA in designing, developing and managing grant or loan programs and especially similar small businesses grant programs. Include examples of prior programs administered with related performance and impact measures. Highlight experience in effectively implementing an application, verification, and disbursal processes. Please validate ability to scale any past experience to statewide level. In addition, describe past efforts to collaborate with the relevant small business ecosystem including your ability to complement and leverage the work of other state, local, federal, and nonprofit or private business technical assistance resource providers. (15 points)

2. Proposed Application Validation and Award Distribution Design: Describe your approach to implementing and administering the grantmaking process, including validation, disbursement, and compliance to select small businesses to receive the one-time grants.

Please detail how you envision data sharing and security between your organization and CalOSBA. In addition, describe your data collection and measurement systems and ability to document and achieve the goals and objectives identified in your application.

(See Attachment 2 in Section 3 below) (25 points)

3. Program Implementation Schedule: Proposed schedule for this Program with detailed validation of speed of distribution of grants and ability to achieve disbursement of funds and target with strong controls within time allotted by March 31, 2028. (5 points)

4. Program Management/Staffing Plan: Provide key management and staffing plan to achieve proposed implementation schedule. Describe how management strategy will support you to achieve the goals and objectives identified in this application. Please include summary bios highlighting relevant experience in grants management, financial oversight, and knowledge/expertise in small businesses and underserved small business groups. (10 points)

5. Budget and Financial Management Systems:

a. Budget narrative to support the proposed budget submitted as Attachment 1 in Section III below (15 points)

b. Financial management and controls narrative (15 points)

SECTION III: Attachments Label each attachment and submit them in the order listed.

1. Program narrative – see Section II and provide answers in .PDF of no more than 15 pages total, double spaced, one-inch margin, Times New Roman, 12-point font.

2. Proposed Budget saved as .xlsx – Download Template

3. Flow chart and any other relevant visuals or diagrams of Program design and grants administration process including sample application process (submit as .PDF)

4. STD204 – Payee Data Record Form – download this form at https://calosba.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/std204-calosbaprograms.pdf

5. STD021 – Drug-Free Workplace Certification – download this form at https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std021.pdf

6. Optional: One to three (max) letters of recommendations from past clients or key strategic partners (submit as .PDF)

The following documents will be required in the event of an award.

1. Bidder Declaration

2. CCC 201

3. DARFUR Contracting Act Compliance Form

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https://calosba.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Accelerate-CA-Fiscal-Agent-Budget-Proposal-Template-2026.xlsx https://calosba.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/std204-calosbaprograms.pdf https://calosba.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/std204-calosbaprograms.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std021.pdf