25ISD001_-_RFP_-_FINAL.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (SECONDARY METHOD)

Notice to Prospective Proposers RFP No. 25ISD001

March 3, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25ISD001, entitled, “Corporate Disclosures”. In submitting your proposal, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

This RFP is published online in the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) at https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx. To ensure receipt of any addenda to this RFP that may be issued, interested parties are encouraged to register online at:

https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) deadline for receipt of proposals is April 3, 2026, no later than 12:00 p.m. All proposals received late will be rejected. File size cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB). The naming convention of the proposal must be in the following format: “RFP 25ISD001 [Insert vendor name] Proposal”. Proposals must be received on or before the date and time specified herein at email addresses provided below:

EMAIL RFP Proposal to:

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: Brian.Fong@arb.ca.gov CC: Vikki.Dyachuk@arb.ca.gov

You are advised that you are responsible for ensuring that your proposal is received by the above listed contact person by the time and date required. Any proposal reaching the contact person after the deadline date and time will be rejected.

In the opinion of CARB, this RFP is complete and without need of explanation. However, if you have questions, notice any discrepancies or inconsistencies, or need any clarifying information, contact the person listed below. All questions must be submitted in accordance with the RFP instructions contained herein and sent via email directly to the below listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

Contact: Brian Fong Email: Brian.Fong@arb.ca.gov

We appreciate your interest in this project and hope to receive a proposal from you if this is within your area of expertise.

California Air Resources Board RFP No. 25ISD001

Table of Contents

SECTION PAGE

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK 3

A. Purpose 3 B. Background 4 C. Scope of Work 4

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION 6

A. Key Action Dates 6 B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements 6 C. General Proposal Requirements 7 D. Submission of Proposals 7 E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals 8 F. Proposer Responsibilities 8 G. Signature 12 H. Disposition of Proposals 12 I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs 12

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL) 15

A) Technical Proposal Requirements 15

1. Minimum Qualifications 15

2. Title Page 16

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment 16

4. Table of Contents 17

5. Summary 17

6. Minimum Qualifications Response 17

7. Required Attachments 17

8. References 17

9. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 17

10. Subcontracts / Subcontractors 17

11. Technical Portion 18

a. Management Plan 18

b. Methodology (Approach to Work) 18

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule 18

d. Personnel / Experience 20

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering 21

B) Cost Proposal Requirements 21

1. Cost Detail 21

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering 22

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD 22

A) Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1) 22

1. Responsive and Responsible Proposer 22 B) Technical Evaluation (Phase 2) 22

1. Scoring Criterion Guidelines 22

2. Cost Points 23

3. Proposal Evaluation Form 24 C. Proposal Rejection 27 D. Selection 27 E. Notice of Proposed Award 27 F. Standard Conditions of Service 28

G. Post Award Requirements 29

ATTACHMENTS

1. Required Attachment Checklist 30

2. Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213) 31

Exhibit A, Scope of Work 33 Exhibit A, Attachment 1 – Technical Proposal 38 Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions 39 Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Contractor Cost Sheet 40 Exhibit C, General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025) 41 Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions 42 Exhibit E, Additional Provisions 49 Exhibit F, Quarterly Progress Report Template 52 Exhibit G, Final Report Format 53

3. Proposer References Form 58

4. Payee Data Record (STD 204) 59

5. Payee Date Record (STD205) 61

6. Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) 63

7. California Civil Rights Laws Certification 67

8. Darfur Contracting Act Certification 68

9. Bidder Declaration Form 69

10. CA DVBE Bid Incentive Instructions 71

11. Contractor Cost Sheet 74

12. Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications 75

13. Covid-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification 76

14. Conflict of Interest & Confidentiality Statement 77

15. Iran Contracting Act Certification 78

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK

A. Purpose

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from experienced and qualified contractors to provide services that ensure greenhouse gas emission reports and climate-related financial risk disclosures required by the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (Health & Safety Code § 38532) and the Climate-related Financial Risk Reporting Program (Health & Safety Code § 38533), respectively, are received, analyzed, and made publicly available. The primary feature of this RFP includes consolidating information submitted by companies in a user-friendly way. The Contractor will ensure greenhouse gas emission reports required by Health & Safety Code § 38532, are made publicly available, and will support the development of periodic synthesis reports on corporate disclosures, including a biennial report of climate-related financial risk disclosures per Health & Safety Code § 38533. This RFP will establish the personnel necessary for consolidating and summarizing information submitted by reporting entities, as well as developing the legislatively mandated biennial reports.

For a detailed description of the work to be performed, please refer to Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213). The work of this contract is expected to require twenty-seven (27) months. No work shall begin until all required signatures and approvals are obtained and the CARB Project Manager provides direction.

The total budget for the entire contract is Two Million Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,000,000.00). Proposals exceeding this amount may be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award. CARB reserves the right to amend this Agreement through a formal written amendment, signed by the parties, for additional time only

B. Background

In 2023, the Governor signed into law two pieces of legislation: the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253, Wiener; codified in Health & Safety Code § 38532), and the Climate-related Financial Risk Reporting Program (SB 261, Stern; codified in Health & Safety Code § 38533). SB 219 (Wiener, amending Health and Safety Code § 38532 and 38533) amended both of these statutes, extending certain deadlines and making other administrative modifications.

California’s landmark climate disclosure laws require large companies doing business in the State to publicly report comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) and to publicly post biennial climate-related financial risk disclosures. This legislative package encourages alignment with existing, widely recognized frameworks, and aims to ensure that accurate, comparable, and decision-useful climate information is made available to investors and consumers.

These laws give CARB the option of contracting with an emissions reporting organization to provide services that ensure greenhouse gas emission disclosures required by Health & Safety Code § 38532 are received and made publicly available.

CARB also has the option of contracting with a climate reporting organization to prepare a biennial report synthesizing climate-related financial risk disclosures made under Health & Safety Code § 38533. Under statute, the Contractor or “emissions or climate reporting organization” must be a nonprofit organization that currently operates a GHG emission reporting system for US organizations, and has experience with GHG emissions disclosure and climate-related financial risk by entities operating in California.

As per Health & Safety Code § 38532 and 38533, any contract for services with a reporting organization shall be considered a noninformation technology services contract for procurement purposes.

C. Scope of Work

The objective of this contract is to establish a reporting program for Health & Safety Code (HSC) § 38532-38533, as created by SB 253, SB 261, and modified by SB 219. The Contractor, or ‘emissions or climate reporting organization’ as defined in HSC § 38532-38533, shall provide services to make the emissions data of reporting entities available to the public in conformance with the regulations and guidance developed by CARB. Reporting entities will disclose their GHG emissions to CARB, through the Contractor, who will:

a. Accept corporate information on Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions;

b. Standardize reporting information across different data fields and industries;

c. Ensure accuracy with third-party verification;

d. Feature individual reporting entity disclosures;

e. Enable analysis of trends and patterns through data visualization, and allowing consumers, investors, and other stakeholders to view reported elements aggregated in a variety of ways, including multi-year data, in a manner that is easily understandable and accessible to residents of the state,

f. Make all information and customized views available in electronic format for access and use by the public;

g. Provide administrative support to reporting entities during required submission and updates.

The following are further requirements for the Contractor under Health & Safety Code § 38532. The Contractor shall ensure that reporting entities’ disclosures are made available to the public within 90 days of receipt. By July 1, 2027, CARB will begin working with the University of California, the California State University, a national laboratory, or another equivalent academic institution to prepare a synthesis of the disclosures submitted to the emissions reporting organization. The Contractor will be expected to collaborate with CARB in developing this report, and may be required to make it publicly available within 90 days of receipt. The Contractor may also be required to deliver the report to the relevant policy committees of the Legislature within 30 days of receipt.

Pursuant to Health & Safety Code § 38533, the Contractor will also be required to biennially prepare a public report that contains specified information, including:

a. A review of the disclosure of climate-related financial risk contained in a subset of publicly available climate-related financial risk reports by industry;

b. Analysis of the systemic and sector wide climate-related financial risks facing the state based on the contents of climate-related financial risk reports, including, but not limited to, potential impacts on economically vulnerable communities;

c. Identification of inadequate or insufficient reports.

The Contractor may also be made responsible, at regular intervals, for convening representatives of sectors responsible for reporting climate-related financial risks, state agencies responsible for oversight of reporting sectors, investment managers, academic experts, standard-setting organizations, climate and corporate sustainability organizations, labor union representatives whose members work in impacted sectors, and other stakeholders input on best practices regarding disclosures of financial risks resulting from climate change, including proposals to update the definition of “climate-related financial risk,” and the framework or disclosure standard of “climate-related financial risk reports”.

Moreover, the Contractor may be required to monitor federal regulatory actions among agency members of the federal Financial Stability Oversight Council, as well as non-independent regulators overseen by the White House.

For a detailed description of the work to be performed, please refer to Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213).

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION

This section contains instructions for the submission of your proposal. It is the responsibility of the proposer to carefully read and follow all proposal requirements within this RFP.

Compliance with the RFP instructions is mandatory for your proposal to be considered for award. Failure to comply with the RFP instructions may cause your proposal to be deemed non-compliant and non-responsive, thus ineligible for award.

A. Key Action Dates

Below is the tentative time schedule for this RFP. CARB reserves the right to modify the RFP and/or change dates and times at its sole discretion, prior to the date fixed for submission of proposals, by the issuance of an addendum that will be posted on the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

1. CARB reserves the right to modify or cancel in whole or any part of this solicitation.

2. Clarifications to the solicitation will only be provided in the form of a written addendum to all Proposers.

Key Actions Dates Time RFP available to prospective Proposers 03/03/2026 N/A Written Questions Submittal Deadline 03/17/2026 12:00 p.m.

Question and Answers Addendum Posted 03/19/2026 N/A Final Date for Proposal Submission/Receipt by CARB

04/03/2026 12:00 p.m.

Complete Evaluation of Proposals 04/13/2026 N/A Posting of Intent to Award Notice(s) (Notice is posted for five [5] business days) 04/15/2026 N/A

Agreement sent to successful Proposer 04/22/2026 N/A Signed Agreement returned to CARB for counter-signature

04/29/2026 N/A

Agreement Approved and Executed – work begins

05/15/2026 N/A

Dates listed above (or below, depending on page) are estimates only, and subject to change at CARB’s sole discretion. No work shall begin until all required approvals and signatures, including the Department of General Services (DGS) Office of Legal Services, if applicable, are obtained.

B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements

All questions or concerns related to the RFP requirements must be directed electronically to:

Fiscal Services Division Acquisitions Branch Contact: Brian Fong Email: Brian.Fong@arb.ca.gov

Questions must be received by the date and time specified under Section II, A. Key Action Dates. Answers to all questions submitted will be in the form of an addendum posted to the DGS California State Contracts Register (CSCR) website https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx by the date and time specified under Section II, A. Key Action Dates. Please note that no verbal information given will be binding upon the State unless such information is issued in writing as an official addendum to all parties/participants. All questions must be submitted referencing the RFP number in the subject line, directly to the above listed contact person and not through the Cal eProcure system.

C. General Proposal Requirements

1. Proposals should provide straightforward and concise descriptions of the Proposer’s ability to satisfy the requirements of this RFP. The proposal must be complete and accurate. Omissions, inaccuracies or misstatements will be sufficient cause for rejection of a proposal.

2. Proposals must be submitted for the performance of all services described herein.

Any deviation from the work specifications (Section Ill, Proposal Requirements, and Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement) may cause a proposal to be rejected.

D. Submission of Proposals

1. Proposals must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated in Section II.A.

Key Action Dates and must be addressed as follows in Item 2.

Proposals received after this date and time will not be considered and will be rejected.

2. Delivery Instructions

Responses to this RFP shall be submitted to CARB at the following email addresses provided in Section 2.b. in PDF format, cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB) and include:

a. One (1) copy containing the Technical Proposal and all other required elements along with the Cost Proposal.

b. Submit to the following email addresses and reference the RFP number in the subject line.

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: Brian.Fong@arb.ca.gov

3. Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if it meets the proposal requirements contained in Section lV, Proposal Requirements (Technical). Failure to meet the requirements for the RFP may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

4. A proposal may be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of form or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all proposals and may waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal. The State’s waiver of immaterial defect shall in no way modify the RFP document or excuse the Proposer from full compliance with all requirements if the Proposer is awarded the Agreement.

5. CARB may modify the RFP up to the specified time of the date fixed listed for submission of proposals by the issuance of an addendum to all parties who received a proposal package. Any addendum(s) will be issued through the Cal eProcure system.

6. The State reserves the right to reject all proposals.

7. More than one (1) proposal from an individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association under the same or different names, will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that any Proposer has submitted more than one proposal for the work contemplated herein will cause the rejection of all proposals submitted by that Proposer. If there is reason to believe that collusion exists among the Proposers, none of the participants in such collusion will be considered, in this or future procurements.

E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals

1. A Proposer may modify a proposal after its submission by withdrawing its original proposal and resubmitting a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline.

Proposer modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

2. A Proposer may withdraw its proposal by submitting a written withdrawal request to CARB signed by the Proposer or an agent authorized in accordance with Section II.G., titled “Signature”. A Proposer may thereafter submit a new proposal prior to the proposal submission deadline. Proposals may not be withdrawn without cause subsequent to proposal submission deadline.

F. Proposer Responsibilities

1. Proposers should carefully examine the entire RFP, with special attention to the tasks and deliverables found in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213). Proposers shall investigate obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the requirements.

2. Before submitting a response to this RFP, Proposer(s) should review their response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the RFP requirements. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to complete and submit all required attachments as listed on Attachment 1, Required Attachment Checklist.

3. Costs incurred for developing proposals and in anticipation of award of the Agreement are entirely the responsibility of the Proposer and shall not be charged to

CARB.

4. It is the Proposer’s responsibility to promptly notify CARB’s contract analyst identified in the solicitation, in writing, by e-mail, if the Proposer believes that the solicitation is unfairly restrictive, contains errors or discrepancies, or is otherwise unclear. Notification must be done immediately upon receipt of the solicitation in order that the matter may be fully considered and appropriate action taken by CARB prior to the closing time set to receive solicitation responses. Such notification must be submitted no later than the question-and-answer period referenced in Section II.A., Key Action Dates. All such correspondence received after the question-and-answer deadline will not be considered.

5. Proposer is responsible to review, read, understand, and comply in full with the

State’s General Terms and Conditions along with the Contractor’s Certification Clauses (CCC) as listed at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page- Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract- Language.

6. Each proposal must constitute an irrevocable offer for a period of at least 180 working days after proposal submission.

7. The Proposer must provide evidence to show that members of the team possess the specific qualifications, competence, experience, resources, and business integrity necessary to carry out the work under the contract as expected. Examples of evidence include, but are not limited to: résumés, letters of reference, project summaries that highlight the team’s specific experience. Proposers must complete Attachment 3, Proposer References Form.

8. The Proposer must own and operate a legitimate business. If required by law, the

Proposer must be registered and in good standing within the California Secretary of State. All businesses that are required to be registered with the California Secretary of State must be registered prior to date of Agreement award. Evidence of registration shall be submitted with the proposal.

9. In the event that any license(s) and/or permit(s) expire at any time during the term of this agreement, Proposer agrees to provide agency a copy of the renewed license(s) and/or permit(s) within thirty (30) days following the expiration date. In the event the Proposer fails to keep in effect at all times all required license(s) and permit(s), the State may, in addition to any other remedies it may have, terminate this Agreement upon occurrence of such event.

10. It is unlawful for any person engaged in business within this state to sell or use any article or product as a “loss leader” as defined in Section 17030 of the Business and Professions Code.

11. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Payee Data Record (STD

204), Attachment 4, to determine if the selected proposer is subject to state income tax withholding, pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code, Section 18662.

This form can be found on the Internet at http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fm c/pdf/std204.pdf. No payment shall be made unless a completed STD 204 and/or Payee Data Record Supplemental STD 205 (if applicable) Attachment 5, has been returned to CARB. This form can be found on the Internet at https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std205.pdf

12. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, page one (1) of the Contractor

Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017), Attachment 6, or the form can be obtained via the Internet at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of- Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language.

13. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the California Civil Rights Laws

Certification, Attachment 7.

14. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Darfur Contracting Act Certification, Attachment 8.

15. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Bidder Declaration Form, Attachment 9.

16. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Contractor Cost Sheet, Attachment 11. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

17. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, the Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications, Attachment 12. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

18. As part of CARB’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of its employees, CARB is requesting all vendors / Contractors who perform work in person or on site to provide certification that the vendor’s / Contractor’s employees and subcontractors have provided documentation to the vendor / Contractor that the employees are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (as defined by the CDC), or have obtained a negative COVID-19 test result within seventy-two (72) hours of in-person or on-site work. The vendor / Contractor does not need to provide the documentation of employees’ or subcontractors’ vaccination status or negative test result to CARB. If no employees or subcontractors of the vendor / Contractor will interact with any CARB employees or perform work on site, CARB requests the vendor / Contractor certify to this effect.

Additionally, all Contractors who perform services under a contract with CARB are expected to, at their own expense, comply with all applicable health and safety laws and regulations. This includes, but is not limited to, all laws, regulations, and public health orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification, Attachment 13.

19. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement, Attachment 14. The Proposer shall require each of its employees or officers who will be involved in the performance of this Agreement to agree to the terms and the terms of the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement.

20. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, Attachment 15, Iran Contracting Act

Certification.

21. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

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.

Bidder / Offeror 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.

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 a Bidder / Offeror 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.

22. Executive Order N-6-22 – Russia Sanctions

On March 4, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-6-22 (the EO) regarding Economic Sanctions against Russia and Russian entities and individuals. “Economic Sanctions” refers to sanctions imposed by the U.S.

government in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, as well as any sanctions imposed under state law. By submitting a bid or proposal, Contractor represents that it is not a target of Economic Sanctions. Should the State determine Contractor is a target of Economic Sanctions or is conducting prohibited transactions with sanctioned individuals or entities, that shall be grounds for rejection of the Contractor’s bid/proposal any time prior to contract execution, or, if determined after contract execution, shall be grounds for termination by the State.

G. Signature

1. All documents requiring signatures contained in the original proposal package must have original or electronic signatures.

2. Only an individual who is authorized to bind the proposing firm contractually shall sign the required Cover Letter for the proposal. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned proposal may be rejected.

H. Disposition of Proposals

Upon proposal opening, all documents submitted in response to this RFP will become the property of the State of California, and will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.) and subject to review by the public. The State cannot prevent the disclosure of public documents.

I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs

1. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive – Optional

This solicitation does not require a minimum amount of DVBE participation.

However, you are strongly encouraged to either become certified, if eligible, or to subcontract a portion of the work to a certified DVBE. If a prime proposer is a certified DVBE or commits to subcontracting with DVBE(s), the proposal may be eligible to receive a proposal preference provided that the DVBE provides a commercially useful function as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 2, Section 1896.61(l). For evaluation purposes only, the State shall apply an incentive to proposals that propose California certified DVBE participation as identified on Attachment 10, titled California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Bid Incentive Instructions and confirmed by the State. Proposers claiming the DVBE incentive must complete and return the Disabled Veteran Business Declarations form found at: http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf

The incentive amount varies in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation offered. The minimum requirement is 1% with a maximum of 5% DVBE participation and the incentive will be equal to the participation offered as defined below:

Confirmed DVBE Participation of:

DVBE

Incentive:

1% to 1.99% inclusive 1% 2% to 2.99% inclusive 2% 3% to 3.99% inclusive 3%

4% to 4.99% inclusive 4% 5% or over 5%

2. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference – Optional

If Proposer is claiming the 5% certified SB or MB preference or is committing to subcontract 25% or more of their net proposal price to one or more certified SB or MB (Non-small business preference [NSB]), list firm names on Attachment 9 (GSPD-05-105 Bidder Declaration) and attach a copy of the certification. Additional References: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/.

Questions regarding the certification approval process or the SB program should be directed to the Department of General Services, Procurement Division at (800) 559- 5529 or (916) 375-4940. For the 24-Hour Recording & Mail Request call (916) 322- 5060.

SB, MB or NSB bidders or proposers using the SB preference shall be granted a preference consisting of 5% of the highest responsible bidder’s total score.

3. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

a. Government Code (GC) Section 4530 (TACPA) provides that California based companies shall be granted a 5% preference whenever a state agency prepares a solicitation for services in excess of $100,000. The preference(s) shall apply if the worksite is not fixed by the government agency and the proposer can demonstrate and certify, under the penalty of perjury, that at least 90% of the total labor hours required to perform the services shall be performed at an identified worksite located in a distressed area (TACPA). TACPA preferences will only be applied if this procurement results in more than one responsive proposal receiving a passing narrative proposal score.

b. Additional work force preferences ranging from 1% to 4% can be earned by eligible proposers that agree to hire 5% to 20% of persons with a high risk of unemployment or those living in a targeted employment area or that are enterprise zone eligible to perform a specified percentage of the contract work.

c. The granting of TACPA preference cannot displace an award to a certified small business.

d. Proposers seeking TACPA preference must submit a completed STD 830 - Target Area Contract Preference Act Request https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std830.pdf. Preference Request https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0525.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0526.pdf with their proposal. The applicable preference request form must include the following:

i. All appropriate certifications. (TACPA). The proposing firm’s name and the name of all suppliers and subcontractors that will work with the proposer to fulfill the terms of the contract along with the addresses of each of the worksite(s) and estimated labor hours;

ii. County census tract number and block group number;

iii. Proposer’s original signature; and

iv. A checkbox marked to identify the additional 1% to 4% preference sought for hiring persons with a high risk of unemployment.

e. TACPA preference cannot be granted if:

i. The lowest proposed cost does not equal or exceed $100,000 for the entire term;

ii. The work site or any part thereof is fixed or preset by the State;

iii. The services involve construction or a public works project; or

iv. A proposer who has claimed a TACPA preference and is awarded the contract will be obligated to perform in accordance with the preference(s) requested, provided the preference was granted in obtaining the contract.

f. Firms receiving preference must:

i. Report their labor hours to the State and reference the state contract on which the award is based for the specific reporting requirements.

g. Proposers wishing to learn more about TACPA requirements, designated work site(s) or enterprise zones in California should contact the appropriate office of the Department of General Services at (916) 375-4940. DGS will attempt to determine TACPA eligibility within two working days.

4. Preference and Incentive Application – Optional

a. DVBE Incentive Points are factored by multiplying a Proposer’s DVBE participation commitment percentage (%) by the total possible points that could be awarded (see Table 1 below). This amount is then added to the proposer’s total points. In the Table 2 sample below, Proposer B received a 60-point incentive (.05% commitment x 1200 total points available), which was added to its total points resulting in its proposal ranking as first in line for award. Proposer C’s 2% commitment resulted in its receiving 24 incentive points, and making its proposal rank as second in line for award.

b. Preference is calculated by multiplying 5% of the highest scoring NSB proposer, and adding those points to SB proposers and NSBs subcontracting 25% or more to a SB.

In the Table 2 sample below, the calculation is based on Proposer B’s 1155 points x .05 resulting in 57.75 additional points added to the certified SBs (A and C).

c. Under the High Score Method, it is possible to displace a high point certified SB with the application of the DVBE Incentive.

TABLE 1: HIGH SCORE METHOD SAMPLE

Available points example using sliding scale:

Administrative: 200 points Technical: 400 points

Cost: 600 points Total: 1200 points

Possible Maximum 60 points DVBE incentive calculated as follows:

Confirmed DVBE Participation Possible Points Calculation:

1% - 1.99% inclusive 1% X 1200 = 12 2% - 2.99% inclusive 2% X 1200 = 24 3% - 3.99% inclusive 3% X 1200 = 36 4% - 4.99% inclusive 4% X 1200 = 48

5% and Higher 5% X 1200 = 60

TABLE 2: HIGH SCORE METHOD SAMPLE RESULTS

Proposer A B C Responsive/Responsible Yes Yes Yes

Total Points 1050 1155 1125 Eligible Preference SB None SB

SB Preference Points Applied

57.75 0 57.75

Subtotal 1107.75 1155 1182.75 Rank 3 2 1

Confirmed DVBE Participation

No (0%) Yes (5%) Yes (2%)

Incentive Points Applied None 60 24 Adjusted Points 1107.75 1215 1206.75

New Rank 3 1 2

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL)

A. Technical Proposal Requirements

The proposal must contain the following components, information and documents outlined below. Each requirement’s location must be listed in the Proposal’s Table of Contents. Also see Section II. D. Submission of Proposal, for general submittal details.

1. Minimum Qualifications

The Proposer must provide a detailed response, outlining information as to how the Proposer meets each of the minimum qualifications listed below. The Proposer must provide their detailed response on Attachment 12, Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications. Proposals that do not meet the minimum qualifications will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for award.

a. Proven knowledge and one personnel with a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in effective greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement and reporting

b. Twenty (20) years of cumulative experience (including all personnel) in effective greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement and reporting

c. Fifteen (15) years proven experience in providing services to make the emissions data of reporting entities available to the public

d. Must have publicly available best-practice and guidance documents for GHG reporting protocols

e. Must currently operate a GHG emission reporting system for US organizations

f. Must have experience with GHG emissions disclosure and climate-related financial risk by entities operating in California

g. Demonstrated experience having received or analyzed at least two thousand

(2,000) GHG inventory reports during the lifespan of their operation

2. Title Page

The purpose of this page is to provide information needed by CARB administrative staff. It must contain the following items:

a. The title of the proposal, which must be the same as the title of the RFP;

b. The number of the RFP, 25ISD001; and

c. The date of proposal.

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment

The cover letter must not be more than two (2) pages, in Arial size 11-point font or similar, and must include the following paragraph and the signature of the representative authorized to make the proposal on behalf of the firm:

“The enclosed proposal is submitted in response to the above referenced Request for Proposal 25ISD001, including any addenda. Through submission of this proposal, we agree to all of the terms and conditions of the Request for Proposal, and agree that any inconsistent provisions in our proposal may result in a lower score, up to and including disqualification. We have carefully read and examined the Request for Proposal, and have conducted such other investigations as were prudent and reasonable in preparing the proposal. We agree to be bound by statements and representations in our proposal.”

The cover letter must be provided on the company’s letterhead and include the following information and statements:

a. The name and address of your company [NOTE: You may use a Post Office box, but please provide your company's street address]; and

b. The name, title, and signature of a company official authorized to bind the proposal; and

c. Name, email and/or phone number for the Proposer’s contact for CARB inquiries related to the proposal.

4. Table of Contents

5. Summary

The abstract shall be no longer than one (1) page. Include a brief description of the proposed project briefly summarizing the main point of the various sections of the proposal, including the features and benefits of the proposal.

6. Minimum Qualifications Response

Provide a response, outlining detailed information demonstrating how the Proposer meets each of the minimum qualifications listed in Section III, A. Submit applicable documentation on Attachment 12, Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications.

7. Required Attachments

The Technical Proposal must include all of the completed attachments listed in Attachment 1, Required Attachment checklist.

8. References

Each proposer must provide at least three (3) references detailing previous experience related to the goals and objectives outlined in the RFP.

References must be provided using Attachment 3, Proposer References Form.

Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your proposal may cause your proposal to be rejected and deemed non-responsive. Attachment 3 may be copied for additional references.

9. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement

Proposer and each member of Proposer’s technical staff proposed to work on this project must sign and submit Attachment 14, Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement with your proposal.

10. Subcontracts/Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal, a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor. Please use Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD 05-105), to list all subcontractors used for this project. All subcontracts must be approved by CARB, and no work shall be subcontracted without the prior written approval of the State. The cost of the subcontract work is to be itemized in the Cost Proposal as described below in the section entitled Cost Proposal Requirements, and not in the Technical Proposal.

11. Technical Portion

Proposer shall demonstrate their understanding of the questions, or needs, that CARB is seeking to have addressed. The technical approach and work plan are considered the heart of the proposal and will receive a high level of scrutiny. This part of the proposal will be evaluated to ensure all tasks and deliverables, listed in the Scope of Work, are included and responsive. The technical portion of the Proposal must include a written response to all scoring elements listed in the sample Proposal Evaluation form, Section IV.B.3, and must include the following:

a. Management Plan

The Proposer shall provide a project management plan including the management structure and project organization. The Proposer shall designate, by name, the Project Manager to be employed. The selected Proposer shall not cause the substitution of the Project Manager without prior written approval of the State. Proposers should include methods to measure project progress against the project management plan to maintain project schedule.

b. Methodology (Approach to Work)

The Proposer shall describe their methodology and approach to the work, identify specific techniques and methodologies that will be used and specific administrative and operational management expertise that will be employed in order to accomplish the tasks listed in this RFP under Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213). Proposer shall indicate how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to the work described in this RFP.

The Proposer shall demonstrate their knowledge in ensuring greenhouse gas emission reports required by Health & Safety Code § 38532, are made publicly available, the subject of the RFP and lay the groundwork for the actual work to be performed for this project. The Proposer shall provide a detailed description of the overall approach and methodologies utilized to accomplish the tasks listed in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement, Exhibit A.

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule

The Proposer shall develop a Work Plan and Work Schedule that allows all tasks to be completed within the timeframes outlined in the Scope of Work. The Work Plan and Work Schedule shall identify each major task, necessary subtasks, and milestones by which progress can be measured and payments made. The Work Plan shall specify the estimated hours to accomplish each task and the Work Schedule shall provide the responsible party for performing the task, and anticipated dates of completion.

The Work Plan and Work Schedule must reflect the total project timeline of twenty-seven (27) months.

The Work Plan shall indicate how the supervision and oversight will be conducted for ensuring that the project will remain on schedule and that the distribution of workload is appropriate.

See Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213), for details on the tasks required. A work plan schedule format is provided below:

TASK Subtask Description Due Date Task 1 Project scoping and project management

Subtask 1.1 Initial scoping meeting with CARB staff

Within one month of Commencement of Contract

Subtask 1.2 Monthly meetings to report on status of deliverables

Once a month for the duration of the contract

Task 2 Provide reporting services

Subtask 2.1 Consolidating GHG emissions reports submitted by companies in a user-friendly way

Within 3 months initial scoping meeting

Subtask 2.2 Support reporting entities with reporting

Ongoing, with commencement of reporting platform publication

Subtask 2.3 Publish reporting entities’ disclosures (within 90 days of receipt)

Ongoing, for the duration of the contract, within 90 days of receiving a corporate disclosure report

Task 3 Reporting requirements

Subtask 3.1 Support CARB and other relevant organizations in developing synthesis report of corporate disclosures

On or before July 1, 2027 (see Health & Safety code § 38532 langurage)

Subtask 3.2 Submit synthesis report to Legislature (within 30 days of receipt)

Within 30 days of receipt synthesis report referenced in 3.1

Subtask 3.3 Publish synthesis report (within 90 days of receipt)

Within 90 days of receipt synthesis report referenced in 3.1

Subtask 3.4 Prepare public report of climate-related financial risk disclosures that contains analysis of the systemic and

Biennially, for he duration of he contract, beginning with first climate-related financial report sector wide climate related risks facing the state, including potential impacts of economically vulnerable communities and identification of inadequate or insufficient reports submissions in January 2026

Task 4 Monitoring best practices and definitions of climate-related financial risk

Subtask 4.1 Stakeholder convenings with industry, practitioners, and academia to gather input on best practices and definitions related to climate-related financial risk.

To be determined, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract.

Subtask 4.2 Monitoring federal regulatory actions with respect to climate-related financial risk

To be determined, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract.

Subtask 4.3 Produce and submit a report to CARB on findings of convenings and monitoring efforts described in 4.1 and 4.2

To be determined

d. Personnel / Experience /Work Samples

For this criterion, reviewers will rate the Proposer’s experience in conducting similar or related work described in the Scope of Work, and how skills developed in previous related work will be applied to this project as outlined in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213). The Proposer shall indicate how previous experience will be applied to the development of this project.

The Proposer shall list technical staff (specify staff name) who will be working on the project. Include their titles, qualifications, a summary of similar work or studies performed, a resume for each technical staff person, a statement indicating how many hours each professional will be assigned to the Agreement and what tasks each professional will perform. The selected Proposer shall not cause key members of the project team to be substituted without prior written approval of the State.

The Proposer shall demonstrate experience and breadth of knowledge in corporate GHG reporting as described in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213).

The Proposer demonstrates prior experience and abilities to provide services to make the emissions data of reporting entities available to the public in conformance with CARB regulations and guidance.

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Technical Proposal, including cover pages, Table of Contents, references and resumes, and the Bidder Declaration Form GSPD-05-105 (Attachment 9) shall have the following header and page numbering format in the upper right-hand corner:

Technical Proposal

Exhibit A, Attachment 1 Page ## of ##

B. Cost Proposal Requirements

The cost breakdown (Cost Proposal) shall be included in the Technical Proposal. Cost Proposals shall include the following required information: Budget, and Preference Program Documents (See Section lI. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs) and at a minimum, all information listed in Cost Detail (below). Proposers must use the Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet.

All costs must be provided for each task and deliverable. The proposed costs should be broken down into the outline in the Work Plan and Work Schedule for the purpose of this cost proposal submittal.

CARB’s budget for the proposed contract is limited to Two Million Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,000,000.00). Any cost proposals exceeding this amount will be disqualified and ineligible for award. Proposers shall submit a cost proposal for all tasks described in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213).

1. Cost Detail

a. Itemized Tasks – Using Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet, provide firm-fixed costs for specific tasks listed in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213).

For all tasks, the Proposer must include all items such as labor, personnel, subcontractors, travel, meetings, materials, reports, and tax, if applicable, as necessary to perform and complete the tasks on the Contractor Cost Sheet, Attachments 11.

b. Subcontracts / Subcontractors – If subcontractors are to be used, the Proposer must include in the Technical Proposal, a description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor. Additionally, all subcontractors proposed to be used for this project must be identified on Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form

(GSPD-05-105).

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering

All pages of the Cost Proposal; the Bidder Declaration Form GSPD-05-105 (Attachment 9); and, if applicable, any forms pertaining to socio-economic preferences (SB, MB, or DVBE), shall have the following header and page numbering format in the upper right-hand corner:

Cost Proposal

Exhibit B, Attachment 1 Page # of ##

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD

A. Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1)

CARB will conduct an administrative evaluation in accordance with the RFP requirements to determine a Proposer’s responsiveness and responsibility. Each proposal will be checked for completeness and/or absence of all required information and to ensure that the Proposer meets the minimum qualifications in conformance with the submission requirements. During the evaluation period, if an item is unclear, or needs further clarification, Proposers may be requested to provide additional documentation.

B. Technical Evaluation (Phase 2)

CARB will also conduct an evaluation of the Technical Proposal by an evaluation panel consisting of CARB employees.