REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (SECONDARY METHOD)

Notice to Prospective Proposers

RFP No. 25STC003

March 2, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25STC003, titled, “CALIFORNIA CLIMATE INVESTMENTS OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATIONS”. 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 March 27, 2026, no later than 2:00 p.m. All proposals received late will be rejected. File size cannot exceed fifty (50) megabytes (MB). The naming convention of the proposal must be in the following format:

“RFP 25STC003 [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: joshua.giacchino@arb.ca.gov CC: sridharan.krishnamurthy@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: Joshua Giacchino Email: joshua.giacchino@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.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx https://caleprocure.ca.gov/ mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov mailto:joshua.giacchino@arb.ca.gov mailto:sridharan.krishnamurthy@arb.ca.gov mailto:joshua.giacchino@arb.ca.gov mailto:sridharan.krishnamurthy@arb.ca.gov

California Air Resources Board

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 4

A. RFP Key Action Dates 4 B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements 5 C. General Proposal Requirements 5 D. Submission of Proposals 6 E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals 7 F. Proposer Responsibilities 7

G. Signature 10 H. Disposition of Proposals 10 I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs 10

1. Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive 10

2. Small Business (SB) or Microbusiness (MB) Preference 10

3. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) 11

4. Preference and Incentive Application 12

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL) 13

A. Technical Proposal Requirements 13

1. Proposer Minimum Qualifications 13

2. Title Page 14

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment 14

4. Table of Contents 14

5. Summary 15

6. Minimum Qualifications Response 15

7. Required Attachments 15

8. References 15

9. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 15

10. Subcontracts / Subcontractors 15

11. Technical Portion 15

a. Management Plan 16

b. Methodology (Approach to Work) 16

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule 16

d. Personnel / Experience 19

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering 20

B. Cost Proposal Requirements 20

1. Cost Detail 20

a. Itemized Tasks 20

b. Subcontracts / Subcontractors 20

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering 20

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD 21

A. Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1) 21 B. Technical Evaluation (Phase 2) 21

1. Scoring Criterion Guidelines 21

2. Cost Points 21

3. Proposal Evaluation Form 23

C. Proposal Rejection 25

D. Selection 26 E. Notice of Proposed Award 26 F. Standard Conditions of Service 27 G. Post Award Requirements 27

ATTACHMENTS

1. Required Attachment Checklist 28

2. Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213) 29

Exhibit A, Scope of Work 30 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 54

4. Payee Data Record (STD 204) 55

5. Payee Data Record Supplement (STD 205) 57

6. Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) 59

7. California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DGS OLS 04) 63

8. Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DGS PD 1) 64

9. Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD-05-105) 65

10. California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Bid Incentive Instructions

11. Contractor Cost Sheet 71

12. Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications 74

13. COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification 75

14. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 76

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK

A. Purpose

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from experienced and qualified contractors to design and implement targeted communications and outreach strategies. The strategies will be used to inform audiences about California Climate Investments, especially priority populations, to help increase awareness and access of programs. In particular, the Proposer will help the State reach disadvantaged and low-income communities, Tribal communities, and other stakeholders through (1) project narratives, (2) outreach events, and (3) communications strategies and outreach campaigns.

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-six

(26) months; No work shall begin until all required signatures and approvals are obtained, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Contract Manager provides direction.

The total budget for the entire contract is up to four hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($400,000.00) over an approximately twenty-six (26) month term. Proposals exceeding this amount may be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.

The Standard Agreement will contain a one (1) ten (10) month option to renew. If the Standard Agreement is renewed it will be at the rates provided in the CARB-approved Exhibit B, Attachment 1- Contractor Cost Sheet, Part B. The one ten (10) month option to renew has a budget amount of up to two hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($200,000.00). It is at the discretion of CARB’s Contract Manager to exercise this option.

B. Background

California Climate Investments, administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), serve as a key mechanism for building community capacity, bringing State priorities into action, and reversing historical disinvestment in priority populations. Many priority populations stand to benefit from California Climate Investments and its programs, which improve public health, support community development and capacity building, and enhance community services. Through this Contract, CARB seeks to increase awareness of available programs and resources, particularly in priority populations or other places specified by CARB. This Contract will also make efforts to develop and implement outreach approaches to share information with local and State leaders.

C. Scope of Work

The purpose of this Contract is to increase awareness of available California Climate Investments programs, resources, and information through a variety of outreach and communications strategies which the Contractor shall develop and implement.

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. RFP 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.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/

RFP Key Actions Dates Time (PST)

RFP available to prospective Proposers

03/02/2026 N/A

Written Questions Submittal Deadline

03/13/2026 5:00 p.m.

Question and Answers Addendum Posted

03/18/2026 5:00 p.m.

Final Date for Proposal Submission/Receipt by CARB

03/27/2026 2:00 p.m.

Complete Evaluation of Proposals

04/03/2026 N/A Posting of Intent to Award Notice(s) (Notice is posted for five [5] business days)

04/06/2026 N/A

Agreement sent to successful Proposer

04/20/2026 N/A

Signed Agreement returned to CARB for counter-signature

04/29/2026 N/A

Agreement Approved and Executed – work begins 05/26/2026 N/A

RFP Key Action Dates listed above 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 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: Joshua Giacchino Email: joshua.giacchino@arb.ca.gov

Questions must be received by the date and time specified under Section II, A. RFP 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.

RFP 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.

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

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 [STD 213]) 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. RFP

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 below in Section 2.b. in PDF format, cannot exceed 50 megabytes (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.

CC: joshua.giacchino@arb.ca.gov

3. Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if it meets the proposal requirements contained in Section III, 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 name will not be considered. Reasonable grounds for believing that any Proposer has submitted more than one (1) 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.

mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov

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. The 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, the Proposer 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. RFP 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 one hundred eighty (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. Proposer must provide resumes for each member of the team. Proposer may also include letters of reference, project summaries that highlight the team’s experience. Proposers must complete Attachment 3, Proposer References Form.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language

8. The Proposer must own and operate a legitimate business. If required by law, the Proposer must be registered and in good standing with 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 required license(s) and/or permit(s) expire at any time during the term of this agreement, Proposer agrees to provide the contract manager 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, Attachment 4, Payee Data Record (STD 204), 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 Attachment 5, Payee Data Record Supplement (STD 205), (if applicable) 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 Attachment 6, Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017), or the form can be obtained via the Internet at: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-

13. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, Attachment 7, California Civil Rights Laws

Certifications (DGS OLS 04).

14. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, Attachment 8, Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DGS PD 1).

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

(GSPD-05-105).

16. The Proposer must complete and submit to CARB, Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet.

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, Attachment 12, Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications. 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 http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std204.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std205.pdf https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language https://www.dgs.ca.gov/OLS/Resources/Page-Content/Office-of-Legal-Services-Resources-List-Folder/Standard-Contract-Language 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, Attachment 13, COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification.

19. The Proposer must sign and submit to CARB, Attachment 14, Conflict of Interest and

Confidentiality Statement. 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. 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.

21. 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, 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 one percent (1%) with a maximum of five percent (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 five percent (5%) certified SB or MB preference or is committing to subcontract twenty-five percent (25%) or more of their net proposal price to one (1) or more certified SB or MB (Non-small business preference [NSB]), list firm names on http://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf

Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD-05-105) and attach a copy of the certification. Additional References: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/.

https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion- List/OSDS/OSDS:.

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 proposers using the SB preference shall be granted a preference consisting of five percent (5%) of the highest responsible proposal’s total score.

3. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) - Optional

a. Government Code (GC) Section 4530 (TACPA) provides that California based companies shall be granted a five percent (5%) preference whenever a State agency prepares a solicitation for services in excess of one hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($100,000.00). 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 ninety percent (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 (1) responsive proposal receiving a passing narrative proposal score.

b. Additional work force preferences ranging from one percent (1%) to four percent (4%) can be earned by eligible proposers that agree to hire five percent (5%) to twenty percent (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 one percent (1%) to four percent (4%) preference sought for hiring persons with a high risk of unemployment.

e. TACPA preference cannot be granted if:

http://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/ https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/About/Page-Content/PD-Branch-Intro-Accordion-List/OSDS/OSDS https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/pdf/std830.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0525.pdf https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd0526.pdf

i. The lowest proposed cost does not equal or exceed one hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($100,000.00) 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 (2) 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 two percent (2%) commitment resulted in its receiving twenty-four (24) incentive points and making its proposal rank as second in line for award.

b. Preference is calculated by multiplying five percent (5%) of the highest scoring NSB proposer, and adding those points to SB proposers and NSBs subcontracting twenty-five percent (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 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. Proposer 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. Proposer must have at least three (3) years of experience communicating or collaborating with stakeholders at the state and/or local level to advance climate, environmental, social justice, public health, and/or equity goals, with at least one (1) of the years of experience being in California. Stakeholders may include non-profit organizations, community groups, community residents/leaders, local governments, Tribal governments, and/or business associations.

b. Proposer must have at least five (5) years of experience in developing community-centered impact narratives. The Proposer must demonstrate proficiency by submitting three (3) examples of written narratives with accompanying high-quality photographs, and three (3) video narratives.

c. Proposer must have at least five (5) years of experience designing and implementing communications strategies to educate a range of audiences about a public policy issue or program. This experience must include at least (1) effort to reach state and/or local leaders and at least one (1) effort to reach other stakeholders.

d. Proposer must have experience developing and implementing a minimum of three (3) outreach campaigns*.

e. Proposer must demonstrate that any written deliverables submitted to CARB will be written or reviewed by someone with at least (5) years of communications and/or writing experience.

f. Proposer must demonstrate at least (3) years of experience translating public-facing materials into Spanish, including social media and other outreach material. This experience must include translation using neutral Spanish that is understandable to a wide variety of Spanish-speaking populations from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries.

*Please note: An outreach campaign is defined as a coordinated effort to market a product, encourage behavior, or raise awareness of public policy or programs using one

(1) or more forms of communication.

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, 25STC003; 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 12-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 25STC003, 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];

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

The Proposer must provide at least three (3) references for 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, Proposer References Form 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

The 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 Technical Evaluation Scoring Criteria, Section IV.B.3 and https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/gspd05-105.pdf 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 Contract Manager to be employed. The selected Proposer shall not cause the substitution of the Contract Manager without prior written approval of the State.

The Proposer 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). The 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 of 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 (STD 213).

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-six

(26) 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 Responsible Party (Prime or Subcontractor)

Date of Completion

Task 1: Identify outreach and engagement needs and hold a kickoff meeting

Task 1.1: Identify outreach and engagement needs

Task 1.1a: Submit CARB-approved outreach and engagement selection methodology

Two (2) months after the Agreement is fully executed.

Task 1.2: Initial kickoff meeting

Task 1.2a: Complete initial kickoff meeting.

One (1) month after the Agreement is fully executed.

Task 2: Identify and develop California Climate Investments-published narratives

Task 2.1: Identify content leads (ongoing task)

Task 2.1a: Create the Directory of California Climate Investments content leads and add twenty-four (24) content leads to the Directory

Two (2) months after the

Task 2.1b - Submit twenty-four (24) additional content leads to the Directory

Five (5) months after the Agreement is fully executed and by the end of every 3rd month thereafter until the end of month twenty-three (23)

Task 2.1c - Submit sixteen (16) additional content leads to the Directory

Twenty-five (25) months after the Agreement is fully executed.

Task 2.2: Develop project narratives

Task 2.2a- Submit two (2) CARB-approved written narratives

Six (6) months after the Agreement is fully executed and by the end of every 3rd month thereafter until the end of month twenty-four (24)

Task 2.2b- Submit two (2) CARB-approved short-form video narratives

Eighteen (18) months after the Agreement is fully executed and by the end of month twenty-four (24)

Task 2.3: Develop regional tour narratives (ongoing task)

Task 2.3a- Complete one (1) regional tour and submit its corresponding two

(2) CARB-approved narratives

Twelve (12) months after the Agreement is fully executed and by the end of month twenty-four (24)

Task 3: Outreach events

Task 3a- Contractor has secured an invitation for CARB to play a key role in two (2) events and has prepared corresponding presentation materials

Twelve (12) months after the Agreement is fully executed

Task 3b- Contractor has secured an invitation for CARB to play a key role in three (3) events and has prepared corresponding presentation materials

Twenty-four (24) months after the

Task 4: Implement communications and outreach strategies for increasing awareness of California Climate Investments

Task 4.1: Digital Outreach (ongoing task)

Task 4.1a- Monthly CARB-approved social media plans have been submitted, and corresponding social media posts have been published

Three (3) months after the Agreement is fully executed and continuing monthly until the end of month twenty-six (26)

Task 4.1b- Monthly newsletter support

Three (3) months after the Agreement is fully executed and continuing monthly until the end of month twenty-six (26)

Task 4.2: Six (6) Outreach campaigns

Task 4.2a- Carry out two (2) outreach campaigns

Twelve (12) months after the Agreement is fully executed

Task 4.2b- Carry out four (4) outreach campaigns

Twenty-four (24) months after the Agreement is fully executed

Task 5: Meetings and Reporting

Task 5.1: Quarterly Progress Reports

Task 5.1a- Submit one (1) CARB-approved Quarterly Progress Report

Three (3) months after the Agreement is fully executed, and by the end of every 3rd month thereafter until the end of month twenty-four (24)

Task 5.2: Final Report

Task 5.2a: Submit CARB-approved Final Report

Twenty-six (26) months after the

d. Personnel / Experience

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 community-centered storytelling, collaborating or communicating with local and state stakeholders, and designing and implementing communications strategies, as described in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213). In particular, the Proposer must describe their ability and experience in the following ways:

1) Provide a description or work sample(s) that shows the Proposer has experience communicating or collaborating with stakeholders at the state and/or local level to advance climate, environmental, social justice, public health, and/or equity goals in California and/or elsewhere.

2) Provide three (3) work samples of written narratives and accompanying high-quality photographs and three (3) work samples of video narratives. The samples should be supplemented by a description of the work, and how the experience will apply to the development of community-centered impact narratives.

3) Provide a narrative or work sample(s) that shows the Proposer has designed and implemented communications strategies and outreach campaigns to inform or educate a range of audiences.

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering

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

Technical Proposal RFP No. 25STC003 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 II, I. 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 four hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($400,000.00). Any cost proposals exceeding this amount will be disqualified and ineligible for award. The 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 Attachment 11, Contractor Cost Sheet.

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 Attachment 9, Bidder Declaration Form (GSPD-05- 105); 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…