INVITATION FOR BID

Notice to Prospective Bidders

IFB No. 26EO007

October 14, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 26EO007, entitled, “Translation and Interpretation Services for CARB’s Board Hearings/Meetings, Workshops, Conferences, Administrative Hearings, and Interviews.” In submitting your bid, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

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

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) deadline for receipt of bids is October 29, 2026 no later than 1:00 PM (PST). All bids must be submitted via electronic mail to Purchasing@arb.ca.gov. Faxed, hand delivered and mailed bids will not be accepted. Bids must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated under Section II. A. Key Action Dates and addressed as follows: Purchasing@arb.ca.gov. File size cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB). The naming convention of the bid must be in the following format: “IFB 26EO007 [insert vendor name] Bid.” Bids must be received on or before the date and time specified herein and the email addresses provided below:

EMAIL IFB Bids to:

Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov

Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov CC: Purchasing@arb.ca.gov

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

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

Contact: Cayla Gray-Borghese Email: Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov

CC: Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov

We appreciate your interest in this project and hope to receive a bid 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:Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov mailto:Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov mailto:Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov mailto:Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov

CARB / Contractor IFB No. 26EO007

TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE

I. SCOPE OF WORK

II. BID INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

A. IFB Key Action Dates B. Submission of Bid C. Bid Submission Withdrawal D. Bidder Responsibilities E. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GENAI) F. Minimum Bidder Qualifications G. General Requirements H. Bidder Response Clarification I. Bid Rejection J. Signature K. Bid Opening and Evaluation L. Disposition of Bids M. Selection and Award N. Post Award Requirements O. Standard Conditions of Service P. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs Q. Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

DRAFT STANDARD AGREEMENT

Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213) Exhibit A, Scope of Work Exhibit A, Attachment 1, Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct, and Confidentiality Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions Exhibit B, Attachment 1, Contractor Rate Sheet Exhibit C, General Terms and Conditions Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions Exhibit E, Additional Provisions

ATTACHMENTS

1. Required Attachment Checklist

2. Bid / Bidder Certification Sheet

3. Contractor Rate Sheet

4. Bidder References

5. Payee Data Record (STD 204)

6. Payee Data Record Supplement (STD 205)

7. Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017)

8. Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105)

9. California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Bid Incentive

Instructions

10. Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DGS PD 1)

11. California Civil Rights Law Certification (DGS OLS 04)

12. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement

13. Interpreter / Translator Requirements

14. Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications

I. SCOPE OF WORK

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through the effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the State.

Per the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, and in alignment with CARB’s vision to address environmental justice and advance racial equity, the purpose of the services is to eliminate language barriers that prevent individuals whose primary language is not English from accessing State government services within the State of California.

The following Agreement shall ensure prompt and effective communication for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) public when conducting business with members of the public and constituents, California State agencies, other states, the federal government, applicants, employees, and businesses.

This Agreement is to cover CARB’s interpretation and translation needs for all of California and its respective counties.

Contract term shall be for twenty-four (24) months from the time of execution.

More detailed information can be found in the Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213).

CARB’s budget for this project is Two Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Ninety-Nine Dollars and Ninety-Nine Cents ($249,999.99). Bids exceeding this amount may be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.

II. BID INSTRUCTIONS AND INFORMATION

This section contains instructions for the organization and timely submission of your bid. It also contains the bid requirements and other important information crucial for the submittal of a responsive and responsible bid. It is the responsibility of the Bidder to carefully read and follow all bid requirements within this Invitation for Bid (IFB). Compliance with the IFB instructions is mandatory for your bid to be considered for award. Failure to comply with the IFB instructions will cause your bid to be deemed non-compliant and non-responsive, thus, ineligible for award.

Please read and carefully follow the instructions listed in the following sections. The instructions are separated by category, each with its own requirements and necessary information for submission of a timely and responsive bid. All requirements and specifications in the IFB must be responded to, and all requested data must be supplied for a bid to be considered responsive.

A. IFB KEY ACTION DATES

Below is the tentative time schedule for this IFB. CARB reserves the right to modify the IFB and/or change the date and time at its sole discretion, prior to the date fixed for submission of bids, by the issuance of an addendum to all parties who received a bid package.

i. CARB reserves the right to modify or cancel in whole or part, this solicitation.

ii. Clarifications to solicitation will be given only in the form of addenda to all Bidders.

Time Schedule Date Time (PST)

IFB Posted on Cal eProcure October 14, 2026 N/A Deadline for Submission of Written Questions October 19, 2026 1:00 PM Responses to Questions Posted October 23, 2026 N/A

Bid Submission Due October 29, 2026 1:00 PM

Opening of Bids (Virtual) October 29, 2026 2:00 PM

Notice of Intent to Award [posted for five (5) days] October 30, 2026 N/A

Estimated Contract Start Date December 1, 2026 N/A

Written questions must be submitted via electronic mail by the date and time indicated in Section II.A., IFB Key Action Dates. All written questions received prior to the date indicated for the Written Questions Deadline will be answered in the form of an addendum and posted online at https://caleprocure.ca.gov. 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 or concerns related to the IFB must be directed electronically to:

Contact: Cayla Gray-Borghese Email: Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov CC: Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov

B. SUBMISSION OF BID

1. All bids RECEIVED by CARB must be submitted electronically and sent to CARB by the date and time shown in the time schedule in Section II. A., “IFB Key Action Dates.”

2. Time of delivery is of the essence and must be adhered to. Any bid received after the due date and time as outlined in the time schedule in Section II.A., “IFB Key Action Dates” will be rejected by CARB as not complying with a mandatory requirement of this IFB.

3. Bids must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated under Section II. A.

Key Action Dates and file size cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB).

4. The naming convention of the bid must be in the following format: “IFB 26EO007 [insert vendor name] Bid.”

5. Bids must be submitted to the following addresses:

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/ mailto:Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov

Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov

Carmen.Padilla@arb.ca.gov CC: Purchasing@arb.ca.gov

6. Bids received after this date and time will be rejected.

C. BID SUBMISSION WITHDRAWAL

A Bidder may modify a bid after its submission by withdrawing its original bid and resubmitting a new bid prior to the bid submission deadline. Bidder modifications offered in any other manner, oral or written, will not be considered.

D. BIDDER RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Before submitting a response to this solicitation, Bidders should review, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the IFB requirements.

2. Costs incurred for developing bids and in anticipation of award of the agreement are entirely the responsibility of the Bidder and shall not be charged to CARB. This includes, but is not limited to: delivery, drayage, express, parcel post, packing, cartage, insurance, license fees, permits, cost of bonds, any and all travel related expenses incurred in the performance of completing the bid for submittal; or for any other purpose unless expressly included and itemized in the bid solicitation.

3. Prior to submission of bid, the Bidder shall examine any specifications and instructions, or other materials required and included in the bid package to ensure that they meet all the requirements stated in this IFB.

4. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to promptly notify the CARB Contract Analyst identified in the solicitation by email, if the Bidder believes that the solicitation is unfairly restrictive, contains errors or conflicting language, or needs clarification. Such notification must be submitted no later than seventy-two (72) hours prior to bid opening date and time. All such correspondence received after the 72-hour deadline will not be considered and deemed ineligible for review and/or response from CARB.

5. Before submitting a response to the IFB, the Bidder should review their response, correct all errors, and confirm compliance with the IFB requirements. It is the Bidder's responsibility to complete and submit all required attachments. The Bidder must complete and submit Required Attachment Checklist, Attachment 1.

6. The Bidder must complete and submit Bid/Bidder Certification Sheet, Attachment 2.

Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return attachment with your bid will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

7. The Bidder must complete and submit Contractor Rate Sheet, Attachment 3. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return attachment with your bid will cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

8. The Bidder must complete and submit Bidder References, Attachment 4. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

mailto:Cayla.Gray-Borghese@arb.ca.gov mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov

9. The Bidder must complete and submit Payee Data Record (STD 204), Attachment 5, to determine if the selected Bidder 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 STD 204 Contract payment cannot be made unless a completed STD 204 and/or Payee Data Record Supplement, (STD 205), Attachment 6, (if applicable), has been returned to CARB. This form can be found on the Internet at STD 205.

10. The Bidder is responsible for reviewing, reading, understanding, and complying in full with the State’s General Terms and Conditions at: State's General Terms and Conditions along with the Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017). The Bidder must complete and submit Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017), Attachment 7. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

11. The Bidder must complete and submit Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105), Attachment 8.

Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

12. The Bidder must complete and submit Darfur Contracting Act Certification (DGS PD 1), Attachment 10. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive. Public Contract Code Sections 10475-10481 applies to any company that currently or within the previous three (3) years has conducted business activities or other operations outside of the United States. For any Contractor that submits a bid or proposal, the Contractor must certify that it is either 1) not a scrutinized company; or 2) a scrutinized company that has been granted permission by the Department of General Services. This form must be completed and submitted with your bid.

13. The Bidder must complete and submit California Civil Rights Laws Certification (DGS OLS 04), Attachment 11. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

14. The Bidder must complete and submit Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement, Attachment 12. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

15. The Bidder must complete and submit Interpreter / Translator Requirements, Attachment 13. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

16. The Bidder must complete and submit Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications, Attachment 14. Submission of this attachment is mandatory. Failure to fully complete and return this attachment with your bid may cause your bid to be rejected and deemed non-responsive.

https://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

17. The Bidder must be an individual or firm licensed to do business in California and shall obtain at his/her expense all license(s) and permit(s) required by law for accomplishing any work required in connection with this Agreement.

18. The Bidder must own and operate a legitimate business. If required by law, the Bidder must be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State. All registered prior to the date of the Agreement award. Evidence of registration shall be submitted with bid.

19. In the event that any license(s) and/or permit(s) expire at any time during the term of this agreement, the Bidder agrees to provide the agency with a copy of the renewed license(s) and/or permit(s) within thirty (30) days following the expiration date. In the event the Bidder 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.

E. 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.

F. 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. The EO directs state agencies to terminate contracts with, and to refrain from entering any new contracts with, individuals or entities that are determined to be a target of Economic Sanctions.

Accordingly, 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 termination of this agreement. The State shall provide Contractor advance written notice of such termination, allowing Contractor at least thirty (30) calendar days to provide a written response. Termination shall be at the sole discretion of the State.

G. MINIMUM BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS

The Bidder must provide a detailed response, outlining information as to how the Bidder meets each of the minimum qualifications listed below. The Bidder must provide their detailed response on the Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications, Attachment 14. Bids that do not meet the minimum bidder qualifications may be determined non-responsive and ineligible for award.

1. The Bidder must complete and submit Bidder References, Attachment 4, by ensuring all items listed on the form have been properly filled out. Each qualifying reference must include the complete term during which the services were performed, including the month, day, and year the services began and the month, day, and year the services ended.

2. The Bidder must possess at least five (5) completed years of experience providing interpretation and translation services. The Bidder must document this experience in Bidder References, Attachment 4.

3. The Bidder must demonstrate the ability to meet the Interpreter / Translator requirements set forth in Exhibit A, Scope of Work.

4. The Bidder must provide proof that they have interpreters and translators who possess minimum two (2) years of experience providing interpretation and translation services for a public entity within State, local, or federal government.

5. The Bidder, if required by law, must be registered and be in good standing with the applicable State and local jurisdictions. This may include being registered with the State of California to operate said business in the State. Bidder must be in good standing with the Secretary of State. All businesses that must be registered with the Secretary of State or appropriate State or local jurisdiction must be registered prior to date of Agreement award.

Bidder must provide evidence therein. Documentation must be included in Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications, Attachment 14.

Bidders who do not meet the minimum qualifications may be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.

H. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Insurance Requirements

It is the Bidder’s responsibility to provide insurance and endorsements as described in the Draft Standard Agreement, Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions, if selected for award.

2. Subcontracts/Subcontractors

If subcontractors are to be used, the Bidder must include the description of each person or firm and the work to be done by each subcontractor in the Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05- 105), Attachment 8. Subcontractors, if any, must be identified and their qualifications provided.

I. BIDDER RESPONSE CLARIFICATION

The State may request that a Bidder clarify any area of their response that the State determines to be unclear. The State may also request clarification for areas that may render the proposal non-responsive to the requirements and provide Bidders the opportunity to resubmit a responsive proposal by the date and time specified by the State. However, if the Bidder does not resubmit a responsive proposal to the areas identified by the date and time specified by the State, the Bidder’s proposal will be rendered non-responsive, and ineligible to proceed to the next phase of the solicitation process. Clarifications may be requested via writing or confidential discussion.

J. BID REJECTION

1. Bids must be submitted for the performance of all the services described herein. Any deviation from the work specifications will not be considered and will cause a bid to be rejected.

2. Bids must be completed in all respects as required by the IFB. A bid will be rejected if it is conditional or incomplete, or if it contains any alterations of forms or other irregularities of any kind. The State may reject any or all bids and may waive any immaterial deviation in a bid. The State's waiver of immaterial defect shall in no way modify the IFB document or excuse the Bidder from full compliance with all requirements, if awarded the agreement. A bid will be rejected if any such defect or irregularity constitutes a material deviation from the IFB requirements.

3. CARB reserves the right to reject any or all bids for any reason. The agency is not required to award an agreement. Each bid will be checked in detail to determine its compliance to the IFB requirements. If a bid fails to meet any IFB requirements, CARB will determine if the deviation is material; a material deviation will cause rejection of the bid. A non-material deviation (errors in mathematical computation, spelling, etc.) will be examined to determine when the deviation is acceptable. If accepted, the bid will be processed as if no deviation had occurred.

4. Bids that contain false or misleading statements, or which provide references, which do not support an attribute or condition claimed by the Bidder, will be rejected. If, in the opinion of the State, such information was intended to mislead the State in its evaluation of the bid, and the attribute, condition, or capability is a requirement of this IFB, it will be the basis for rejection of the bid.

5. Bids received past the date and time specified in the table in Section II.A., “IFB Key Action Dates,” will be deemed non-responsive and rejected. Under no circumstances will any bids be accepted past the date and time stated in the table. All such bids received past the date and time will not be accepted.

6. All bids received must be submitted to the addresses and format specified in this IFB. If the bid is not submitted in the format specified in Section II.B, “Submission of Bid”, or to the incorrect address, the bid will be deemed non-responsive.

7. Bidders are required to submit their bids as PDF attachments via email. Any bids containing external links to websites or file-sharing services will not be evaluated and will be deemed non-responsive.

K. SIGNATURE

1. An individual who is authorized to bind the bidding firm contractually shall sign the Bid / Bidder Certification Sheet, Attachment 2. The signature must indicate the title or position that the individual holds in the firm. An unsigned bid may be rejected.

2. All documents requiring a signature must bear an original or electronic signature of a person authorized to bind the bidding firm and must be duly authorized to sign the contract/agreement if awarded the bid.

L. BID OPENING AND EVALUATION

1. The bids will be virtually opened and read promptly at the time and place indicated in the IFB, as stated in the table in Section II.A., “IFB Key Action Dates.”

The bids will be virtually publicly opened and read on Microsoft Teams:

November 9, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. PST

Join:

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/248774173954183?p=P8gPUxHiyWMCCmeU8Y Meeting ID: 248 774 173 954 183 Passcode: 88w2Yh7p

Dial in by phone +1 916-538-5111,,269836997# United States, Sacramento

Find a local number Phone conference ID:

269 836 997#

The Agreement will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible Bidder meeting the requirements outlined in this IFB.

2. A bidder’s bid must constitute an irrevocable offer for a period of at least ninety (90) days following the scheduled date for contract award and execution.

3. CARB will put each bid through an administrative evaluation process pursuant to the published requirements to determine the Bidder’s responsiveness to the IFB.

M. DISPOSITION OF BIDS

Upon bid opening, all original documents submitted in response to this IFB will become the property of the State of California and CARB and will be regarded as public records under the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 7920.000 et seq.).

N. SELECTION AND AWARD

https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/248774173954183?p=P8gPUxHiyWMCCmeU8Y tel:+19165385111,,269836997 https://dialin.teams.cloud.microsoft/8c4f4386-dd49-4e1f-96ef-010b6a436625?id=269836997

1. The award, if made, will be to the lowest responsive, responsible Bidder.

2. Upon written request by any Bidder who has submitted a bid, notice of the proposed award shall be posted at least five (5) working days prior to awarding the contract.

Notice of the proposed award shall be posted on Cal eProcure at https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx and online at https://www.arb.ca.gov/personnel/contracts/contractsoutside.htm

3. Whenever an agreement is awarded under a procedure which provides for competitive bidding, but the agreement is not to be awarded to the low Bidder, the low Bidder shall be notified by email five (5) working days prior to the award of the agreement.

4. Bidders may protest the proposed award(s) by filing a notice of protest with CARB and the

Department of General Services (DGS), Office of Legal Services (OLS).

5. Protest notices should contain full contact information, including an email address, and must be filed with:

California Air Resources Board Acquisitions Branch:

Alice Kindarara – IFB 26EO007 1001 I Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone Number: (279) 386-9439 Purchasing@arb.ca.gov

Department of General Services Office of Legal Services Attention: Bid Protest Coordinator 707 Third Street, 7th Floor, Suite 7-330 West Sacramento, CA 95605 Bid Protest Coordinator email address:

OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov

6. Within five (5) calendar days after filing the protest notice, the protesting Bidder shall file with DGS, OLS and CARB a detailed written statement specifying the grounds for the protest.

7. The Agreement(s) shall not be awarded until either the protest has been withdrawn or the

State has decided the matter.

8. The proposed Contractor will receive a fully executed contract with all necessary terms and conditions and exhibits/attachments. Proposed Contractor should carefully read the entire contract and be sure to sign contract and all required documents.

9. Such award, if made, will be made within sixty (60) days after opening of bids, if not sooner.

The Agreement shall be signed by the selected Bidder and returned within ten (10) business days of receipt. If the lowest responsive, responsible Bidder refuses or fails to execute the contract, CARB may award the contract to the next lowest responsive, responsible Bidder.

O. POST AWARD REQUIREMENTS

1. Prior to execution of the contract and at CARB’s sole discretion, the selected Bidder must comply with the following in a manner acceptable to CARB:

a. The Agreement shall be signed by the Contractor and returned within ten (10) business days of receipt. If the Contractor refuses or fails to executed the contract, then CARB may award the contract to the next lowest responsive, responsible Bidder.

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx https://www.arb.ca.gov/personnel/contracts/contractsoutside.htm mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov mailto:OLSProtests@dgs.ca.gov

b. Within ten (10) business days of award of the Agreement, Contractor must supply

CARB with all required documents, including, but not limited to insurance certificates, as specified in Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213), Exhibit D, Section G, to be reviewed and approved by DGS.

2. Failure to comply with any post-award requirements may result in cancellation of the award.

In that event, CARB reserves the right to award the contract to the next lowest responsive, responsible Bidder.

P. STANDARD CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

1. Services shall be available on the express date set by the awarding agency and the

Contractor, after all approvals have been obtained and the agreement is fully executed.

Should the Contractor fail to commence work at the agreed upon time, the awarding agency, upon five (5) days written notice to the Contractor, reserves the right to terminate the agreement. In addition, the Contractor shall be liable to the State for the difference between Contractor's bid price and the actual cost of performing work by the second lowest Bidder or by another contractor.

2. All performance under the agreement shall be completed on or before the termination date of the agreement.

3. The State does not accept alternate contract language from a prospective contractor. A bid with such language may be considered a counter proposal and may be rejected. The State’s General Terms and Conditions (GTC) and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC) are not negotiable. The GTC and CCCs are included in the sample agreement attached to this package and may also be viewed at the Internet site:

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

4. The State does not negotiate rates and/or costs listed on any bid submitted.

5. No oral understanding or agreement shall be binding on either party. Any changes or alterations to the contract/agreement must be in writing and approved by both parties and/or the Department of General Services’ Office of Legal Services, if required.

Q. SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND PREFERENCE PROGRAMS

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

This solicitation does not require a minimum amount of California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (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 Bidder is a certified DVBE or commits to subcontracting with DVBE(s), it may be eligible to receive an incentive 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 bids that propose California certified DVBE participation as identified on the Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105), Attachment 8, and confirmed by the State.

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

The incentive amount varies in conjunction with the percentage of DVBE participation in accordance with the California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive Instructions, Attachment 9.

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%

Bidders claiming the DVBE incentive must complete and return the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations form (STD 843) found at: STD 843

2. Small Business (SB) Or Microbusiness (MB) Preference (Optional)

If Bidder 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 bid price to one (1) or more Certified SBs or MBs, complete Bidder Declaration (GSPD-05-105), Attachment 8, and attach a copy of the certification.

Additional References: https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/

Questions regarding the certification approval process or the Small Business 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 or MB Bidders or Bidders using the non-SB preference shall be granted a preference consisting of five percent (5%) of the bid price of the lowest responsive Bidder that is not a

SB.

R. 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 Bidder 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 Bidders 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.

https://www.documents.dgs.ca.gov/dgs/fmc/gs/pd/pd_843.pdf https://www.dgs.ca.gov/PD/

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

d. Bidders 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 Bidders firm’s name and the name of all suppliers and subcontractors that will work with the Bidder 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. Bidder’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:

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 Bidder 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. Bidders 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 (DGS) at (916) 375-4940. DGS will attempt to determine TACPA eligibility within five (5) working days.

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

IFB. No. 26EO007

DRAFT STANDARD AGREEMENT (STD 213)

EXHIBIT A

SCOPE OF WORK

A. BACKGROUND

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) mission is to promote and protect public health, welfare, and ecological resources through the effective reduction of air pollutants while recognizing and considering the effects on the economy of the state.

Per the Dymally-Alatorre Bilingual Services Act, and in alignment with CARB’s vision to address environmental justice and advance racial equity, the purpose of this Agreement is to eliminate language barriers that prevent individuals whose primary language is not English from accessing State government services within California.

This Agreement shall ensure prompt and effective communication for the Limited English Proficient (LEP) public when conducting business with members of the public and constituents, California State agencies, other states, the federal government, applicants, employees, and businesses. This Agreement is to cover CARB’s interpretation and translation needs for California and its respective counties.

B. SERVICES

1. The Contractor shall provide consecutive and simultaneous verbal interpretation and written translation services. Contractor shall provide these services either virtually/remotely or in-person upon CARB request. CARB is a public agency and serves members of the public.

On occasion, meetings (virtual/remote or in-person) needing interpretation services may run longer than planned based on public need and demand. If CARB requests services to be in person, CARB Contract Manager or designee shall make every attempt to provide the location within three (3) calendar days prior to the service date.

2. Interpretation and translation services shall be made available in multiple languages, including, but not limited to:

a. American Sign Language (spoken interpretation)

b. Arabic

c. Armenian

d. Braille (written translation)

e. Cambodian

f. Cantonese (Chinese)

g. French

h. Hindi

i. Hmong

j. Italian

k. Japanese

l. Korean

m. Mandarin (Chinese)

n. Pashto

o. Persian (Farsi)

p. Portuguese

q. Punjabi

r. Romanian

s. Russian

t. Serbian

u. Slovak

v. Spanish

w. Swedish

x. Tagalog

y. Thai

z. Ukrainian

aa. Urdu

bb. Vietnamese

cc. CARB staff translated document with Contractor’s Post-Edit Review, as outlined in

Exhibit A, Scope of Work, Section B, Services.

3. Contractor shall provide a full Post-Edit Review and edit documents that have been translated by CARB Staff—Translation with a Post-Edit Review. Source text documents shall be provided by CARB, when possible.

Contractor shall:

a. Ensure the quality and accuracy of pre-translated documents submitted by CARB staff by editing potential errors, improving fluency, and ensuring cultural appropriateness;

b. Review and edit translated content submitted by CARB staff, including but not limited to the following: translation accuracy, comprehensive review of document and/or content submitted by CARB staff, changes to sentence structure, idioms, and writing style to match the style of English text and nuances; and

c. Contractor shall provide a post-edit review from source text documents, with accuracy, and insofar as possible, the same tone, and style as it appears in the original text.

4. Contractor shall provide interpretation and translation services by utilizing “qualified interpreters and translators.” For the purposes of this Agreement, “qualified interpreters and translators” must meet the minimum requirements identified in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, Section C, Interpreter / Translator Requirements.

5. Contractor shall review Exhibit A, Attachment 1, Code of Ethics, Professional Conduct and Confidentiality, and is required to ensure that all interpreters and translators read and agree to adhere to its stipulations.

C. INTERPRETER / TRANSLATOR REQUIREMENTS

Contractor shall ensure that all Interpreters and Translators performing services under this Agreement meet one (1) of the requirements outlined below. These requirements apply to all personnel assigned to perform interpretation and/or translation services under this Agreement.

Contractor shall maintain documentation demonstrating compliance with these requirements and shall provide such documentation to CARB upon request.

1. INTERPRETER / TRANSLATOR REQUIREMENT 1

a. Interpreters and Translators, as applicable, have been tested and certified by a professional organization or association recognized as qualified by the interpretation/translation industry;

b. Interpreters and Translators, as applicable, possess a current and valid certification that specifies the language(s) that is/are appropriate to the service(s) to be performed (interpretation and/or translation);

c. The certification resulted from a competency test to measure the Interpreter and/or

Translator's level of skill in the language proficiency scales of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), lnteragency Language Roundtable (ILR), or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), in the applicable language(s);

d. Documentation that certifies the Interpreter has engaged in continuous education training and has at least two (2) years’ experience working for a public agency within State, local, or federal government as a contracted Interpreter to ensure accuracy of interpreting using a wide range of vocabulary, language skills that include: grammar, pronunciation, etymology, improvisation techniques, and cultural awareness; and

e. The required minimum skill level in the language proficiency scales is as follows:

i. ACTFL: Level four (4) or higher (Full Professional Proficiency)

ii. ILR: 3:

a) ASTM International Standard F2089 for interpretation; and

b) ASTM International Standard F2575 for translation

iii. CEFR: C1 or C2

2. INTERPRETER / TRANSLATOR REQUIREMENT 2

When required by law, Interpreters and Translators, as applicable, possess the required qualifications as stated in the statutes pertaining to the service. All Interpreters utilized in legal/court proceedings, State administrative, and medical hearings must possess current valid certification issued by the Cooperative Personnel Services.

3. INTERPRETER / TRANSLATOR REQUIREMENT 3

In instances where the Contractor self-certifies/tests its Interpreters and/or Translators, the

Contractor must substantiate the following information:

a. Interpreters

For all Interpreters, the Contractor certifies that:

i. Information is maintained that specifies how the Interpreter's language fluency was verified/tested;

ii. The date the Interpreter's fluency was verified/tested is maintained on file;

iii. Documentation to identify the language(s) the Interpreter is qualified to provide services;

iv. Documentation to identify the level of competency verified/tested (e.g., general conversational, legal, medical, or scientific) and other score or rating assigned to identify the Interpreter's level of fluency as stated in Requirement 1 and below:

(1) Documentation that certifies the Interpreter has a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience that includes contracting with State, local, or federal government entities, submits proof of attending ethic workshops and proof of adequate continuing education that includes training, and professional experience up to thirty (30) hours a year performing interpreter services in the applicable language. Two (2) of the three (3) years’ experience must have been acquired within the last two (2) years; and

(2) Documentation that certifies the Interpreter has engaged in continuous education training and has two (2) years’ experience working for a public agency within State, local, or federal government as a contracted interpreter to ensure accuracy of interpreting using a wide range of vocabulary, language skills that include grammar, pronunciation, etymology, improvisation techniques, code of ethics, and cultural awareness.

b. Translators

For all Translators, the Contractor certifies that:

i. Information is maintained to verify the Translator’s knowledge of the written language equivalent to that of the university-educated native speaker (baccalaureate level), or continuous education training and two (2) years’ experience working for a public agency within State, local, or federal government as a contracted Translator to ensure accuracy of translations using a wide range of vocabulary, language skills that include grammar, pronunciation, etymology, improvisation techniques, and cultural awareness.

ii. Information is maintained that specifies how the Translator's language fluency is verified/tested;

iii. The date the Translator’s fluency was verified/tested is maintained on file;

iv. Documentation to identify the non- English language the Translator is qualified to provide translation services;

v. Documentation to identify the level of competency verified/tested (e.g., general conversational, legal, medical, or scientific) and the score or rating assigned to identify the Translator’s level of fluency as stated in Requirement 1; and

vi. Documentation that certified Translators have a minimum of four (4) years of professional experience satisfactorily performing translator services in the applicable language. Two (2) of the four (4) years of experience must have been acquired within the last two (2) years.

4. INTERPRETER / TRANSLATOR REQUIREMENT 4

a. Contractor/Interpreter/Translator shall not divulge any information learned in the performance of professional duties. This includes any documents or other written material.

b. Contractor/Interpreter/Translator shall maintain confidentiality in all situations, including when using GenAI/machine/electronic translation, except when legally mandated to disclose information in specific situations such as child abuse, elder abuse, a person threatening to harm themself or others, or where the Contractor/Interpreter/Translator determines to the best of their ability that non-disclosure may result in harm.

c. Disclosure: Contractor/Interpreter/Translator shall not publicly discuss, report, or offer an opinion concerning matters in which they are or have been engaged, even when the information is not privileged by law to be confidential.

D. INTERPRETATION SERVICES

1. The Contractor shall provide the following interpretation services:

a. Interpretation services in-person and virtual/remote shall be provided onsite at various locations and venues throughout California, as requested by CARB.

b. If the Contractor's Interpreter(s) have never provided translation services at a virtual CARB event, the Interpreter(s) may be required to attend a dry run by CARB prior to the event.

c. Contractor shall have the ability to provide multiple interpretation sessions within the same day, on an as needed basis as specified by CARB. The length, start times, and finish times shall vary depending on the need.

d. Services shall be provided at various events, including, but not limited to, meetings, workshops, conferences, administrative hearings, board meetings, settlement conferences, and interviews. Each event shall last a minimum of one (1) hour and may extend up to twelve (12) hours, and at times may include as many as one hundred (100) or more participants. Some events may be confidential, and Interpreter shall maintain confidentiality.

e. Contractor shall provide Interpreter(s) and upon request, if needed, an equipment technician at each in-person event.

f. The Interpreters at each meeting/event shall meet the requirements outlined in Exhibit A, Scope of Work, Section C, Interpreter / Translator Requirements, and possess appropriate credentials or demonstrated proficiency in the language(s) required for the service(s) to be performed.

g. lnterpreter(s) must arrive or log on at least thirty (30) minutes before the start of each in-person or virtual meetings. For some meetings, such as board meetings, it may be requested that Interpreters arrive one and a half (1.5) hours before the start of the meeting. CARB shall notify the Contractor of early arrivals that are needed.

h. Interpreter(s) shall be required to be present for the entire duration of the meeting(s)/event(s).

i. Based on public demand/need, meetings may run longer than scheduled. Interpreter(s) may be required to remain for the entire duration of the event, based on public demand/need. Interpreter(s) rates for any extended meeting time shall not exceed rates within Attachment 1 Contractor Rate Sheet Group A (Simultaneous Interpretation Services: In-Person) for in-person meetings or Group B (Simultaneous Interpretation Services: Virtual/Remote) for virtual/remote meetings.

j. Meetings are technical in nature and terminology may be difficult. lnterpreter(s) must be proficient in, but not limited to, the following terminology: engineering, environmental science, chemistry, geology, air quality, environmental health, environmental…