RFP-2_25NC0665_BEAD_Solicitation.pdf

STATE OF CALIFORNIA GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor

PUBLIC UTILTIES COMMISSION

505 VAN NESS AVENUE

SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Request for Proposal (RFP) – Secondary Number 25NC0665

For:

Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Administration and Oversight

8/5/2026

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) invites you to review and respond to this Solicitation. In submitting your response, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

This is an open solicitation for all private entities, universities or governmental agencies.

The purpose of this Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from Proposers who can offer comprehensive compliance and reporting requirements for California’s portion of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) federal grant program. The selected Contractor will help CPUC meet U.S. Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requirements and deadlines to ensure the State of California and its subrecipients are eligible for BEAD grant funding. The selected Contractor will provide ongoing administration and oversight support for California’s BEAD program. This will also ensure that all Federal subrecipients of BEAD funds maintain full compliance with Program requirements, Federal regulations, and reporting obligations. The Contractor shall support the CPUC with recommendations for the design of a subgrantee monitoring, reporting, and compliance program. In addition, the Contractor shall provide telecommunications engineering oversight to validate that network buildouts meet design, performance, and reliability standards of fiber and wireless projects consistent with BEAD Program requirements. This includes, performance reviews, financial and operational reporting, and adherence to approved project plans. Additionally the contract includes the development of monitoring tools, compliance checklists, reporting frameworks, risk assessments, and timely corrective actions.

Relevant guidance includes, 2 C.F.R. Part 200, NTIA BEAD Program requirements, Department of Commerce terms and conditions, and the CPUC BEAD Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting.

Before submitting a response to this solicitation, interested parties should read and review the entire solicitation including any attachments, all referenced web addresses, and any regulations, orders, and statutes cited.

Note that all agreements entered into with the State of California will include by reference General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025) and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 4/2017) that may be viewed and downloaded at the following internet site:

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

California Public Utilities Commission RFP Number 25NC0665

If you do not have Internet access, a hard copy can be provided by contacting the point of contact listed below. By submitting a proposal your firm agrees to the terms and conditions stated in this RFP and the proposed contract.

Any questions regarding the solicitation or terms and conditions of the proposed contract must be submitted by the deadline listed in the key action dates. Terms and conditions will not be negotiated after contract award.

Responses are due September 2, 2026 by 10:00AM Pacific Time.

CPUC Point of Contact:

Daniela Isquierdo daniela.isquierdo@cpuc.ca.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. SCOPE OF WORK AND CONTRACT TERMS

EXHIBIT A - SCOPE OF WORK

EXHIBIT B – BUDGET DETAIL AND PAYMENT PROVISIONS

EXHIBIT C – GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS (GTC 02/2025)

EXHIBIT D – SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

3. ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

5. PREFERENCE AND INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

6. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

7. AWARD AND CONTRACT EXECUTION

8. REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS

ATTACHMENT 1 – SOLICITATION CHECKLIST

ATTACHMENT 2 – CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

ATTACHMENT 3 – REFERENCES SHEET

ATTACHMENT 4 – PAYEE DATA RECORD

ATTACHMENT 5 – PAYEE DATA RECORD SUPPLEMENT

ATTACHMENT 6 – CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION CLAUSES

ATTACHMENT 7 – DARFUR CONTRACTING ACT FORM

ATTACHMENT 8 – BIDDER DECLARATION FORM

ATTACHMENT 9 – DVBE DECLARATION FORM

ATTACHMENT 10 – COMMERCIALLY USEFUL FUNCTION CERTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT 11 – IRAN CONTRACTING ACT FORM

ATTACHMENT 12 – CALIFORNIA CIVIL RIGHTS LAW CERTIFICATION

ATTACHMENT 13 – COST SHEET

ATTACHMENT 14 – SAMPLE STANDARD AGREEMENT

1. SCOPE OF WORK AND CONTRACT TERMS

EXHIBIT A - SCOPE OF WORK

1. Introduction

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates services and investor-owned utilities (IOUs), protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians' access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program is a federal grant intended to connect more Americans to high-speed internet by funding partnerships to build infrastructure.

The CPUC is receiving BEAD grant funding and will be awarding those funds to subrecipients.

The selected Contractor will help CPUC meet U.S. Department of Commerce/National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) requirements and deadlines to ensure the State of California and its subrecipients are eligible for BEAD grant funding.

The selected Contractor will provide ongoing monitoring and oversight support for California’s portion of the BEAD Program. This will ensure that the CPUC, as the Eligible Entity administering the BEAD Program and Federal grantee recipient, maintains compliance with Program requirements, Federal regulations, and reporting obligations. This will also ensure that all Federal subrecipients of BEAD funds maintain full compliance with Program requirements, Federal regulations, and reporting obligations. The Contractor shall support the CPUC with recommendations for the design of a subgrantee monitoring, reporting, and compliance program. In addition, the Contractor shall provide telecommunications engineering oversight to validate that network buildouts meet design, performance, and reliability standards of fiber and wireless projects consistent with BEAD Program requirements. This includes, performance reviews, risk assessments, financial and operational reporting, and adherence to approved project plans. Additionally the contract includes the development of monitoring tools, compliance checklists, reporting frameworks, and timely corrective actions.

Term Definition Applies to Program The term “Program” means the

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program.

BEAD

Eligible Entity The term “Eligible Entity” means any State of the United States.

The State of California

Lead Entity Designated by the Eligible Entity for BEAD program administration in the Letter of Intent

CPUC

Recipient/Grantee/Awardee An entity that receives a Federal award directly from a Federal agency to carry out an activity under a Federal program.

CPUC

Subaward/Subgrant An award provided by a pass-through entity (i.e., Lead Entity or Grantee) to a subrecipient.

BEAD Project Awards

Subrecipient/Subgrantee The term “subgrantee” or “subrecipient” means an entity that receives grant funds

BEAD Project Awardees from an Eligible Entity to carry out eligible activities

2. Tasks and Deliverables

The Contractor shall manage the Tasks in this SOW on an integrated and interrelated basis.

Tasks within this Scope of Work may overlap or recur due to the integrated nature of BEAD grant administration, compliance, monitoring, and reporting requirements. The Contractor shall coordinate task performance to ensure efficiency, consistency, and alignment with the CPUC guidance and Federal requirements, while avoiding unnecessary duplication of effort.

Deliverables may provide information inputs or outputs required by other Tasks. The tasks and deliverables listed in the table below are subject to modification based on any updated requirements, guidance, or directives issued by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) or other applicable federal or state requirements, including 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Uniform Guidance. The Contractor shall remain flexible and adjust the approach as necessary to ensure continued compliance with current NTIA policies and program guidance. The CPUC reserves the right to prioritize, sequence, cancel or adjust tasks based on BEAD program needs and Federal guidance. This flexibility is required of the Contractor as the CPUC may be required to take on new program level responsibilities, or need to respond to new funding tranches, other opportunities, legislative mandates, or changed schedules of Federal or state agencies or programs.

Task 1: Grant Administration, Compliance, and Reporting As specified in the BEAD NOFO Sections VII and IX the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Grant Administration, Compliance and Reporting DOC Financial Assistance Standard Terms and Conditions, and Anticipated Post-Final Proposal BEAD SAR Requirements.

Deliverable 1.1 Semi-Annual Performance Report (SAR) Preparation Semi-annually the contractor shall assist the CPUC with Federal Financial Reporting (SF-425).

The Contractor shall assist in preparing and submitting the Federal Financial Report (SF-425) in the required federal format.

The Contractor shall gather data from subgrantees and report all required information at all five SAR hierarchical levels (EE, Subgrantee, Contractor/Subcontractor, Project, Location). Data shall include:

a. subscriber-level and facility testing data (speed/latency)

b. verification of adequate capacity

c. BABA compliance certifications

The Contractor shall ensure cumulative reporting accuracy and reconciliation with Grant Management System (GMS) financial data and respond to curing related to Semi-Annual Reports.

Deliverable 1.2 Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) Report Preparation As directed by NTIA, the Contractor shall assist the CPUC in compiling FWA information when requested by NTIA, organized per GAO and DOC OIG recommendations. Information shall include:

a. expenditure data

b. payroll data

c. cost sharing

d. matching data

e. any subgrantee-reported indicators from monitoring activities

Deliverable 1.3 Annual Comprehensive Report Preparation Annually the Contractor shall assist the CPUC in compiling annual reports synthesizing yearly progress, updated deployment timelines, milestone schedule adjustments, and forward-looking projections.

Deliverable 1.4 Initial Report (Post-Award) Within 90 days of funding receipt, the Contractor shall assist the CPUC in preparing an initial report describing planned and actual use of funds, subgrant process, and compliance mechanisms.

Task 2: Subgrant Monitoring and Oversight As specified in 2 CFR 200.332; 2 CFR 200.339; “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Subgrant Monitoring and Oversight.

Deliverable 2.1 Risk Assessment Development and Maintenance Prior to subgrant execution the Contractor shall develop the initial risk assessment methodology for the full grant portfolio, incorporating

a. Fixed attributes (grant size, BSL count, terrain)

b. Objective characteristics (financial stability, management systems, performance history)

c. Subjective factors

The contractor must assign initial monitoring levels (Standard, Intermediate, Elevated, Advanced) per the Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting framework.

Reassess risk levels based on monitoring findings. For planning and bidding purposes, assume up to twenty (20) subgrants.

Deliverable 2.2 Quarterly Desk Reviews The Contractor shall assist the CPUC with conducting quarterly risk assessment desk reviews for all subgrantees, reviewing deployment milestones achieved, financial expenditures (federal and match), geographic deployment data, and challenges encountered. The Contractor shall verify documentation completeness and flag items requiring curing or follow-up. The Contractor shall document any risks and integrate into risk assessments, including incorporating testing results and site visit findings.

For planning and bidding purposes, CPUC anticipates approximately twenty (20) BEAD subgrantees.

Deliverable 2.3 Monthly Conference Calls for Higher-Risk Subgrantees Assist the CPUC with conducting monthly conference calls for high-risk subgrantees as directed by CPUC for advanced-monitoring. For planning and bidding purposes assume 8 high risk subgrantees. CPUC shall determine higher-risk based on the following:

a. Quarterly desk review submissions

b. Monitoring findings

c. Other risk factors identified in the Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting

Deliverable 2.4 Corrective Action Plan Development and Tracking As needed when monitoring identifies non-compliance or significant negative developments, assist the CPUC to develop corrective action plans with subgrantees. The Contractor will set remediation timelines and ensure subgrantees provide corrective action information. The Contractor shall review subgrantee risk responses, assign follow-up actions when needed, track resolutions, and recommend monitoring level adjustments.

Corrective action tracking must include:

a. Maintaining the status of corrective action items,

b. Responsible parties

c. Remediation deadlines

d. Communications and responses from subgrantees

e. Resolution status

f. Any related monitoring level recommendations

Deliverable 2.5 Enforcement Actions Support As needed, support the CPUC in evaluating and implementing enforcement actions that include:

a. Withholding of milestone payments

b. Suspension of reimbursement

c. Clawback of funds

d. Subgrant termination

The Contractor shall prepare documentation and coordinate with NTIA as required. This may consist of documentation supporting enforcement actions, such as, draft and final correspondence to the subgrantee; internal memoranda, analyses, and recommendations for agency leadership and other internal stakeholders, other communications, notifications, or supporting documentation required for coordination with federal stakeholders. Documentation may be tailored to the specific enforcement action and will be prepared in accordance with applicable federal and agency requirements, policies, and procedures

Task 3: Milestone Reimbursement Processing As specified in 2 CFR 200 and NOFO VII the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Milestone Reimbursement Processing. Milestones generally relate to physical infrastructure deployment or satellite service capacity and availability. Milestones can include the following:

a. Design

b. Permitting

c. Construction

d. Deployment

e. Activation

f. Testing

g. Eligible BSL coverage

h. Take-rate

Deliverable 3.1 Cost Reasonableness and Eligibility Validation With each reimbursement request the Contractor shall assist the CPUC to validate that reimbursement requests are for eligible costs per Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting. The Contractor shall review and validate disbursement requests by comparing the submitted request and supporting documentation against the applicable milestone requirements, approved project budget, approved project materials, match contribution requirements, and BEAD Program requirements before recommending whether the request is complete, deficient, or requires follow-up. The Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Match Proportionality Verification and verify that subgrantees are booking matching funds proportionally with federal drawdowns. Subgrantees may submit multiple reimbursement requests throughout project implementation.

Deliverable 3.2 Payment Processing and GMS Workflow Assist the CPUC to process the ongoing validated reimbursement requests through the GMS, coordinate CPUC approval workflows, and ensure payments are compliant with NTIA’s BEAD-enabled exceptions to the Uniform Guidance. The Contractor shall maintain reimbursement tracking records in the GMS .

Deliverable 3.3 Final Milestone Disbursement Processing (On-Time Projects) At project completion assist the CPUC to process final reimbursement requests. The Contractor shall review Subgrantee closeout packages will include final accounting of all expenditures, certification that all locations have been served as committed, and a compilation of all location-level data into final deliverables. The Contractor shall reconcile final documented project costs and match information against approved budgets. The Contractor shall also verify the return of unused BEAD funds.

Task 4: BABA Compliance Monitoring As specified in BABA Act; GTCs §31–32; NOFO VII.A.9; “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with BABA Compliance Monitoring.

Deliverable 4.1 Procurement Documentation Review With each milestone submission the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with its review of subgrantee procurement documents for Build America, Buy America (BABA) compliance. For planning and bidding purposes expect 1,600 payments expected to be processed over the life of the grant.

Procurement documents to review include:

a. Domestic content thresholds for iron/steel (100% US-produced)

b. Manufactured products (55%+ domestic component cost)

c. Construction materials (US-manufactured)

The Contractor must verify procurement solicitations identify applicable categories and thresholds.

Deliverable 4.2 Manufacturer Certification Review Assist the CPUC with its review of contractor and supplier certifications identifying BABA category, manufacturing location, and domestic content percentages for manufactured products.

Maintain certification records for SAR reporting and audit readiness.

Deliverable 4.3 Waiver Request Evaluation and Coordination

As needed, assist the CPUC with its evaluation of subgrantee BABA waiver requests (public interest, non-availability, unreasonable cost) for completeness and merit. Coordinate CPUC submission to NTIA with supporting documentation. Track waiver status and ensure procurement does not proceed with foreign-sourced materials until NTIA grants waiver.

Deliverable 4.4 Prohibited Equipment Screening Ongoingly assist the CPUC with verifying that equipment and components being procured and installed by subgrantees do not include covered telecommunications equipment or services prohibited under the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act. Screen procurement documentation, supply chain records and bills of materials provided by Subgrantee’s against the FCC's Covered List at each milestone submission alongside BABA compliance review.

Task 5: Performance Measures and Testing Oversight Specified in Performance Measures PN; NOFO IV.C.2.b; FAQ 11.1–11.15; “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist CPUC with performance measures and testing oversight.

Deliverable 5.1 Performance Testing Framework Implementation Prior to deployment, the Contractor shall assist the CPUC to establish testing protocols aligned with the BEAD Performance Measures Policy Notice. Testing measures include:

a. 100/20 Mbps minimum speed standard with 80/80 rule

b. 99.45% uptime availability threshold (≤48 hours average downtime/year)

c. 100ms round-trip latency ceiling

d. Prescribed sample sizes and testing frequencies

Deliverable 5.2 Remediation Plan Development As needed, when testing demonstrates non-compliant results, the Contractor shall assist the CPUC to work with subgrantees to develop remediation plans. The Contractor shall coordinate more frequent testing to verify compliance recovery. The Contractor shall ensure subgrant agreements include remediation provisions.

Task 6: Audit Readiness and Compliance Assurance As specified in BABA Act; 2 CFR 200 Subpart D; GTCs; NOFO IX.G; SACs the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with audit readiness and Compliance Assurance. For purposes of this task, 2 C.F.R. Part 200 refers to the federal Uniform Guidance governing federal award administration, including subrecipient monitoring, records access, audit, and closeout requirements.

Deliverable 6.1 Monitoring of CPUC Internal Controls The Contractor must regularly assess the CPUC’s adherence to BEAD Program and Federal Uniform Guidance rules by drafting Internal controls assessment reports and reviewing the following:

a. Program materials

b. Guides

c. Policies

d. Resolutions

The Contractor must draft guidance against:

a. Award terms and conditions

b. 2 CFR 200, NOFO requirements

c. Special Award Conditions, policy notices

d. Internal grant administration processes

e. Payment reimbursement guidance

Deliverable 6.2 BABA Audit Documentation Ongoingly, the contractor shall prepare audit-ready BABA documentation packages and support responses to State or Federal audit inquiries, using BABA certifications, waiver documentation, procurement records, and related review materials developed or maintained under Task 4.

Deliverable 6.3 Compliance Status Report As directed, the contractor must deliver a written report and presentation on the CPUC’s compliance status which includes:

a. Executive summary

b. Methodology

c. Summary of findings

d. Recommended mitigation/remediation plan

e. Implementation schedule

The contractor shall develop tools, templates, and checklists to support compliance. The presentation with report findings and recommendations will be made to CPUC leadership.

Deliverable 6.4 Subgrantee Audit Compliance Verification Annually as audits are received the Contractor shall verify that non-federal entity subgrantees expending $1M+ are conducting required single or program-specific audits per 2 CFR § 200.501 and submitting to the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. For for-profit subgrantees, ensure compliance with audit requirements established in the subgrant agreement per 2 CFR § 200.501(i). Issue management decisions on audit findings per § 200.521.

Deliverable 6.5 Subgrantee Audit Tracking and Support As directed by the CPUC the Contractor shall provide audit tracking and administrative support as part of the Contractor’s engineering review, documentation review, and compliance support activities. Support subgrantees in audit-related activities by helping organize, review, and track technical, financial, performance, and compliance documentation associated with BEAD Program oversight. The Contractor shall maintain records of audit-related requests, documentation submitted, findings, corrective actions, response deadlines, responsible parties, and resolution status.

Deliverable 6.6 Cybersecurity and SCRM Plan Review Prior to fund allocations and ongoing for changes thereafter the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with reviewing subgrantee cybersecurity risk management plans and supply chain risk management plans for alignment with NIST Framework v1.1 and NISTIR 8276 as required by GTC §34. Track substantive change resubmissions within the 30-day requirement. Ensure plans are operational (or ready to operationalize upon service delivery) and submitted to CPUC for

NTIA availability upon request. Findings from Cybersecurity and SCRM Plan Review shall inform Task 2 risk assessment and monitoring level recommendations, as applicable.

Task 7: Subgrant Agreement and Contract Administration As specified in NOFO IV; GTCs; RPN; FAQ 9.1–9.6; 2 CFR 200 “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist CPUC with Subgrant Agreement and Contract Administration.

Deliverable 7.1 Subgrant Agreement Development Support Prior to subgrant execution the Contractor shall support the CPUC in finalizing a subgrant agreement template for all BEAD-funded projects, incorporating all required flow-down provisions from NOFO, RPN, GTCs, and 2 CFR Part 200, including the following:

a. Clawback provisions

b. Performance bond requirements

c. NEPA/EHP SACs

d. BABA obligations

e. Cybersecurity/SCRM attestations

f. Reporting requirements

g. Remediation provisions for failed performance testing

Deliverable 7.2 Letter of Credit (LOC) and Performance Bond Compliance Support Prior to execution of a subgrant award through project completion the Contractor shall support the CPUC’s review, tracking, and administration of letters of credit and performance/surety bonds for completeness and compliance with BEAD requirements.

The Contractor shall support the tracking of the following:

a. LOC or performance/surety bond coverage

b. Reductions

c. Releases tied to applicable milestone completion

d. 100% BSL build-out

e. Service activation

f. Other CPUC determinations

The Contractor shall flag items requiring CPUC legal, financial, or contract management review.

The Contractor should reference GTC §42 waiver authority where applicable.

Deliverable 7.3 Change Order Processing As needed the Contractor shall support the CPUC in reviewing and processing subgrantee change orders (budget, schedule, scope, contacts). The Contractor shall coordinate legal review for amendments and track approved changes in GMS. The Contractor must flag changes requiring NTIA approval (assignment, award increase, substantial construction method changes, location reductions).

Deliverable 7.4 Certification Collection and Tracking Prior to subgrant execution, the Contractor shall support the CPUC in managing the collection, review, and submission to NTIA of standalone signed subgrantee certifications regarding no additional federal subsidies. The Contractor shall track certification status using fp_subgrantees.csv as base. The Contractor shall ensure certifications are submitted within required timelines.

Task 8: Environmental and Historic Preservation (EHP) The Contractor will assist CPUC with EHP as specified in the following sources: NOFO VII.B;

GTCs §29; RPN §3.3; NEPA for BEAD FAQs v2.0; ESAPTT Overview; FAQ 10.1–10.7, Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting; CEQA, GTCs §29; NOFO IV.C.1.c; FAQ 6.4–6.7; Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting and GTCs §30; RPN; FAQ 2.16–2.18, 2.41–2.42; Tribal Consent Waiver.

Deliverable 8.1 NEPA/NHPA Compliance Program Plan The contractor, in consultation with the CPUC CEQA and FERC Branch, shall develop and oversee a comprehensive NEPA/NHPA compliance and engagement plan.

Deliverable 8.2 CEQA Compliance Support Ongoing from subgrant execution the contractor shall support the CPUC CEQA team in reviewing subgrantee CEQA Questionnaires, coordinating exemption determinations, initial studies, and EIR processes. The Contractor shall support ESAPTT environmental screening.

The Contractor shall coordinate Section 106 NHPA consultations with SHPO, THPO, and tribal entities. The Contractor shall utilize the BEAD Grant Portal to track CEQA timelines and their interaction with NEPA clearance.

Deliverable 8.3 Permitting Tracking and Agency Coordination On an ongoing basis the Contractor shall support the CPUC to the extent that it is required to track federal, state, and local permit applications and approvals across all subgrants. The Contractor shall monitor compliance with 90-day permitting standard. The Contractor shall support consultations with permitting agencies (USACE, USFWS, SHPO, Caltrans, etc.). The Contractor shall coordinate Notice to Proceed issuance after NEPA clearance.

Deliverable 8.4 NEPA Project Area Division Support As needed, the Contractor shall support the CPUC when the CPUC or the Contractor’s NEPA specialist determines that a program project should be documented and tracked as multiple ESAPTT NEPA Project Areas with independent utility. This may include dividing a large program project into separate NEPA Project Areas, each with independent utility, for documentation and tracking purposes.

The Contractor shall utilize the BEAD Grant Portal or ESAPTT, as applicable to track phased construction authorization as individual NEPA Project areas clear NEPA Review.

Deliverable 8.5 Tribal Consent Tracking Ongoing from Final Proposal(FP) submission the Contractor shall track Tribal Resolutions of Consent for all subgrantees (including LEO) with projects on tribal lands. The Contractor will assist with coordination with tribal entities and support CPUC in managing the post-FP consent timeline per the Programmatic Waiver.

Task 9: Reporting Support and Protocol Development As specified in NOFO VII.E; 2 CFR 200.328–329; SAR Requirements v1.3; “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Reporting Support and Protocol Development.

Deliverable 9.1 Reporting Protocol Development

During initial development pre-deployment the Contractor will establish programmatic and financial grant reporting protocols including the following:

a. Templates

b. Guidelines

c. Instructions.

The Contractor shall develop standard procedures for report reviews by Contractor and CPUC staff. The Contractor shall adapt protocols as NTIA reporting requirements evolve post-FP approval.

Deliverable 9.2 Subgrantee Reporting Package Development Prior to deployment the Contractor shall develop subgrantee reporting package contents, procedures, and submission schedules for quarterly desk reviews, semi-annual support, and annual reports. The Contractor shall include EUPA tracking templates for the seven eligible use categories.

Deliverable 9.3 Quarterly and Monthly Report Review Support Quarterly or Monthly for high-risk subgrantees the Contractor shall support CPUC staff with review of subgrantee quarterly and monthly reports. The Contractor shall develop review checklists for both terrestrial and LEO cadences. The Contractor shall integrate reporting data with risk management plan to inform desk review, site visit, and technical assistance priorities.

Deliverable 9.4 Federal Reporting Integration and Roll-Up Semi-annually, the Contractor must integrate subgrantee reports into CPUC financial and programmatic reports for NTIA and the NIST Grants Office, including any required reporting, curing, submission, or access workflows in eRA Commons or other applicable NIST Grants Office systems. The Contractor shall ensure data consistency across GMS, SAR, SF-425 submissions, eRA/NIST grant reporting workflows, and other applicable federal reporting systems. Please let us know if you would like us to incorporate this language into the solicitation.

Deliverable 9.5 Reporting Training Initially and as needed thereafter the Contractor will train CPUC program managers, grants management staff, and contractor personnel on reporting requirements, tools, and procedures.

The Contractor shall update training as NTIA guidance evolves.

Task 10: Risk Management Implementation As specified in 2 CFR 200.332; “Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting” the Contractor shall assist the CPUC with Risk Management Implementation.

Deliverable 10.1 Risk Management Implementation Guide Prior to deployment, the Contractor shall develop an implementation guide for the CPUC’s BEAD Risk Management Plan. This guide must include:

a. Initial portfolio-wide risk assessment methodology

b. Prioritization framework for monitoring activities

c. Procedures for adapting to changing conditions

The Contractor shall review and update Guide on an annual basis and integrate ongoing monitoring and technical assistance findings into risk priorities.

Deliverable 10.2 Risk Assessment Training Prior to deployment and annually thereafter provide training for CPUC program managers, grant management staff, and contractor personnel. The training may be conducted in-person and/or virtually depending on program needs. This training must include:

a. Risk assessment methodology

b. Monitoring level framework

c. Escalation procedures

Deliverable 10.3 Escalation and Decision Authority Matrix Prior to deployment the contractor shall develop and maintain an escalation matrix defining decision authority at each level of the administration model for the following:

a. Non-compliance determinations

b. Milestone disputes

c. Monitoring level changes

d. Change order approvals

e. BABA waiver recommendations

f. Enforcement actions

g. Emergency situations

The Contractor shall update the matrix as needed.

Task 11: Subgrantee Training and Technical Assistance As specified in Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting; 2 CFR 200.332;

BEAD FAQs V19; GTCs

Deliverable 11.1 Subgrantee Onboarding Program The Contractor shall develop a comprehensive onboarding program for new subgrantees covering the following:

a. GMS orientation

b. Reporting requirements

c. Milestone documentation expectations

d. BABA compliance

e. EHP process overview

f. Performance testing requirements

g. Match tracking The Contractor shall assist CPUC with delivering this onboarding program prior to each subgrant.

Deliverable 11.2 Ongoing Compliance Guidance On an on-going basis the Contractor shall assist CPUC with maintenance of subgrantee compliance guidance materials including FAQs, webinars, Q&A sessions, and static website content. The Contractor shall adapt materials to address emerging issues, reporting observations, and new risks.

Deliverable 11.3 Technical Assistance for Award Administration On an on-going basis as needed the Contractor shall provide direct technical assistance to subgrantees on milestone documentation preparation, reimbursement request assembly, match tracking methodology, and GMS data entry. The Contractor shall prioritize assistance to subgrantees identified as higher risk.

Deliverable 11.4 Subgrantee Communications and Scheduling On an on-going basis as needed the Contractor shall assist the CPUC to manage subgrantee meeting schedules, prepare agendas, distribute materials, and maintain communication logs.

Coordinate ISP meetings for each award including milestone review and agreement sessions.

Note: Some of this will be captured in the GMS.

Task 12: Advisory Services The Contractor will provide advisory services as specified in NOFO; RPN; GTCs; 2 CFR 200;

BEAD FAQs.

Deliverable 12.1 Policy and Regulatory Advisory On an as needed basis the Contractor shall provide subject matter advisory services on BEAD compliance obligations, 2 CFR Part 200 requirements, and evolving NTIA guidance. Support CPUC with interpretation of new policy notices, FAQ updates, and GTCs provisions.

Deliverable 12.2 CPUC Proceedings Support As needed the Contractor shall support the CPUC with applicable Order Instituting Rulemaking proceedings, Commission reporting, briefing preparation, and stakeholder communications related to the BEAD program.

Deliverable 12.3 Post-Award Program Evaluation After deployment the contractor shall assist the CPUC in conducting one program-level post-award grant program evaluation report, including written recommendations to improve processes for future funding opportunities.

Task 13: GMS Alignment and Data Management The Contractor shall assist CPUC with it’s GMS system and data management as specified in Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting; SAR Requirements v1.3 NOFO IV.A; FAQ 2.12–2.13, 2.24; GTCs §38

Deliverable 13.1 Grant Management System (GMS) development support and testing The contractor shall provide support for Grant Management System (GMS) development, configuration, and testing, including reviewing and validating system fields and workflows against BEAD Program requirements; supporting testing of subgrantee submissions, reporting, and milestone tracking processes; identifying gaps, inconsistencies, or data validation issues; and providing recommendations to support accurate data collection, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

Deliverable 13.2 Program Requirements Configuration On an as needed basis the Contractor shall ensure BEAD program requirements and changes are captured in the GMS (BOSS/ARC platform). The Contractor shall coordinate with CPUC and Ready.net to implement workflow updates as NTIA guidance evolves.

Deliverable 13.3 Broadband Mapping Data Coordination

On an on-going basis the Contractor must coordinate with CPUC and Ready.net to maintain updated broadband mapping data from FCC BDC and state sources. Support BSL-level location tracking and fabric version management.

Deliverable 13.4 Reporting Materials Production Semi-annually The Contractor shall coordinate with CPUC and Ready.net to produce GMS generated and/or GMS supported reporting materials for federal and state stakeholders, including public-facing transparency content. Reports may be related to monitoring and oversight, risk assessment, and progress.

Deliverable 13.5 SAR Data Quality Assurance Semi-annually the Contractor shall validate data flowing from GMS into SAR reporting across all five hierarchical levels. The Contractor shall identify and resolve data integrity issues before SAR submission deadlines.

Task 14: Grantee Guidance Enhancement and Development As specified in Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting; GTCs; 2 CFR 200.332(a); BEAD FAQs

Deliverable 14.1 Subgrantee-Facing Guidance Materials Ongoingly the Contractor shall review, assess, and enhance grantee communications, guidance materials, and documents related to subgrantee compliance, including the following:

a. Budget and expenditure templates

b. Cover letters

c. Change proposals

d. Resource documents The Contractor shall coordinate with GMS integration where appropriate.

Deliverable 14.2 Website and GMS Content Support Ongoingly the Contractor shall support content development for CPUC website updates and GMS-facing content to ensure subgrantees have current, accessible compliance information.

Deliverable 14.3 Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting Maintenance As needed the Contractor shall support the CPUC in maintaining and updating the Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting as NTIA guidance evolves and operational experience informs revisions.

Task 15: Outreach and Events

Deliverable 15.1 In-Person Events As scheduled the Contractor shall support in-person events with approximately 250 participants per event. Services include:

a. Event planning (scheduling, meeting space, A/V coordination)

b. Content development

c. Attendee management

d. Onsite support

The Contractor is not responsible for venue fees and costs.

Deliverable 15.2 Virtual Events As scheduled the Contractor shall support virtual events with approximately 150 participants per event. Services include:

a. Event planning

b. Content development

c. Attendee management

d. Virtual platform logistics

e. Event execution

Task 16: GIS and Broadband Mapping As specified in NOFO IV.A; FCC BDC; FAQ 2.12–2.13; Subgrantee Guide to Oversight, Monitoring, and Reporting; SAR Requirements v1.3: GTCs §38 the Contractor will perform GIS and Broadband mapping services.

Deliverable 16.1 Location Analysis and Refinement As needed the Contractor shall provide GIS and data analytics support for ongoing location analysis, BSL eligibility refinement, and assessment of BEAD deployment impact on disadvantaged communities. The Contractor shall support analysis of all submissions and location datasets. There is estimated to be 250,000 locations.

Deliverable 16.2 Deployment Progress Visualization Quarterly the Contractor shall coordinate with CPUC and Ready.net to develop and maintain geographic visualization of deployment progress across all subgrants, including construction status, service activation, and BSL completion rates.

Deliverable 16.3 Public-Facing Mapping Support On an on-going basis the Contractor shall support the development and maintenance of public-facing broadband deployment maps in coordination with Ready.net’s GMS-provided interface.

Task 17: Project Planning Desk Reviews As directed by the State throughout the duration of the contract the Contractor shall perform engineering and programmatic reviews during project planning and pre-deployment phases including review of design documents and materials. These materials may be submitted through the Grant Management System.

Deliverable 17.1 Perform engineering and programmatic reviews The contractor shall perform engineering and programmatic reviews during project planning and pre-deployment phases, including:

a. Review of preliminary network design materials

b. Proposed project areas

c. Deployment schedules

d. Broadband serviceable location data

e. Environmental and historic preservation documentation

Deliverable 17.2 Engineering review reports

The Contractor shall prepare complete engineering review reports including the project reviewed and findings related to the following:

a. Technical sufficiency

b. Project design

c. Permitting or environmental dependencies

d. Deployment feasibility

e. Identified deficiencies

f. Recommended follow-up actions

Task 18: Field Verification, Deployment Monitoring, and Technical Testing As directed by the CPUC throughout the duration of the contract the Contractor must conduct field reviews and audits on infrastructure projects as determined by the Department of Commerce, NTIA, or the Eligible Entity to assure compliance with program requirements, network quality, and resilience.

Deliverable 18.1 On-site Inspections The Contractor shall perform annual onsite inspections for standard-monitoring subgrantees and more frequent visits for higher-risk subgrantees. The Contractor shall verify infrastructure installation, compare field conditions to approved plans, and validate supporting documentation provided by Subgrantees as determined by the Department of Commerce, NTIA, or the Eligible Entity to assure compliance with program requirements, network quality, and resilience. The Contractor’s engineering staff shall conduct Subscriber-level and facility testing (speed/latency) to verify adequate network capacity to serve all broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) simultaneously, including review of network design, capacity planning assumptions, and supporting documentation demonstrating that the network can meet BEAD Program performance requirements for speed, latency, and reliability at all funded BSLs under expected peak demand conditions.

Deliverable 18.2 Site visit summaries After each site visit the Contractor shall prepare a summary which must include the site or project reviewed, date of review, verification activities performed, testing results, performance against required speed thresholds, field observations, documentation reviewed, identified deficiencies and recommended corrective action or follow-up items. The Contractor shall note any findings related to BEAD Program requirements, approved project materials, environmental and permitting conditions or performance obligations. The outcome of these site visits should be factored into the ongoing risk assessments of each project.

Deliverable 18.3 Oversee Subgrantee performance testing The Contractor shall insure that test methodologies comply with NTIA BEAD Performance Measures requirements by reviewing documented testing protocols, measurement tools, test duration, and frequency. The Contractor shall review submitted test results against applicable BEAD performance standards; and verifying sample set composition by reviewing the selected test locations and methodology to ensure they are drawn from eligible BSLs and are consistent with NTIA testing and measurement requirements. The Contractor will ensure testing begins within 7 months of service activation at each BSL.

Task 19: Broadband Location Data Validation

The Contractor shall perform Geographical Information System (GIS) analytic work supporting reporting, oversight, and compliance monitoring. The Contractor shall review and validate broadband service location datasets from approximately 339,000 locations every six months in accordance with NTIA requirements.

Deliverable 19.1 GIS analytics The Contractor shall perform analytic work including reviewing project and location-level data for completeness, consistency and any potential discrepancies. The Contractor shall review broadband serviceable location datasets, FCC Location IDs, funded project areas, provider-reported deployment data, service availability information, and location-level reporting outputs.

The Contractor shall compare subgrantee-reported data against approved project areas, eligible BSL lists, milestone documentation, deployment records, and applicable NTIA reporting requirements; identifying missing, inconsistent, duplicate, or unsupported location records; and documenting issues requiring clarification or correction.

Deliverable 19.2 Technical validation summaries The Contractor shall prepare technical validation summaries which include the dataset reviewed, review period, data sources used, validation checks performed, discrepancies identified, and recommended corrections or follow-up. Verification reports shall include findings related to funded BSL coverage, project area alignment, reported deployment or service availability, location-level reporting completeness, and whether the reviewed data is sufficient to support CPUC and NTIA reporting.

Task 20: NEPA Environmental Compliance Review As directed by the CPUC throughout the duration of the contract the Contractor shall provide National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation review and support environmental compliance oversight for each project. Its estimated there will be 90 projects.

Task 20.1 NEPA Review Reports The Contractor shall review NEPA environmental documentation including review of project descriptions, environmental screening materials, maps, photographs, permitting documentation, consultation records, and analyses prepared to assess potential environmental and historic impacts, to determine whether submissions are complete and consistent with BEAD Program and federal environmental requirements. The Contractor shall prepare a compliance review reports for each project which shall include the project, documentation received, review findings, completeness determination, identified deficiencies or required revisions, status of environmental review and recommended next steps.

Task 20.2 NEPA Compliance Assistance and Guidance The Contractor shall provide technical assistance and guidance to subgrantees regarding NEPA compliance. This will include summaries of NEPA documentation expectations, environmental review inputs, local agency consultation materials, submission timelines, permitting and approval dependencies, common deficiencies and recommended approaches to support complete and timely NEPA review. The Contractor shall assist subgrantees with tracking approval status, tracking any mitigation or avoidance measures, and management of resulting schedule impacts or delays.

Task 20.3 ESAPTT Coordination The Contractor shall provide ESAPTT coordination including acting as a primary point of contact for ESAPTT-related activities; coordinating collection and submission of required environmental screening inputs; reviewing subgrantee-provided data for completeness and consistency with NEPA and CEQA requirements; supporting completion of environmental screening questionnaires; and tracking status of environmental review, permitting, and associated approvals. ESAPTT can be accessed here: Environmental Screening and Permitting Tracking Tool (ESAPTT) Overview | BroadbandUSA

Task 21: CEQA Environmental Compliance Review As directed by the CPUC throughout the duration of the contract the Contractor shall review California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation and environmental compliance materials submitted by Subgrantees for each project. There will be an estimated 90 projects.

Deliverable 21.1 CEQA Review Reports The Contractor shall review CEQA documentation and environmental compliance materials submitted by Subgrantees, including but not limited to project descriptions, maps, photographs, permit and approval information, environmental screening or exemption materials, Initial Study materials, mitigation or avoidance measures, consultation records, and any other documentation needed to assess consistency with applicable CEQA requirements and CPUC project requirements. The Contractor shall prepare a review report for each project that shall include include the project reviewed, documentation received, review findings, completeness determination, identified deficiencies or required revisions, status of CEQA review, and recommended next steps.

Deliverable 21.2 CEQA Technical Assistance and Guidance The Contractor shall provide technical assistance and guidance to subgrantees regarding CEQA compliance. This will include summaries of CEQA documentation expectations, environmental review inputs, local agency consultation materials, submission timelines, permitting and approval dependencies, common deficiencies and recommended approaches to support complete and timely CEQA review. The Contractor shall assist subgrantees with tracking approval status, tracking any mitigation or avoidance measures, and management of resulting schedule impacts or delays.

Task 22: Deployment Activation and Project Closeout Review As needed the Contactor shall conduct site visits and review documentation to assess project completion. There is expected to be 90 projects.

Deliverable 22.1 Documentation Review The Contractor shall perform documentation review supporting project closeout, including a review of final reports, as-built documentation, performance testing results, milestone completion materials, reimbursement request materials, expenditure and match documentation, and required environmental, permitting, or compliance records.

Deliverable 22.2 Conduct Technical Field Verification of Completion

The Contractor shall conduct a technical field verification of completion for each project, including confirmation that deployed infrastructure, network activation, service availability, and related as-built or testing documentation are consistent with approved project materials and reported milestone completion.

Deliverable 22.3 Project Closeout Report Based on the documentation review and technical field verification the Contractor shall prepare a project closeout report documenting if a project is fully complete or if there are any deficiencies or missing items, corrective actions or curing needed.

Task 23: Post-Award Scope Changes As directed by the State and following Final…