RFP-2_25NS1040_CPED_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 25NS1040

For:

Statewide Access Fund Administrator

August 20, 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 CPUC seeks a Contractor to administer the CPUC’s Access for All Program in the geographic areas not currently served by a Local Access Fund Administrator to incentivize the expansion and availability of on-demand wheelchair accessible vehicle transportation service for people with disabilities statewide.

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.

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 October 1, 2026 by 10:00AM Pacific Time.

Total proposal cost must not exceed $1,342,428.73. Proposals exceding this amount will be automatically disqualified.

CPUC Point of Contact:

Daniela Isquierdo

Daniela.Isquierdo@cpuc.ca.gov 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 mailto:Daniela.Isquierdo@cpuc.ca.gov

California Public Utilities Commission RFP Number 25NS1040

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

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. Background and Introduction

The California Public Utilities Commission (hereinafter referred to as the CPUC or Commission) regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. The essential services regulated include electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies.

The CPUC created the transportation network company (TNC) Access for All Program to implement Senate Bill (SB) 1376 (Hill: 2018), which directed the CPUC to establish a program to increase accessibility of TNC services for persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users who need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV). SB 1376 authorized the CPUC to implement the Access for All program from January 1, 2019 until January 1, 2026. On October 1, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1532 into law, which authorizes the CPUC to continue implementing the Access for All program for another six years, until January 1, 2032.

The purpose of the TNC Access for All Program is to incentivize the expansion and availability of on-demand transportation service for people with disabilities statewide. The Access for All Program provides two mechanisms to meet the statute’s overall goal of expanding and improving on-demand WAV transportation service in California: one through TNCs’ investments, and the other through local Access Providers. In the first mechanism, TNCs make investments to expand or improve on-demand WAV service in each county or geographic area. In return, the TNCs can file “offset requests” with the CPUC to keep some of the Access Fee revenue they collect, equal to the amount they invest in WAV service in a particular county in a particular quarter, so long as the WAV service meets performance requirements set by the CPUC. This part of the Program is already being implemented.

In the second mechanism, the CPUC sets aside the remaining money (i.e., the money not claimed by TNCs in the offset process) in a fund called the Access Fund. These funds can then be distributed to local Access Providers through “Access Fund Administrators” (AFAs).

Consistent with CPUC Decision (D.) 21-03-005, this term is used to generally refer to both the Local Access Fund Administrators (LAFAs) and the Statewide Access Fund Administrator (SAFA) or the Contractor. AFAs assist CPUC’s Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division (CPED) staff by administering the local WAV program, and by contracting with and obligating available funds to eligible Access Providers. Access Providers are organizations or entities that directly provide, or contract with a separate organization or entity to provide on-demand transportation to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, including individuals who need access to a WAV.

The CPUC has decided that local transportation planning agencies (Metropolitan Planning Organizations; Regional Transportation Planning Agencies; County Transportation Commissions;

and Local Transit Agencies) are best suited to administer the Access Fund at the local level.1 The CPUC recognizes that transit agencies in areas with available funds may choose not to apply or may not qualify to be an AFA, or that selected transit agencies will not cover all geographic areas of the State. Therefore, the CPUC set forth a parallel process for CPUC staff to solicit and retain an independent entity to act as a Statewide Access Fund Administrator in order to serve as the AFA in geographic areas where there is no selected AFA.2 The SAFA may be a private or non-profit entity, or another California State agency.

On February 10, 2025 the SAFA contract was executed and awarded to GCAP Services, Inc. for Funding Year 2026 (funding cycle 5) utilizing remaining Access Funds from Cycles 1-4 in geographic areas where no LAFA was selected.

On June 26, 2025, CPUC Resolution TL-19154 approved fifteen LAFAs for Funding Year 2025- 2026 (Cycle 5) to administer the TNC Access for All Program locally for their respective county or counties:

i. Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda)

ii. Contra Costa Transportation Authority (Contra Costa)

iii. Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno)

iv. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Los Angeles)

v. Redding Area Bus Authority (Shasta)

vi. Sacramento Regional Transit District (Sacramento)

vii. San Diego Association of Governments (San Diego)

viii. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (San Francisco)

ix. San Joaquin Regional Transit District (San Joaquin)

x. San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (San Luis Obispo)

xi. Santa Barbara County Association of Government (Santa Barbara)

xii. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (Santa Cruz)

xiii. Solano Transportation Authority (Solano)

xiv. Transportation Agency for Monterey County (Monterey)

xv. Ventura County Transportation Commission (Ventura)

On July 2, 2026, CPUC Resolution TL-19157 approved seventeen LAFAs for Funding Year 2026- 2027 (Cycle 6) to administer the TNC Access for All Program locally for their respective county or counties. Redding Area Bus Authority was approved, however has since rescinded their LAFA status and will seek to become an Access Provider in their county instead:

i. Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda)

ii. Contra Costa Transportation Authority (Contra Costa)

iii. Fresno Council of Governments (Fresno)

iv. Kern Council of Governments (Kern)

v. Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Los Angeles)

vi. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Marin)

vii. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Napa)

viii. Sacramento Regional Transit District (Sacramento)

ix. San Diego Association of Governments (San Diego)

1 See D.21-03-005 (http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/SearchRes.aspx?docformat=ALL&DocID=329472459).

2 Section 5440.5(3)(c) http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/SearchRes.aspx?docformat=ALL&DocID=329472459 http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/SearchRes.aspx?docformat=ALL&DocID=329472459

x. San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (San Francisco)

xi. San Joaquin Regional Transit District (San Joaquin)

xii. San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (San Luis Obispo)

xiii. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (San Mateo)

xiv. Santa Barbara County Association of Government (Santa Barbara)

xv. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Santa Clara)

xvi. Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (Santa Cruz)

xvii. Solano Transportation Authority (Solano)

xviii. Metropolitan Transportation Commission (Sonoma)

xix. Transportation Agency for Monterey County (Monterey)

xx. Ventura County Transportation Commission (Ventura)

Although counties served by a LAFA may vary every year, as of July 3, 2026, 38 counties have yet to be served.

The selected SAFA will administer the Access for All program in the remaining geographic area(s) not already served by the LAFA for Cycle 6 funding. Specifically, pursuant to D.20-03-007 Ordering Paragraph 30, “The Consumer Protection and Enforcement Division is authorized to begin soliciting and selecting one or more independent entities to: (1) serve as a Statewide Access Fund Administrator in geographic areas where no Access Fund administrator is designated, (2) assist with the completion of the 2024 report to the Legislature3.” For guiding principles for both LAFA and SAFA, you can access the Program and Overview Requirements on the CPUC website here.

2. Statement of Work

3 The task of preparing the report to the Legislature was completed by CPUC staff and will not be within the scope of work for the SAFA.

https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-access-for-all-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-fund-administrator

The Contractor’s primary role as the SAFA is to administer the Access for All Program in the geographic areas not currently served by a LAFA. Similar to the LAFA, Decision D.20-03-007 tasks the SAFA with developing local WAV programs by contracting with and obligating available funds to eligible Access Providers in accordance with criteria adopted by the CPUC. The responsibilities of a Statewide Access Fund Administrator are as follows:

a) Establish a process for Access Provider solicitation

b) Select Access Providers to receive Access Fund moneys based on criteria adopted by the

CPUC

c) Obligate available Access Fund moneys to selected Access Providers

d) Submit a consolidated report quarterly to the CPUC in a format and timeline specified by

CPED with individual reports prepared by Access Providers

e) Submit annual and other quarterly reports as required by the CPUC to ensure that progress is made toward the broader goals and objectives of the program, SB 1376, and AB 1532.

f) Assist CPED with multiple progress reports directed by the CPUC including Annual

Benchmark reports:

• A study on the demand for on-demand WAVs, including demand according to time of day and geographic area

• An analysis of the quarterly reports required to be submitted by Access Providers receiving funding

• An analysis of the availability of unallocated funds in the Access Fund, including recommendations on the need to reassess Access Fund allocations

g) Assist CPED to conduct surveys of program awareness in all counties

The table below represents the major milestones and reporting schedule during the contract term.

SAFA Program Schedule: Due Date Kick Off meeting TBD SAFA selects Access Providers (APs) July 1, 2027 SAFA receives funds for Access Providers from CPUC September 1, 2027 Access Provider receives Access Funds from SAFA September 30, 2027 Access Funds liquidated by Access Providers June 30, 2028 SAFA Needs Assessment Due August 30, 2028 Project Close-out meeting to present Assessment Report September 15, 2028 Contract ends September 30, 2028 Reporting Schedule*:

SAFA Report to CPUC administrative costs, progress of engagement with disability communities and Progress of Access Provider Solicitation (45 days end of each quarter)

May 15, 2027 August 14, 2027

Q1 AP Q1 27/28 report due to SAFA (30 days after end of each quarter) October 30, 2027

SAFA report to CPUC administrative costs, progress of engagement with disability communities, and Access Provider Solicitation (45 days end of each quarter)

Q1 27/28 Consolidated report due to CPUC (45 days end of each quarter) Progress and amount of Access Funds used by APs (Quarterly) November 14, 2027

Q2 AP Q2 27/28 report due to SAFA (30 days after end of each quarter) January 30, 2028

Q2 27/28 Consolidated report due to CPUC (45 days end of each quarter) Progress and amount of Access Funds used by APs (Quarterly) February 14, 2028

Q3 AP Q3 27/28 report due to SAFA (30 days after end of each quarter) April 30, 2028 communities and Access Provider Solicitation (45 days end of each quarter)

Q3 2027 Consolidated report due to CPUC (45 days end of each quarter) Progress and amount of Access Funds used by APs (Quarterly) May 15, 2028

Q4 AP Q4 27/28 report due to SAFA (30 days after end of each quarter) July 30, 2028 Report to CPUC administrative costs, progress of engagement with disability

Q4 27/28 Consolidated report due to CPUC (45 days end of each quarter) Progress and amount of Access Funds used by APs (Quarterly) August 14, 2028 Program progress report and self-assessment (Annually)

Report to CPUC unobligated funds (Annually)

Process and outcome of solicitation of Access Providers and SAFA information (Annually)

August 30, 2028

* Reports must be submitted via email to tncaccess@cpuc.ca.gov

3. Tasks and Deliverables

The following tables identify the deliverables and objectives to be completed by the Contractor and delivered to the CPUC.

Task 1: Develop a Project Work Plan

The Contractor shall develop a work plan to establish a process for Access Provider Solicitation and that addresses the requirements in this Scope of Work.

The Work Plan must establish a clear and effective methodology to track and verify all terms, requirements, and conditions that Access Providers are required to meet under D.20-03-007.

The Work Plan must include strategies and methodologies to successfully meet and complete Tasks 2 - 10.

Deliverable 1a Draft Work Plan

The Contractor shall draft Project Work Plan which must contain, but is not limited to, a list of resources, roles and responsibilities of each team member, Gantt chart with milestones and goals, and identified constraints in Access Provider solicitation. This will consist of a revision of the Project Work Plan included in the RFP response. The Contractor must provide the draft Project Work Plan in PDF format.

Deliverable 1b Final Work Plan

The Contractor shall provide a Final Work Plan. The Final Work Plan must be provided in PDF format.

Task 2: Quarterly Report on Progress of Access Provider Solicitation mailto:tncaccess@cpuc.ca.gov

D.20-03-007, Ordering Paragraph 31(e) orders the Statewide Access Fund Administrator to submit on a quarterly basis: (1) the amount of Access Funds requested by and distributed to Access Providers in a quarter, and (2) a brief description of the progress made by selected Access Providers, and any compliance or other challenges encountered. The Contractor shall submit an electronic version of the quarterly report in Microsoft Word to the CPUC Contract Manager and/or designated CPED staff 45 days after the end of each quarter. A template will be made available by CPED staff.

Deliverable 2a SAFA Quarterly Reports

SAFA quarterly report must be submitted by the Contractor 45 days after the end of each quarter by 5PM (PST). Provide in PDF format with supplemental CSV or XLSX files to communicate data, which may include, but are not limited to, outreach results, administrative expenditures, and funding allocation.

This deliverable shall include the following:

i. Progress of Access Provider Solicitation. Provide a detailed description of the progress in soliciting Access Providers in each quarter. Include at minimum responses to the following questions in your response:

a. Have you begun engaging with eligible Access Providers? If so, what types of engagements have you conducted?

b. What is your sense of the availability of eligible and interested Access Providers in each county?

c. Have you started developing the Access Provider solicitation and / or proposal / application requirements? If so, how do you plan to evaluate proposals / applications from interested Access Providers?

d. What other additional information regarding Access Provider solicitation to share?

e. The Contractor is encouraged to consult with Local Metropolitan Planning

Organizations, Regional Transit Planning Agencies, County Transportation Commissions, and Local Transit Agencies for a list of potential eligible Access Providers in their respective counties.

ii. Progress of Engagement with Disability Communities. The Contractor must make a good faith effort to reach out to the local disability communities in the areas in which they aim to provide service to get their input in the planning process of the Statewide Administrator’s local programs. The CPUC acknowledges that the Statewide Access Fund Administrator, with the help of MPOs, RTPAs, CTCs, and Local Transit Agencies, know their local market best, including its constituents and the relevant stakeholders, and encourages the Statewide Access Fund Administrator consult with them to inform the development and implementation of the local Access Fund-funded WAV programs. The list of stakeholder constituencies is listed in the statute (see California Public Utilities Code section 5440.5 (a)(1)(A)).

In the SAFA quarterly report, provide a detailed description of any engagement that has been conducted in each quarter with the disability community regarding the TNC Access for All program. Include at minimum responses to the following questions in your response:

a. Which disability groups or community leaders have you engaged with?

b. What methods or formats were used to engage with these groups (e.g., emails, phone calls, in-person meetings)?

i. How many of each type of engagement was conducted?

c. What were the outcomes of these engagements?

d. Provide any other outreach that was done to promote the program, if any.

e. Is there additional information regarding engagement with disability communities to share?

iii. Track and report administrative expenditures incurred each quarter: D.21-03-005 defines administrative costs as “indirect overhead costs attributable to a project, per generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and the direct cost of complying with Commission administrative and regulatory requirements related to the grant itself.”

In the SAFA quarterly report, the Contractor is required to track and report administrative expenditures incurred each quarter and by county. The Contractor must track the administrative cost allocation and its administrative expenditures separately from the funding allocation and its expenditures for Access Providers’ services. In addition, the Contractor must also report the amount of administrative funds remaining for each quarter and by county.

iv. Track and report funding allocation and its expenditures for Access Providers’ services.

v. Challenges or other information to report: Describe any challenges to fulfilling the role as a Statewide Administrator on a quarterly basis. In addition, the Contractor shall provide any other additional information CPUC should be made aware of with regards to any challenges in development and implementation of the Access Program.

Task 3: Develop Access Provider Solicitation Process

The Contractor shall establish a solicitation process for Access Providers, including submission logistics, deadlines, and evaluation criteria.

The Contractor is encouraged to consult with Local Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Regional Transit Planning Agencies, County Transportation Commissions, and Local Transit Agencies to understand the demand for and supply of WAV services in the respective counties during the solicitation process. The Contractor is also encouraged to execute a comprehensive, state-wide outreach strategy that strengthens engagement with potential Access Providers and public entities to foster long-term partnerships.

Deliverable 3a Draft Request for Proposal

The Contractor shall submit an electronic version of the draft Request for Proposals or Call for Projects to the CPUC Contract Manager and/or designated CPED staff for review and approval.

The draft must be provided in PDF and Word format.

Access Provider Eligibility

Per Decision D.21-03-005 and D.21-11-004, for the purposes of the Access for All Program, the CPUC identifies eligible Access Providers as “transportation carrier[s] that hold a CPUC-issued permit prior to applying to be an Access Provider” or “a non-permitted transportation carrier may be eligible to apply as an Access Provider if the carrier provides documentation” that demonstrates the following:

i. Background checks: Carriers must perform background checks that meet or exceed what is required of TNCs under the TNC Applications Form.4

ii. Insurance: Carriers must have levels of insurance equivalent to or higher than to what is required of charter-party carriers under General Order 115.5

iii. Controlled substance and alcohol testing: Carriers must be enrolled in a controlled substance and alcohol testing program.

iv. Secretary of State registration: Carriers must have their articles of incorporation filed with the Secretary of State.

v. Motor Carrier Profile with California Highway Patrol (CHP): Carriers must complete the CHP 362 Motor Carrier Profile and obtain a CA Number from the CHP.6

An approved non-permitted carrier shall submit a declaration to the Contractor affirming compliance with each of the requirements and that each requirement is in effect during the term the carrier operates as an Access Provider.7

Further, Access Providers must meet the following conditions:

i. Directly provides, or contracts with a separate organization or entity to provide, on-demand WAV transportation to meet the needs of persons with disabilities.

ii. “On-demand WAV transportation” means any transportation service that does not follow a fixed route and/or schedule.

TNCs applying as Access Providers must attest to meeting the eligibility requirements to apply as an Access Provider. The attestation must be included with their application. The attestation can be downloaded from the CPUC Website under “Reporting Templates.”8

Access Provider Application Requirements

At minimum, Access Providers need to demonstrate in their application how the proposed program or partnership will improve the following:

i. Response times for WAV service compared to the previous year and/or status quo in that county

ii. The presence and availability of WAVs within the geographic area

iii. Effort undertaken to publicize and promote available WAV service to disability communities

4 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/files/uploadedfiles/cpuc_public_website/content/licensing/transportation_network_companies/basicinfo rmationfortncs.pdf 5 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/proceedings-and-rulemaking/cpuc-general-orders 6 https://www.chp.ca.gov/CommercialVehicleSectionSite/Documents/H%20chp362.pdf 7 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider 8 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/files/uploadedfiles/cpuc_public_website/content/licensing/transportation_network_companies/basicinformationfortncs.pdf https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/files/uploadedfiles/cpuc_public_website/content/licensing/transportation_network_companies/basicinformationfortncs.pdf https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/files/uploadedfiles/cpuc_public_website/content/licensing/transportation_network_companies/basicinformationfortncs.pdf https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/proceedings-and-rulemaking/cpuc-general-orders https://www.chp.ca.gov/CommercialVehicleSectionSite/Documents/H%20chp362.pdf https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider

To satisfy the minimum requirements, Access Providers shall provide the following specific information as part of their application/proposal for funding (CPUC will provide application/proposal templates):9

i. WAV Information: Part 1 (optional for first-year applicants, as funds may be required to acquire and begin WAV service)

a. Number of WAVs in operation – by quarter and aggregated by hour of the day and day of the week

b. Number and percentage of WAV trips completed, not accepted, cancelled by passenger, cancelled due to passenger no-show, and cancelled by driver – by quarter and aggregated by hour of the day and day of the week. For WAV trips completed, Access Providers shall have the option to demonstrate an increase in the number of trips completed or an increase in the percent of trips completed.

c. Completed WAV trip request response times, as well as Period A (time elapsed from when a trip is requested until the trip is accepted), and Period B (time elapsed from when a trip is accepted until the vehicle arrives) in deciles by quarter. This also includes a report of the 75th percentile response times, specifically, for that quarter.

d. Evidence of outreach efforts to publicize and promote available WAV services to disability communities, which may include a list of partners from disability communities, how the partnership promoted WAV services, and marketing and promotional materials of those activities.

ii. WAV Information: Part 2 (required if first year applicants can’t provide part 1)

a. Narrative and justification of expected number of WAVs in operation during the first year.

b. Outline of planned outreach efforts to publicize and promote available WAV services to disability communities, which may include a list of partners from disability communities, how the partnership promoted WAV services, and marketing and promotional materials for those activities.

iii. Safety, Training, and Insurance Information

a. Certification that the Access Provider’s WAV drivers have completed WAV driver training within the past three years.

b. Report of WAV driver training programs used and number of WAV drivers that completed the training in the prior year.

c. Certification that all WAVs operating on an Access Provider’s platform have been inspected and approved to conform with the ADA Accessibility Specifications for Transportation vehicles within the past year.

d. Number of complaints received related to WAV drivers or WAV services, categorized as follows: securement issue, driving training, vehicle safety and comfort, service animal issue, stranded passenger, and other.

e. Access Providers must place the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) on the following locations on a WAV: passenger side door (below door handle) and rear of vehicle (right side above bumper).

f. A signed Safety Protocol Declaration Form.

iv. Financial Information

a. Estimated income (categorized by passenger revenue; other revenue; and total grants, donations, and subsidy from other agency funds).

9 See D.21-11-004.

https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M421/K765/421765844.PDF

b. Estimated expenses (categorized by wages, salaries, and benefits; maintenance and repair; fuels; casualty and liability insurance; administrative and general expense;

other expenses; contract services).

c. Funding sources: list and explain all current and secured future sources of operating revenue, including revenue from grants, donations, and local fundraising projects that will be used to fund the Program, for the prior, current, and budget year.

v. Project Description

a. What type of WAV-related expenses are requested and a breakdown of associated costs – for example, a proposed improvement in an existing on-demand WAV service that involves the purchase of new WAVs is an eligible type of project under the “Vehicle Costs” category. For this proposal, the applicant shall describe the type and quantity of WAVs to be purchased.

b. How it will increase WAV availability – provide an estimate of hourly number of available WAVs resulting from the proposed improvement.

c. How it will improve response times – provide an estimate of the improvement in response times (in the example above, what is the expected change in response times with the addition of new WAVs?). At a minimum, the estimates should work toward demonstrating improvement from the previous quarter throughout the one-year funding cycle.

d. How the Access Provider will engage the disability communities and market the new service – provide an outreach plan that details how the Access Provider would increase awareness about its on-demand WAV service within its service area.

Deliverable 3b Final Request for Proposal

The Contractor shall provide a Final Request for Proposal or Call for Projects. The Final Request for Proposal must be in PDF format.

Task 4: Access Provider Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

In D.20-03-007, the CPUC decided for counties where there is no selected Local Access Fund Administrator (LAFA) that the SAFA (Contractor) “shall distribute funds in the Access Fund on a competitive basis to Access Providers that establish on-demand transportation programs or partnerships to meet the needs of persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users who need a

WAV.”

To fulfill this requirement, the Contractor must develop evaluation criteria and a selection process to ensure competitiveness and consistent evaluation.

Deliverable 4a Draft Evaluation Criteria and Selection Process

The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the draft evaluation criteria to the CPUC Contract Manager for review and approval. Provide in PDF format.

Evaluation Criteria

This evaluation criteria should include a point system that, at minimum, allows evaluators to assess:

i. Application completeness and soundness

ii. Applicant capacity to offer on-demand WAV transportation that can be requested and fulfilled within 24 hours

a. If there are no applicants who can provide such on-demand service, the Contractor can accept applications from other providers so long as those providers’ services do not follow a fixed-route or schedule. If there are remaining funds after the Contractor has approved funding for on-demand providers, then the Contractor may distribute those funds to WAV providers that do not meet the on-demand criteria.

iii. Ability of applicant to improve response times for WAV service compared to the previous year and/or status quo

a. Response time is defined as the time between when a WAV ride was requested and when the vehicle arrived

iv. Ability of applicant to improve presence and availability of WAVs within the geographic area compared to the previous year and/or status quo

a. Presence and availability refer to the number of WAVs in operation by quarter and aggregated by hour of the day and day of the week

v. Evidence of efforts to publicize and promote WAV services to disability communities and/or an outreach plan for future engagement

a. Evidence of outreach efforts may include: a list of partners from disability communities, how the partnership promoted WAV services, and marketing or promotional materials of those activities (e.g. social media, website, in-person events)

Selection Process

The Contractor shall develop and provide in a word document a selection process for selecting the Access Provider(s) from the applications received (i.e., who and how many will score the applicants;

how and when will the Access Provider(s) be notified of their selection/denial). The Contractor shall select the Access Provider(s) based on the point system developed.

Deliverable 4b Final Evaluation Criteria

The Contractor shall submit a finalized electronic copy of the evaluation criteria to the CPUC Contract Manager prior to releasing the RFP/Call for Projects. Provide in PDF format.

Deliverable 4c List of Approved Access Providers

The Contractor shall provide a list of Access Providers that were selected by the Contractor to the CPUC Contract Manager within 30 days after the Access Providers are selected. Provide this list in PDF format.

Task 5: Obligate and Transfer Funds to Access Provider

The Contractor shall liquidate moneys (i.e., transfer all applicable funding to the Access Provider) based on generally accepted accounting principles to ensure funds are used in accordance with the conditions and restrictions adopted under the Program. Funds shall be liquidated by June 30, 2028 each calendar year—one year from when funds are obligated to the Access Provider. If the funds cannot be liquidated within one year from when the funds are obligated, the Contractor must provide an explanation in the quarterly report under “challenges/additional information” explaining why the requirement can’t be fulfilled and provide a timeline of when the funds are expected to be liquidated. In addition, the Contractor must ensure that the following are in place before liquidating funds and retained for duration of the program for purpose of program audits:

i. Funding agreement or contract with the Access Provider referencing the Program Requirements and specifying the scope of work, schedule, and financial agreement.

ii. Documented process for verifying Access Provider expenses

Deliverable 5a Draft Access Provider Agreement

Develop an agreement or contract with the Access Provider referencing the Program Requirements and specifying the scope of work, schedule, and financial agreement. The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the draft template.

Deliverable 5b Draft Process for selected Access Providers to Receive Access Funds

The Contractor must develop a process for selected Access Providers to receive Access Funds. The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the draft process to the CPUC Contract Manager in PDF format for review and approval prior to any money transfer.

Task 6: Provide Consolidated Quarterly Access Provider Report

D.20-03-007, ordering paragraph 31(d) orders the Statewide Access Fund Administrator to submit a consolidated Quarterly Report to the CPUC Contract Manager based on Quarterly Reports submitted by Access Providers that received Access Fund moneys in each geographic area. The Contractor shall consolidate the data into a quarterly report with data reported by county and Access Provider and submit it to CPUC staff to inform whether changes to the program or status of the Access Providers are necessary. To the extent that any information submitted is claimed to be confidential, the Access Provider must provide a public redacted version, in addition to the confidential version, and comply with the confidentiality requirements in CPUC General Order 66- D, including providing the requisite confidentiality declaration to the CPUC Contract Manager. The Contractor shall develop a process to collect the required data from Access Providers within 30 days after the end of each quarter.

It is the responsibility of the Contractor to review quarterly performance provided by the Access Providers and to determine whether performance is satisfactory or whether there is a pattern of non-compliance with the standards established by the CPUC. CPUC Contract Manager will make the determination whether non-compliant Access Providers shall be suspended or disqualified from receiving future funds.

*D.20-03-007 provides that some of the required information may be inapplicable or unavailable at the time of the application as some of the Access Providers might be offering newer services. The applicant should explain why the information is unavailable or not applicable, but the applicant should not be disqualified for being unable to provide the information.

Deliverable 6a Consolidated Access Provider Quarterly Report

The Contractor shall consolidate the data into an Access Provider quarterly report and submit an electronic version in the recommended format to the CPUC Contract Manager. The Consolidated Access Provider Report will be due on or before COB 5 PM (PST) 45 days after the end of each quarter. The report should be in PDF format with supplementary CSV or XLSX files as needed to report data concisely.

This deliverable shall include the following from the Contractor, reported by county and Access Provider (a report template will be provided by CPUC):10

i. Number of WAVs in Operation* (CSV)

ii. Number and percentage of WAV trips completed, not accepted, cancelled by passenger, cancelled due to passenger no-show, and cancelled by driver* (CSV)

iii. Completed WAV trip request response times* (CSV)

iv. Trip Completion Rate* (CSV)

v. Evidence of outreach* (CSV and PDF)

vi. Report of WAV driver Training Programs (CSV)

vii. Number of complaints (CSV)

viii. Funds Expended (CSV)

ix. Contract Information (CSV)

x. Signed Safety Protocol Declaration Form (PDF)

*D.20-03-007 provides that some of the required information may be inapplicable or unavailable at the time of the application as some of the Access Providers might be offering newer services. The applicant should explain why the information is unavailable or not applicable, but the applicant should not be disqualified for being unable to provide the information.

Task 7: Website

Contractor shall develop and maintain a webpage.

Deliverable 7a Develop, Update,Maintain Website, and Communications

The Contractor will provide a mockup of the webpage via email to CPUC Contract Manager for review and approval before the webpage goes live. The final website link must be emailed to CPUC Contract Manager by September 30, 2027 or 90 days after the obligation of funds to Access Provider(s), whichever is earlier.

The webpage shall include at minimum, but not limited to, the following information:

i. Information on SB 1376 and AB 1532

ii. Eligibility requirements for Access Providers

iii. Access Provider Application Process including deadlines

iv. Link to CPUC’s Access for All Program website (www.cpuc.ca.gov/tncaccess/)

v. List of approved Access Providers by county including contact information and website links for each (updated as needed) All substantive information and functionality must be approved by the CPUC before posting to this website.

10 https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/tncaccess/ https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies/tnc-accessibility-for-persons-with-disabilities-program/tnc---access-for-all-program-access-provider

The Contractor shall identify and develop content for public dissemination on the CPUC’s Website about interim and final findings of the evaluation.

Task 8: Self-Assessment Report

The Contractor is required to submit a self-assessment describing their program’s progress, including its process to solicit Access Providers, any challenges faced, including the type of Access Providers that apply for funding and the number of applicants who applied for each county and were approved during each funding year.

Deliverable 8a Self-Assessment Report

The Contractor shall submit an electronic version of the self-assessment report in Microsoft Word and PDF to the CPUC Contract Manager, due on or before 5 PM (PST) 60 days after the liquidation of funds of the Access Provider (no later than August 30, 2028).

Task 9: Customer Surveys

The Contractor shall work with their contracted Access Providers to conduct surveys of Access for All WAV users to evaluate the success of the program. The purpose of these surveys is to gather program information useful to the Contractor’s implementation and the CPUC’s management of the Access for All Program. The Contractor shall work with the CPUC Contract Manager to ensure that survey design meets the needs of the CPUC and the Contractor and can be readily carried out by the Contractor. Survey questions may address a variety of types of information, including but not limited to, demographics, ethnicity, how the person learned about the program, etc. All survey questions or interview scripts shall require the written approval of the CPUC Contract Manager.

Deliverable 9a Develop and Disseminate Survey

The Contractor will develop and disseminate surveys to the public to gather information on the awareness, benefits, and barriers to access the Access for All Program. The Contractor shall submit an electronic copy of the draft survey in PDF and interactive formats to the CPUC Contract Manager for review and approval prior to dissemination.

Deliverable 9b Report Summarizing Results of Survey

The Contractor shall submit an electronic version of the report summarizing the results of the survey in Microsoft Word and PDF to the CPUC Contract Manager.

Task 10: Meetings and Communications

The Contractor will be responsible for taking meeting minutes for all CPUC and external meetings and maintaining the documentation in the designated CPUC document repository.

Deliverable 10a Meetings: Attend 1 Kickoff Meeting

The Contractor will attend an in-person or virtual kickoff meeting with representatives from CPUC.

At minimum Key Staff present shall include CPUC’s Contract Manager, CPUC’s Contract

Manager’s Supervisor, the Contractor’s Contract Manager, Project Manager, and Supervisor/Lead Staff. The Contractor may include additional key personnel positions, if necessary.

Meeting agenda will include but is not limited to the following: Introductions; About CPUC;

Program Background; SAFA Roles and Responsibilities; Deliverables and Timelines; Meetings; and Next Steps.

Deliverable 10b Meetings: Attend Monthly Check-In Meetings with CPUC and Local Access Fund Administrators

The Contractor will attend monthly virtual check-in meetings with CPUC Contract Manager, other CPUC staff, and Local Access Fund Administrators.

Deliverable 10c Meetings: Facilitate and Attend Monthly Meetings for Access Provider Status Updates

The Contractor will facilitate monthly virtual meetings with CPUC Contract Manager and other CPUC staff for status updates regarding Access Provider Solicitation and implementation.

The Contractor shall provide CPUC with a summary of the issues discussed during the meetings with Access Providers regarding updates on Solicitation and program implementation.

The Contractor will maintain adequate and timely communication with the CPUC Contract Manager at all times to discuss issues or concerns regarding the Contract and/or work activities in performing the objectives. At a minimum, the Contractor will meet with a representative from CPUC, once a month, to update CPUC on work performed, deliverables achieved, and changes in expectations for deliverables.

The Contractor shall provide an itemized progress report on a monthly basis, in either Word or PDF format, detailing which deliverables and/or tasks were completed and how. The Contractor should include the hours spent on the following deliverables and/or tasks, resources used, and any difficulties involved in implementing the Contractor’s work plan. This itemized progress report will be presented to CPED three days prior to a scheduled meeting, including an agenda, orchestrated by the Contractor to discuss progress as well. The Contract Manager will review and, if complete, will accept and approve the work prior to invoicing.

Deliverable 10d Meetings: Facilitate Ad Hoc Meetings

The Contractor may be requested to facilitate ad hoc meetings with disability organizations or other agencies.

The Contractor shall provide CPUC with a summary of the issues discussed during the ad hoc meetings regarding updates on Solicitation and program implementation.

The Contractor shall provide CPUC with a summary of the issues discussed during the ad hoc meetings in addition to meetings with Access Providers regarding updates on Solicitation and program implementation.

Deliverable 10e Communications: Communications and Meeting Log (Including Preparations)

The Contractor will develop and retain a detailed Communications and Meetings Logs describing when the Contractor participated and gathered with CPUC and Access Providers. The Logs must be provided to the CPUC Contract Manager monthly along with the invoices to both the Contractor and CPUC. Individual logs must be developed for CPUC and external meetings.

The Logs must include:

i. Information on meeting activities.

ii. The date

iii. Time

iv. Attendees

v. Duration

vi. Summary of discussion

vii. Action items pending and completed

Due five (5) business days after the end of each month.

Deliverable 10f Communications: Maintain Timely Communications with the APs on an as-needed basis

The Contractor will maintain adequate and timely communications with the Access Providers to discuss issues or concerns regarding the program on an as-needed basis.

Deliverable 10g Project Close-Out Meeting (required only once at term end)

The contractor shall conduct a project close-out meeting at project conclusion, at which the Self- Assessment Report will be presented. At minimum Key Staff present shall include CPUC’s Contract Manager, CPUC’s Contract Manager’s Supervisor, the Contractor’s Contract Manager, Project Manager, and Supervisor/Lead Staff. The Contractor may include additional key personnel positions, if necessary.

4. Contractor Requirements

a) Contractor will take into account any edits or comments related to draft deliverables and incorporate into the final version of those deliverables.

b) The Contractor is responsible for providing all staff necessary to fulfill the services and requirements defined in this SOW. The Contractor is responsible for employing an approach for staff management that facilitates a productive working relationship with CPUC staff, Local Access Fund Administrators, Access Providers, Disability Communities, and the Local County Transportation Agencies. The Contractor’s staff will proactively coordinate and work collaboratively with the CPUC. The Contractor’s staff are considered employees of the Contractor and are not CPUC or State employees.

c) The Contractor is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising staff dedicated to the performance of SAFA tasks, including but not limited to: project management, information management, authorized procurement of…