RFP_25RD005_Brake-Wear_Emissions_from_Zero-Emission_Vehicles.pdf

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (SECONDARY METHOD)

Notice to Prospective Proposers RFP No. 25RD005

March 10, 2026

You are invited to review and respond to this Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 25RD005, titled, “Measurement and Characterization of Brake-Wear Emissions from Zero-Emission Vehicles”. In submitting your proposal, you must comply with the instructions found herein.

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

https://caleprocure.ca.gov.

The California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) deadline for receipt of proposals is April 13, 2026, no later than 3:00 p.m. PST. All proposals received late will be rejected. File size cannot exceed 50 Mega Bytes (MB). The naming convention of the proposal must be in the following format: “RFP 25RD005 [Insert vendor name] Proposal”. Proposals must be received on or before the date and time specified herein at email addresses provided below:

EMAIL RFP Proposal to:

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: Jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov CC: Aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov

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

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

Contact: Jessie Foust Email: Jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov

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

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/pages/index.aspx https://caleprocure.ca.gov/ mailto:Purchasing@arb.ca.gov mailto:jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov mailto:Aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov mailto:Jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov mailto:Aracely.coria@arb.ca.gov

California Air Resources Board RFP No. 25RD005

Table of Contents

SECTION PAGE

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK 3

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

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION 14

A. RFP Key Action Dates 14 B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements 15 C. General Proposal Requirements 15 D. Submission of Proposals 16 E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals 17 F. Proposer Responsibilities 17 G. Signature 20 H. Disposition of Proposals 20 I. Socio-Economic and Preference Programs 20

III. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (TECHNICAL) 23

A. Technical Proposal Requirements 23

1. Minimum Qualifications 24

2. Title Page 25

3. Cover Letter / Letter of Commitment 25

4. Table of Contents 25

5. Summary 25

6. Minimum Qualifications Response 25

7. Required Attachments 26

8. References 26

9. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 26

10. Subcontracts / Subcontractors 26

11. Technical Portion 27

a. Management Plan 27

b. Methodology (Approach to Work) 28

c. Work Plan and Work Schedule 28

d. Personnel / Experience 29

e. Page Headers and Page Numbering 30

B. Cost Proposal Requirements 30

1. Cost Detail 30

2. Page Headers and Page Numbering 31

IV. EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND AWARD 31

A. Administrative Evaluation (Phase 1) 31 B. Technical Evaluation (Phase 2) 31

1. Scoring Criterion Guidelines 31

2. Cost Points 31

3. Proposal Evaluation Form 33 C. Proposal Rejection 36 D. Selection 36 E. Notice of Proposed Award 37 F. Standard Conditions of Service 37 G. Post Award Requirements 38

ATTACHMENTS

1. Required Attachment Checklist 39

2. Draft Standard Agreement (STD 213) 40

Exhibit A, Scope of Work 41 Exhibit A, Attachment 1 – Technical Proposal 54 Exhibit B, Budget Detail and Payment Provisions 55 Exhibit B, Attachment 1 – Contractor Cost Sheet 56 Exhibit C, General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025) 57 Exhibit D, Special Terms and Conditions 58 Exhibit E, Additional Provisions 65

Exhibit F, Progress Report Template 68 Exhibit G, Final Report Format 69

3. Proposer References Form 78

4. Payee Data Record (STD 204) 79

5. Payee Data Record Supplement (STD 205) 81

6. Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 04/2017) 83

7. California Civil Rights Laws Certification 87

8. Darfur Contracting Act Certification 88

9. Bidder Declaration Form 89

10. CA DVBE Bid Incentive Instructions 91

11. Contractor Cost Sheet 94

12. Detailed Response for Minimum Qualifications 96

13. COVID-19 Prevention Contractor Self-Certification 97

14. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Statement 98

I. PURPOSE / BACKGROUND / SCOPE OF WORK

A. Purpose

This Request for Proposal (RFP) is to solicit competitive proposals from experienced and qualified contractors to measure particulate matter (PM) and gaseous brake-wear emissions for California fleet representative vehicles, characterize the reduction of emissions for Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) compared to conventional technology vehicles, and characterize emission factors, chemical composition, and toxicological effects. The results from this study will be a crucial resource for updating emissions inventories and allow the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to assess the significance of implementing clean transportation programs in reducing brake-wear emissions on the roads and vulnerable communities near roadways.

For a detailed description of the work to be performed, please refer to Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement. No work shall begin until all required signatures and approvals are obtained, and the CARB Contract Manager provides direction.

The contract term shall be for thirty-six (36) months from the actual start date of the Agreement. The total budget for the entire contract is $850,000. Proposals exceeding this amount may be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.

B. Background

California’s clean transportation programs help significantly curb emissions of criteria pollutants, greenhouse gases, and air toxics from mobile sources by transitioning to ZEVs, leaving non-exhaust emissions as the main on-road source of primarily PM emissions. ZEVs equipped with regenerative braking systems benefit from increased energy efficiency and reduced use of traditional friction brakes and their associated PM emissions. However, the benefits vary widely by vehicle type, regenerative braking technologies, and braking system operation configurations. There is a lack of rigorous testing data to comprehensively understand the reduction of brake PM emissions from ZEVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). Additionally, gaseous emissions during braking events have not been comprehensively investigated.

Characterizing both PM and gaseous brake-wear emissions is necessary for understanding their potential adverse health effects and impacts on air quality near roads and in overburdened communities near high traffic areas.

C. Scope of Work

The Contractor will perform the following tasks:

Task 1: Identify Fleet Representative Vehicles, Braking Technologies, and Friction Materials

As vehicle brake parts and vehicle models vary throughout the California fleet, the Contractor will make use of recent vehicle brake market survey results from previous CARB-funded studies (Contract Numbers 17RD008 and 22RD002) and other available resources, like published vehicle databases or conducting a market survey, to identify brake systems, friction material types and their market shares for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles operating in California. The Contractor will identify regenerative brake technologies and friction materials best representing ZEVs, including original equipment suppliers, aftermarket parts, brake pad dimensions, and replacement frequencies. The Contractor will identify several ICEVs to test for comparison with the results of the ZEV tests conducted in this study and the results of ICEV brake-wear emissions tests from previous studies (CARB Contract Number 17RD008 and CALTRANS Contract Number 65A0703).

A minimum of ten light-duty vehicles (LDVs) and six heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) should be selected: six out of ten of those LDVs and four out of six of those HDVs should be ZEVs. Selected vehicles should span over a range of vehicle weights and vocations to best represent California fleets. For all vehicles, only disc brakes should be selected for testing.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, suggested braking technologies, friction materials, and vehicles for laboratory testing.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/long-term-characterization-fine-pm-chemical-composition-san-joaquin-valley https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/characterization-tire-wear-and-brake-wear-pm-emissions-under-road-driving-conditions https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/long-term-characterization-fine-pm-chemical-composition-san-joaquin-valley https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/ca21-3232-final-report-a11y.pdf

Task 2: Review Laboratory Brake-Dynamometer Test Procedures

As brake-wear emissions research efforts expand globally, standardized testing methods and duty cycles are being developed. Additionally, laboratory testing instrumentation and techniques are evolving to produce measurements that are more representative of real-world driving. Therefore, a review of the current state of laboratory brake-dynamometer emission test procedures (e.g., European Brake- Dynamometer Test Standards and California Brake-Dynamometer Test Procedures) and associated data collection procedures (e.g., track testing for braking activity and brake pad temperature data collection) is needed. This review must include an evaluation of existing brake duty cycles and vocation-specific brake-dynamometer schedules for testing disc brakes and identify the limitations of current laboratory test set-up and emissions measurement practice. The review must also include information on any technical details of dynamometer testing of ZEV braking systems and how regenerative braking was incorporated into testing procedures. Measurement gaps in representing on-road braking conditions for both LDVs and HDVs should be discussed. The results from this review will be used to guide braking activity data collection and identification of data gaps for the development of final laboratory brake-dynamometer test procedures that will be performed in Task 3 and Task 4. The Contractor will develop plans for collecting vehicle activity and braking activity data and for finalizing laboratory brake-dynamometer test procedures for Tasks 3 and 4, respectively.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, a report containing a review of current laboratory brake-wear emissions test procedures and plans for the data collection and test procedure development that will guide Tasks 3 and 4. This deliverable must be completed and submitted to CARB before beginning Task 3.

Task 3: Collect Vehicle Activity and Braking Activity Data

Subtask 3a. Collect Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles Braking Activity, Brake Pad Temperatures, and Braking Pressure Data

After reviewing brake-dynamometer test procedures performed under Task 2, the Contractor will collect necessary braking activity, brake-pad temperature, and braking pressure data for ICEVs to fill identified data gaps. The Contractor will instrument vehicles with onboard diagnostic data logging tools or controller area network (CAN) data logging tools to collect brake-specific data, such as brake switch and brake pedal position, with a minimum frequency of one hertz (Hz), but a faster resolution is preferred, such as ten Hz. This data will be used to assess braking frequency and braking duration to inform braking cycle development in Task 4. Real-time measurements of brake pad temperatures and, if feasible, braking pressure will also be collected for this subtask. Vehicles should be operated on paved roads to collect real-time data. The appropriate driving cycles for data collection can be determined from previous activity collection projects and should be made consistent with existing datasets. Real-world driving or driving on a closed test track can be performed as long as the necessary data can be collected.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, raw data that was collected for the selected vehicles that were identified under Task 2.

Subtask 3b. Compile Existing Zero-Emission Vehicle Activity, Braking Activity, and Zero-Emission Vehicle Energy Recuperation Data and Identify Data Gaps

Taking into account specific regenerative braking activity for ZEVs is essential for making representative emissions measurements at a laboratory testing setup. The Contractor will leverage existing EV brake technology and activity data collected during previous and parallel CARB-funded studies (Contract Numbers 22RD002 and 23RD008) for LDVs and HDVs by compiling the braking activity datasets for various zero-emission vehicles equipped with regenerative braking technologies.

CARB will provide the CARB-funded data resources to the Contractor.

Additionally, the Contractor can also make use of other resources, including CARB in-house data, online databases, scientific literature, and technology reviews.

Additionally, the Contractor will compile information regarding vehicle energy recuperation from regenerative braking systems in which the kinetic energy generated from braking is used to recharge the vehicle battery. Using the list of vehicles identified for testing in Task 1, the Contractor will identify vehicles not tested in previous studies and the associated data gaps.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report containing a matrix summarizing existing and needed EV braking activity data. This matrix may be reviewed by CARB and discussed with the Contractor before beginning Task 3d.

Subtask 3c. Characterize Electric Vehicle Braking Modes for Test Vehicles

The Contractor will conduct basic data collection to determine default regenerative braking settings for ZEVs selected in Task 1. If possible, the Contractor will obtain details regarding the intended function of the braking settings and the associated regenerative braking patterns. This information can be obtained from the vehicle manufacturers, other vehicle databases, and CARB contract Number 23RD007.

CARB will provide the CARB-funded data resources to the Contractor. This analysis will serve as a starting point for understanding braking behaviors (e.g., the fraction of vehicle owners using braking modes other than the manufacturer default, and the fraction of time these alternative modes are used) for the California ZEV fleet and will help inform necessary data collection that will be performed in Task 3d and the development of ZEV brake duty cycles in Task 4. If necessary, the data collection plan developed under Task 2 and the identified data gaps under Task 3b will be revisited and updated before beginning Task 3d.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report containing the manufacturer default regenerative braking modes for all zero-emission vehicles selected in Task 1. This deliverable must be completed and submitted before beginning Task 3d.

https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/characterization-tire-wear-and-brake-wear-pm-emissions-under-road-driving-conditions https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/characterization-tire-wear-gaseous-road-vehicles https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/assessment-electric-vehicle-technologies-associated-improving-energy-efficiency-or-reducing-brake

Subtask 3d. Collect Real-Time Vehicle Activity, Energy Recuperation, and Braking Activity Data

The Contractor will collect braking activity data, including braking frequency, duration, intensity, and regenerative versus friction braking activities, to fill data gaps identified in Task 3b using onboard diagnostic or CAN data logging tools while operating EVs on the road. The Contractor will also use these tools to simultaneously collect energy data from the vehicle's battery to measure energy recuperation from regenerative braking and energy use for driving. The appropriate driving cycles for data collection can be determined from previous activity collection projects and should be made consistent with existing datasets.

CARB will provide the CARB-funded data resources to the Contractor. The results of Task 3d should be used to determine the needed regenerative braking settings for each vehicle. Real-world driving is preferred, but driving on a closed test track can be substituted if the necessary activity data can be collected. The minimum time resolution for data collection must be one Hz, but a faster resolution is preferred, such as ten Hz. The Contractor will perform quality control (QC) to ensure completeness of data collection.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report summarizing the findings derived under the Tasks 3b and 3c, and raw data that was collected under Tasks 3a and 3d. This deliverable will be completed and submitted before work can begin on Task 4.

Task 4: Finalize Laboratory Brake-Dynamometer Test Procedures

Subtask 4a. Develop Brake-Dynamometer Test Cycles

The Contractor will produce updated duty cycles for brake-dynamometer testing of zero-emission and conventional LDVs and HDVs, with an emphasis on updating California Brake-Dynamometer Cycle (CBDC), advancing HDV brake-cycle development and incorporating regenerative braking technology for ZEVs.

Updated duty cycles should more accurately represent real-world driving activity and on-road conditions affecting brake-wear emissions such as vehicle speed/acceleration, road geometry, road type, braking intensity/frequency/temperature, etc. Improved LDV brake cycles must build upon existing cycles from CARB studies, other previously established brake-wear testing cycles (CBDC and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure brake-dynameter cycle, etc.) and insight gained from the Task 2 laboratory brake-wear emissions testing review. New HDV brake testing cycles should be developed to address gaps in previous California HDV testing cycles (Caltrans 65A0703) and build upon recent regulatory HDV cycle development efforts from the European Commission. To reflect regenerative braking technologies instrumented in zero-emission vehicles during laboratory testing, the Contractor will adjust braking intensity and friction braking activity for the improved duty cycles by developing a method to incorporate braking activity data collected and summarized in Task 3.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, final brake-dynamometer test cycles.

https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/ca21-3232-final-report-a11y.pdf https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/ca21-3232-final-report-a11y.pdf

Subtask 4b. Design Brake-Wear Emission Testing and Sampling Setup

The Contractor will use a brake-wear testing and sampling system to collect PM and gaseous samples for the following analysis tasks (Tasks 7 and 8). The Contractor will provide detailed information to the CARB Contract Manager regarding the testing and sampling system setup. This will include specifications on the selection of instruments for collecting gravimetric PM samples for the development of emissions factors and speciation/elemental and organic carbon (EC/OC)/toxicology analyses and collecting real-time PM and gaseous samples and particulate number (PN) concentrations and size distributions. The Contractor must outline multiple PM and gaseous sample collection devices, instrumentation connectivity setups, and protocols for data collection. The Contractor should also provide details on the collection of real-time dynamometer operation data, including braking pressure, torque, rotor and brake pad temperatures, and dynamometer speed. A minimum of 10 Hz data collection frequency is preferred for dynamometer data. The Contractor shall review if any sampling setup may require the modification of the final cycles developed under Task 4a before finalizing the test setup design.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report containing the technical details and schematic of the proposed sampling setup.

Subtask 4c. Finalize Laboratory Measurement Protocols

The Contractor shall use the results from Tasks 2 through 4b to finalize the laboratory measurement protocol for this study. All tests should be performed with brand-new brake pads. The brake pad burnish procedure and brake-dynamometer operation parameters, including airflow, temperature control, and braking conditions, should be set as part of the final laboratory measurement protocol. The Contractor shall identify and provide reasoning for modifications from previous measurement protocols and state the knowledge or data gaps that these modifications are intended to address.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report summarizing finalized measurement protocols for CARB to review.

Adjustments to protocols may be requested by CARB and should be remediated before moving on to Task 4d.

Subtask 4d. Conduct Pilot Testing

The Contractor shall conduct pilot tests to ensure the proposed sampling setup, updated duty cycles, and measurement protocols work as intended. The Contractor shall develop a pilot test plan and consult with the CARB Contract Manager before executing the test plan. Pilot test results should show proof of concept of the updated testing cycles, sampling setup, measurement protocols, and help the Contractor design the full testing matrix and analysis plan in Task 5. If the CARB Contract Manager requests, the Contractor must be prepared to reflect CARB’s feedback on the pilot test result by adjusting test cycles, sampling methods, and measurement protocols.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, a report containing the finalized brake-wear testing/sampling system setup and data analysis plans. This subtask should be completed before starting Task 5.

Task 5: Develop Full Testing Matrix and Data Analysis Plan

Subtask 5a. Develop Full Testing Matrix

Using the results from all previous tasks, the Contractor shall design a full testing matrix considering variables such as vehicle types, brake type, and vehicle load.

For this matrix, a minimum of ten LDVs and six HDVs should be included, as identified in Task 1. Six out of those LDVs and four out of those HDVs should be ZEVs. The matrix shall contain the number of tests and sample collections needed for statistically significant brake-wear emissions factors, chemical profiles and toxicology assays. A minimum of triplicate tests and sample collections should be performed for each vehicle, brake pad, and cycle combination, which should be included in the full texting matrix. The Contractor shall establish a timeline for completing the test matrix, incorporating periodic checks on all instrumentations to ensure the quality and accuracy of measurements and sampling throughout the testing duration.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit, in a mutually agreed upon format, the full testing matrix to the CARB Contract manager for review. Adjustments to the testing matrix may be requested by the CARB Contract Manager and must be resolved before proceeding to Task 6.

Subtask 5b. Develop Data Analysis Plan for Particulate Matter and Gaseous Samples

Subtask 5b.1. Plan for Chemical Analysis

The Contractor shall identify appropriate analysis methods for chemical and toxicological characterization of PM and gas samples collected during brake-dynamometer testing. PM composition of metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), EC/OC, and air toxics must be identified. Several toxic compounds of interest include hexavalent chromium, reactive oxygen species, and heavy metals. Additionally, the oxidative potential of PM should be assessed with hydroxyl radical (OH) assay analysis, and inflammatory marker analysis (Interleukin-8 or IL-8) should be conducted.

Regarding gaseous compounds, the Contractor will plan to measure hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, VOCs, and PAHs. Real-time measurements will be performed, where applicable, in addition to offline analysis. Additionally, to aid in the identification of potential brake-wear tracer compounds, the Contractor must take into account existing California ambient monitoring efforts and brake-wear measurement methods reported in literature while selecting instrumentation for chemical analysis to optimize overlap in data where possible. A strategy to quantify chemical compounds of interest should be addressed, including instrument response calibration procedures and the use of chemical standards.

The Contractor must ensure the quality assurance (QA) and QC of proposed testing protocols and operating procedures. The chemical analysis procedures will be used to complete Task 7a.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit, in a mutually agreed upon format, the chemical analysis plan to the CARB Contract Manager for review. Adjustments to the chemical analysis plan may be requested by the CARB Contract Manager and must be resolved before starting Task 6.

Subtask 5b.2. Plan for Emissions Factor Development

The Contractor will develop a data analysis plan to quantify emission factors of PM and gases. The Contractor will create an analysis plan to quantify the dependence of emission factors on vehicle operation events: engine load, vehicle type, speed, and weight. This plan must include analysis strategies for quantifying mass collection efficiencies of emissions inside the dynamometer system for each type of measurement. A strategy to assess the distance traveled in each testing cycle must also be considered. Additionally, the Contractor will identify analysis steps needed to scale up measured emissions for one friction pair to represent emission factors for whole vehicles. These steps must include representing load on brakes in different positions (front, rear, trailer, motive, steer, etc.) and developing speed correction factors for the emissions inventory model. These emissions data analysis procedures will be used to complete Task 7b.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit, in a mutually agreed upon format, the emissions factor development plan to the CARB Contract Manager for review.

Adjustments to the emissions factor development plan may be requested by the CARB Contract Manager and must be resolved before starting Task 6.

Subtask 5b.3. Plan for Emissions Factor vs. Energy Recuperation Analysis

Using energy recuperation data compiled and collected in Task 3 with expected brake-wear emissions data that will be collected in Task 6, the Contractor will develop an analysis plan for elucidating relationships between brake-wear emission factors and energy recuperation from regenerative braking for ZEVs. This plan must include a strategy for analyzing voltage and current data from vehicle batteries during operation to characterize energy recuperation from regenerative braking. Relationships between energy, braking activity, and brake emissions must be investigated.

Deliverable: The Contractor shall submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a plan for analysis of relationships between emissions factors and energy recuperation to the CARB Contract Manager for review. Adjustments to the analysis plan may be requested by the CARB Contract Manager and must be resolved before starting Task 6.

Task 6: Conduct Brake-Dynamometer Tests, Collect Brake-Dynamometer Operations and Brake-Wear Emissions

The Contractor will complete the full testing matrix created in Task 5 for brake-wear dynamometer tests and collect samples of PM and gaseous emissions for analysis. QC will be performed on incoming data in a timely manner to ensure the completion of tests and comprehensive data collection. The criteria for meeting QA checks must be clearly outlined.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a QA/QC report and raw data of all measurements (real-time, offline, PM, gases) for all tests specified in the full testing matrix created in Task 5a. This deliverable must be completed and submitted before beginning Task 7.

Task 7: Analyze Brake-Wear Emissions

Subtask 7a. Characterize Chemical Composition of Brake-Wear Particulate Matter and Gases

The Contractor will conduct chemical analysis as planned under Task 5b for PM and gaseous emissions. Where possible, quantification of specific compounds or compound classes of interest, identified in Task 5, must be performed.

Additionally, the Contractor will characterize reactive oxygen species, air toxics, and oxidative stress from collected PM samples using the appropriate methods determined in Task 5. For all reported chemical species, quantification or discussion of associated measurement and calculation uncertainties should be included. Making use of the chemical speciation profiles, results from other CARB-funded studies, and literature reports of on-road and ambient roadside measurements, the Contractor will identify any possible brake-wear tracer compounds of groups of compounds considered “fingerprints” for brake-wear emissions. Currently, no definitive tracers have been identified for brake-wear emissions on the road. Therefore, the objective of this effort is to contribute to existing knowledge rather than produce a final answer.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed upon format, a report containing chemical characterization results, tracer compound identification and toxicological characterization results.

Subtask 7b. Characterize Brake-Wear Emissions of Particulate Matter and Gases

The Contractor will analyze and characterize brake-wear emissions, including real-time PM mass, PN, particle size distribution, gaseous emissions, and energy recuperation for all tests as planned in Tasks 5b.2 and 5b.3. Each test result will be reported in relation to vehicle operation events, including vehicle engine load, speed, type, and weight. The Contractor will derive vehicle speed-dependent emission factors in grams per mile and speed correction factors for each vehicle/vocation type, and brake friction material type that can be applied to the (EMFAC) emission factor inventory model. The Contractor will derive a correlation between emissions factors and energy recuperations for ZEVs. The emission factor and correlation analysis results shall be fully incorporated into a brake-wear emission simulation model development that will be performed in Task 8.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, a report and data for brake-wear emission factor analysis results.

Subtask 7c. Compare Test Results with Previous Brake-Dynamometer and On-Road Brake-Wear Test Results

The Contractor will compare the brake-wear emissions and chemical profile results from Task 7a and 7b to previous CARB on-road studies (Contract Numbers 22RD002 and 23RD008) and laboratory dynamometer (CARB Contract Number 17RD016 and Caltrans 65A0703) testing studies. Differences in emissions and emissions factors between studies and impacts of the testing protocol modifications applied in Task 4 must be discussed. The insights gained from this comparison will be used to inform the brake-wear emissions inventory model and will be incorporated into the brake-wear emission simulation model development that will be performed in Task 8.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, a report comparing brake-wear emissions factors reported in this study to those reported in previous studies, mentioned above. This deliverable must be completed and submitted before beginning Task 8.

Task 8: Develop Brake-Wear Emissions Simulation Model

The Contractor will develop a brake-wear emission simulation model using brake-wear emission factors produced in Task 7 and previous CARB/Caltrans-funded studies (17RD016/65A0703). The simulation model must be used to estimate brake-wear emission factors for the vehicles that were not tested under this study at different vehicle weights, types, speed/acceleration, regenerative braking technologies, etc. This simulation model may include correlations between measured ZEV brake-wear emissions and expected vehicle energy recuperation from using regenerative braking systems. The simulation results of this model will be compared to existing brake-wear model results EMFAC and ZEV energy efficiency review results of CARB Contract 23RD007.

Deliverable: The Contractor will submit to CARB, in a mutually agreed-upon format, a technical report describing the ZEV brake-wear emissions simulation model and a standalone simulation model in a Microsoft Excel or database format.

This deliverable and all deliverables for preceding tasks must be completed and submitted before beginning Task 9.

Task 9: Meetings, Reports, Data Sharing, and Public Research Seminar

The Contractor must be prepared for open, two-way communication with the CARB Contract Manager and/or other CARB representatives throughout the project to discuss project concerns. At the beginning of the project and prior to beginning Task 1, the Contractor will meet with the CARB Contract Manager and other CARB staff to discuss the overall project plan, details of performing the tasks, the project schedule, and items related to personnel.

The Contractor will meet with CARB staff monthly and when determined necessary by CARB Contract Manager to discuss project progress. The CARB Contract Manager may request consultation calls with CARB staff and key stakeholders when determined necessary by CARB Contract Manager. The Contractor will submit quarterly progress reports using the CARB-designated template, and an https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/characterization-tire-wear-and-brake-wear-pm-emissions-under-road-driving-conditions https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/characterization-tire-wear-gaseous-road-vehicles https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/carbapps/research-contracts/single-project_ajax.php?row_id=66826 https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/ca21-3232-final-report-a11y.pdf https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/carbapps/research-contracts/single-project_ajax.php?row_id=66826 https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/final-reports/ca21-3232-final-report-a11y.pdf https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/assessment-electric-vehicle-technologies-associated-improving-energy-efficiency-or-reducing-brake invoice for the same period will accompany each progress report. The Contractor will submit Draft and Final Reports, present a public research seminar, and share data collected and analyzed for this project to CARB.

Subtask 9a. Draft Final Report and Data Sharing

Six (6) months prior to the contract end date, Contractor shall submit an initial draft final report to CARB Contract Manager for review by CARB staff. The draft final report shall draw content from the deliverables of the preceding tasks, and include description of research methodologies, description of data collected, description of results and findings, and pertinent discussions. The Draft Final Report shall be submitted in in accordance with the requirements outlined in Exhibit G – Final Report Format.

The DFR will also incorporate the results from all aspects of the project, including all the relevant tasks, analyses, data used, and results. This includes results from Tasks 1 through 8. The DFR will also have a comprehensive summary of the work performed, discussions, analyses, data used, and results for all preceding tasks.

In the concluding remarks of the DFR, the Contractor shall identify uncertainties and limitations of this study across various aspects listed in this task. The Contractor shall contextualize the significant findings of this study with respect to existing knowledge. The Contractor will also submit to CARB Contract Manager all the collected data, including chemical profiles, emission rates, dynamometer operating parameters, brake cycle details, vehicle activity measurements, and transcribed license plate numbers.

The DFR will be copy-edited before being sent to CARB for review and the Contractor shall attest that the Final Report has been reviewed and approved.

After the review, the CARB Contract Manager will provide feedback to the Contractor regarding any edits.

The Contractor will submit the final report in an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) compliant format. CARB’s standard for ADA compliance requires that the submitted document adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

2.1 AA (https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/) and Federal Section 508 (https://www.section508.gov/)

Deliverables: The Contractor will submit a Draft Final Report in ADA-compliant format.

Subtask 9b. Final Report

Upon receipt of CARBs comments and edits, the Contractor shall revise the DFR.

The Contractor shall submit the revised Final Report to CARB. The Contractor shall deliver all raw data, analyses, analytical methods, and simulation models developed through the course of this project. The research contract Final Report (Report) is as important to the contract as the research itself. The Report is a record of the project and its results and is used in several ways. Therefore, the Report must be well organized and contain certain specific information.

https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/ https://www.section508.gov/

After receiving reviewers’ comments, Contractor shall revise the draft final report and submit it to CARB Contract Manager. CARB Contract Manager shall either accept the revised final report as the final report, or request Contractor to further revise it until satisfactory. Contractor’s research plan and the refined research plan (Task 1) must allow for a period of no less than six (6) months from the submittal of the initial draft final report until the submittal of the final report.

Deliverables: The Contractor will submit a Final Report in an ADA-compliant format.

Subtask 9c. Public Research Seminar

The Contractor will prepare and deliver a public research seminar to communicate and display the major findings from this study to the public via webcast or at CARB’s address listed in Section E. Contract Representatives on a mutually agreed upon date prior to the end of the Contract. The research seminar slides shall be submitted in an ADA-compliant format and should be in a lay-friendly language.

Deliverables: The Contractor will submit in an ADA-compliant format research seminar presentation slides.

Timeline

This project is anticipated to be completed within 36 months from the start date.

This allows 30 months to complete all tasks and prepare a draft final report. Total cost shall not exceed $850,000.

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

II. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS (GENERAL) AND INFORMATION

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

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

A. RFP Key Action Dates

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

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

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

https://caleprocure.ca.gov/

RFP Key Actions Dates Time RFP available to prospective Proposers 03/10/26 N/A Written Questions Submittal Deadline 03/16/26 5:00 p.m.

Question and Answers Addendum Posted 03/20/26 5:00 p.m.

Final Date for Proposal Submission/Receipt by CARB 04/13/26 3:00 p.m.

Complete Evaluation of Proposals 04/22/26 N/A Posting of Intent to Award Notice(s) (Notice is posted for five [5] business days) 04/23/26 N/A

Agreement sent to successful Proposer 05/01/26 N/A Signed Agreement returned to CARB for counter-signature 05/08/26 N/A

Agreement Approved and Executed – work begins 06/01/26 N/A

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

B. Questions Regarding RFP Requirements

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

Fiscal Services Division Acquisitions Branch Contact: Jessie Foust Email: Jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov

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

C. General Proposal Requirements

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

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

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

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

D. Submission of Proposals

1. Proposals must be submitted no later than the date and time indicated in Section II, A. RFP Key Action Dates and must be addressed as follows in Item 2.

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

2. Delivery Instructions

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

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

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

Purchasing@arb.ca.gov CC: Jessie.foust@arb.ca.gov

3. Each proposal will be reviewed to determine if it meets the proposal requirements contained in Section lV.B. Technical Evaluation. Failure to meet the requirements for the RFP may be cause for rejection of the proposal.

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

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

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

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

E. Modification and/or Withdrawal of Proposals

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

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

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

F. Proposer Responsibilities

1. Proposers should carefully examine the entire RFP, with special attention to the tasks and deliverables found in Attachment 2, Draft Standard Agreement.

Proposers shall investigate obstacles that might be encountered. No additions or increases to the agreement amount will be made due to a lack of careful examination of the requirements.

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

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

CARB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12.