10214450 CWC Outreach & Engagement Services - RFPII

This is a Request for Proposal Secondary (RFP #10214450) issued by the California Department of Water Resources on behalf of the California Water Commission to procure comprehensive outreach and engagement services. The contractor will develop a multi-year outreach and engagement plan covering 2026-2030, create short-term outreach plans for approximately five Commission work streams, provide communications support including drafting materials and graphics with accessibility compliance, facilitate up to eight public workshops and meetings annually, and attend internal coordination and monthly Commission meetings as needed. Key deliverables include a draft outreach and engagement plan due October 1, 2026, a final plan due December 1, 2026, approximately 12 pieces of annual communications materials, and facilitation materials for workshops. The anticipated contract term is three years with an April 2026 start date. Work will be performed remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom and/or at 715 P Street, Sacramento, California, with travel throughout the state as required. The evaluation process consists of three phases: Phase One reviews administrative compliance; Phase Two scores proposals on contractor minimum qualifications (15 points), experience (30 points), work plan (25 points), and cost proposal (30 points) for a total of 100 points; Phase Three applies small business and DVBE preferences. Technical questions must be submitted by February 5, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., and proposals are due February 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

Contractors must meet mandatory minimum qualifications including documented experience developing at least five long-term and five short-term outreach plans for public agencies, experience with at least two California water sector public agencies, at least five years of facilitating public workshops and multi-party meetings, and demonstrated experience facilitating contentious or politically sensitive matters. A mandatory minimum 3 percent Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation commitment is required, with failure to meet this requirement resulting in bid rejection. Small Business certified firms receive a five percent preference calculation, and DVBE incentive points ranging from 1 to 5 percent may be applied based on confirmed participation levels. Proposals must be submitted in sealed envelopes with both hardcopy and electronic copies (Word and/or PDF on USB drive) containing original signatures and required certifications including DVBE documentation and small business certifications where applicable. All invoices will be submitted monthly in arrears for satisfactory work completion, with undisputed invoices paid within 45 days of receipt. The solicitation does not specify a budget range or award value in the available documentation.