1026-006: California Geological Survey (CGS) Style Guide

The California Department of Conservation is soliciting sealed bids under IFB 1026-006 for standardized scientific writing, data reporting, and peer review guidance for the California Geological Survey (CGS), with bids due November 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM Pacific Time. The Department will award one contract to the most responsive responsible bidder offering the lowest cost after eligible preferences are applied, so preference eligibility directly affects ranking. Available preferences include a Small Business Preference (5%), a Non-Small Business Preference (5%) for bidders committing 25% small business subcontracting, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentives (0-5% based on participation level), and Target Area Contract Preference Act preferences (5-9% for distressed area businesses).

The scope covers four primary tasks with due dates: comprehensive writing standards by February 16, 2027, data reporting guidance by May 2, 2027, style guides by July 17, 2027, and a peer review process by October 2, 2027. Deliverables include a Scientific Writing and Publication Standards Guide, formal internal and external peer review processes, authorship guidelines, editorial workflow procedures, and supporting templates, checklists, and training materials developed with CGS subject matter experts. Bidders must meet five mandatory minimum qualifications: technical scientific writing experience, peer review publication experience, science communication experience, knowledge of cartographic best practices, and proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and GIS software. Bidders must also notify the State if they intend to use Generative Artificial Intelligence in contract performance.

The maximum award is $100,000 for the base bid. The term runs from December 1, 2026, or upon Department of General Services approval if later, through November 30, 2027, with work commencing no later than thirty days after DGS approval or a mutually agreed time. Payment is made on acceptable invoices submitted no more than quarterly, itemized to match the budget detail. The Department retains all rights to work products and may make them available to the public. Bidders must comply with the General Terms and Conditions (02/2025) and Contractor Certification Clauses (04/2017) and verify they are not tax delinquent.

The public bid opening is November 18, 2026 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time, and the proposed award date is December 1, 2026.