23ITS0695 DDTP California Relay Services 6

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and California Department of Technology (CDT) are conducting a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) numbered 23ITS0695 to procure California Relay Services 6 (CRS-6), a comprehensive telecommunications relay service for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled. The procurement seeks a single contractor to provide multiple relay service modalities, including traditional relay service, captioned telephone service, and speech-to-speech services in both English and Spanish. The contract will have a base term of two years with options for two additional one-year extensions, resulting in a potential maximum contract duration of four years. Proposals are due on December 15, 2025, with a planned contract start date of January 16, 2026. The evaluation process will be comprehensive, allocating 50% of points to administrative, qualifications, and solution requirements, and 50% to cost. Bidders must demonstrate their ability to provide high-quality, accessible telecommunication services that meet the needs of disabled telecommunications users across California.

The procurement includes specific socioeconomic program requirements, mandating a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal and a 5% Small Business participation goal. The contract will be funded through a $1.11 per access line surcharge from California's Universal Service Programs, with a total anticipated contract value of $22 million, including a $10 million base term, two optional years at $5 million each, $1 million for unanticipated tasks, and $1 million for transition services. Proposed rates must not exceed 10% of the 2025-2026 FCC interstate relay call rates, and the state will withhold 10% from each invoice, releasing funds bi-annually upon satisfactory service completion. The successful vendor will utilize the State of California CALNET contract for network services and replace the current relay contract (CRS-5). Vendors must navigate the Electronic Vendor Application of Qualifications (eVAQ) process and submit comprehensive documentation demonstrating their technical capabilities, experience in telecommunications relay services, and commitment to serving individuals with communication disabilities.