24NC0951 Independent Facilitator

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is seeking an Independent Facilitator through solicitation 24NC0951 to manage the Utility Safety Culture Working Group, focusing on developing a comprehensive Safety Culture Assessment (SCA) Framework for four major investor-owned utilities: Southern California Gas Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Southern California Edison Company, and San Diego Gas & Electric Company. The contract, anticipated to run for 36 months from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028, requires a contractor with extensive expertise in safety culture assessment methodologies and stakeholder facilitation in high-risk regulated environments. Key deliverables include co-managing quarterly Working Group meetings, conducting public workshops, providing technical expertise, and producing comprehensive safety culture assessments and self-evaluation reports. The evaluation process is structured with 200 points allocated to technical review, 40 points for interviews with top bidders, and 160 points for cost considerations. Proposal responses are due on October 14, 2025, by 11:00 AM Pacific Time, with the solicitation emphasizing a collaborative, non-punitive approach to improving safety culture within utility organizations.

The RFP does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The solicitation requires proposers to demonstrate minimum qualifications, including detailed conflict of interest disclosures and mandatory attachments that validate their professional capabilities. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided documents, the cost worksheet indicates multiple annual deliverables, including 24 coordination meetings, 3 public workshops, 6 Working Group meetings, and 12 participant engagement meetings, suggesting a substantial contract value. The procurement appears to be open to qualified consulting firms or independent professionals with demonstrated expertise in utility safety culture assessment, stakeholder engagement, and technical reporting. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing technological infrastructure that would require integration, though the successful contractor will be expected to work closely with the CPUC Contract Manager to provide strategic insights and facilitate comprehensive safety culture assessments.