25NC0665 Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program Administration and Oversight

The California Public Utilities Commission is requesting proposals for comprehensive administration and oversight services for California's portion of the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program under RFP 25NC0665, with proposals due September 2, 2026, and an initial three-year contract term with two optional two-year extensions available for up to seven years total.

The scope encompasses 24 major task areas including subgrant monitoring, milestone reimbursement processing, Build America Buy America compliance review, performance testing oversight, environmental and historic preservation compliance, audit readiness assurance, technical field verification, and grant management system administration. The contractor will support approximately 20 BEAD subgrantees managing up to 339,000 broadband serviceable locations across an estimated 90 projects. Deliverables include semi-annual performance reports, quarterly desk reviews, monthly calls for high-risk subgrantees, cybersecurity plan reviews, subgrantee onboarding programs, and numerous hourly consulting services. The contractor must maintain Professional Liability Insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and $3,000,000 aggregate, and Commercial General Liability coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate.

Compensation is based on hourly rates and schedules specified in the Cost Sheet with a $250,000 contingency allowance for unanticipated tasks. Progress payments are made upon completion of deliverables, subject to 10 percent retention withheld from invoices until satisfactory contract completion. Travel expenses are reimbursable at California Department of Human Resources approved rates with supporting documentation required.

The contract is subject to 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Uniform Guidance, NTIA BEAD Program requirements, California's General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025), and Contractor Certification Clauses (CCC 4/2017). The CPUC retains the right to terminate for convenience with 30 days' notice or for breach with five days' notice after opportunity to cure. Proposers must complete Bidder Declaration forms (GSPD-05-105) and comply with California's civil rights, Iran Contracting Act, and Darfur Contracting Act certification requirements. Proposals are submitted to daniela.isquierdo@cpuc.ca.gov.