Child Support Guideline Calculator

The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is requesting bids from a Certified Public Accountant to maintain the Child Support Guideline Calculator, with bids due November 3, 2026 and a public bid opening scheduled for October 22, 2026. The awardee must hold a current California CPA license, possess at least five years of experience as a licensed California CPA with expertise in federal and state income and employment tax laws, and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting or related field. A California office is required.

The scope includes quarterly tax law updates to ensure the calculator accurately estimates tax liability consistent with state and federal laws and California Rules of Court Section 5.275; updates to tax value spreadsheets; validation of up to 70 test scenarios per update; and issuance of CPA certification statements. The calculator is used by child support caseworkers, court commissioners, family law facilitators, attorneys, and the public to determine appropriate child support payment amounts.

The contract term runs December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2028, with an optional one-year extension. Pricing is structured around deliverables across two contract years with optional third-year pricing.

Bidders may claim small business (SB) preference for a 5% adjustment, disabled veteran business enterprise (DVBE) incentive ranging from 3% to 5% based on participation level, or Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preference, with a maximum combined preference cap of 15%. Award will be made to the responsible and responsive bidder with the lowest evaluated cost after preferences are applied.

Three customer references from similar engagements are required. A notice of intent is due October 8, 2026. Written questions are due by October 13, 2026, with responses provided by October 16, 2026.