Civic Media Program Grant Administrator RFP

The Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is seeking a grant administrator and fiscal agent for the California Civic Media Program established under SB 155 (2025). The primary objective is to support newsroom sustainability and strengthen local reporting across California through a comprehensive grant program. The selected administrator will develop an application process and portal, review applications, disburse funds to selected newsrooms, and establish evaluation systems to monitor program effectiveness and compliance. Key responsibilities include creating program information resources, developing outreach plans, processing applications, conducting compliance spot checks, and analyzing awardee performance. Proposals must be submitted electronically by January 16, 2026, at 8:00 AM PT, with applicant presentations and interviews scheduled for January 19-30, 2026. The evaluation will be conducted on a 100-point scale, assessing personnel (20 points), relevant experience (20 points), application process design (15 points), budget and cost justification (30 points), and references (15 points). Minimum qualifications require applicants to be able to receive state funds, have been in continuous operation for at least two years, and operate in the news, journalism, media, or related industry.

The solicitation encourages participation from California-certified small businesses and microbusinesses, offering a 5 percent preference to these entities. Additionally, bidders meeting Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goals of at least 5 percent of the net bid price will receive a 5 percent preference. The Lead Administrator must have a minimum of two years of demonstrated success leading an organization that acts as a fiscal agent or grant sponsor, with preference given to news-specific program experience. The total funding available is $10 million, with administrative expenses capped at a maximum of 5 percent or $500,000, and the suggested budget range is $400,000 to $500,000. The contract period will run from May 2026 through October 2027, subject to state approval processes. Applicants must demonstrate statewide capacity and scalability to deploy the full funding amount and maintain regular communication with GO-Biz. The Notice of Intent to Award is expected on February 2, 2026, with the successful bidder responsible for managing the comprehensive grant program to support local newsrooms throughout California.