Community Sustainability Engagement and Green Business Certification/Recognition Programs

The City of Santa Monica is requesting proposals for Community Sustainability Engagement and Green Business Certification/Recognition Programs, with proposals due October 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. and questions due by September 16, 2026. The contract carries a five-year firm-fixed term. The primary eligibility requirement is a minimum of five years of demonstrated experience in community engagement, sustainability, public outreach, business engagement, or related programs.

The scope encompasses three primary areas: community engagement and outreach (sustainability events, film screenings, resource fairs, and an annual Student Sustainability Poster Contest); green business program and business engagement (recruiting businesses for certification, developing annual Sustainable Quality Awards, supporting the Most Loved Santa Monica Businesses Contest, and managing social media and newsletters); and communications and program support (maintaining webpages and social media accounts, collecting data, providing presentations, and supporting special projects).

Proposers must comply with Santa Monica's Living Wage Ordinance if services exceed $54,200, maintain a City business license if physically located in or conducting business in Santa Monica, and complete required certifications including the Oaks Initiative disclosure form, non-discrimination and debarment certification, and Levine Act disclosure form. Consultants must procure and maintain insurance meeting specified requirements before commencing work: Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 per accident, Workers' Compensation at statutory limits with Employers' Liability of $1,000,000, and Professional Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence or $2,000,000 annual aggregate, with the City named as additional insured on the CGL policy.

Evaluation is weighted toward experience and technical competence (40 points), ability to meet the work plan (20 points), cost (20 points), stability and references (10 points), and value-add and breadth of service (10 points). Proposals must include a letter of transmittal, company qualifications, key personnel resumes, three minimum references, project work plans, and detailed cost proposals with hourly fee schedules. The City reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, request best and final offers, award to multiple proposers, and terminate the contract at any stage.