Corporate Disclosures

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is issuing Request for Proposal 25ISD009 to procure analysis and testing services for biodiesel and renewable diesel feedstocks under the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program. The contractor will develop and implement comprehensive testing methodologies to identify and measure chemical and physical characteristics of used cooking oil (UCO), specifically detecting virgin oil adulterations, and will analyze reference samples collected from geographically diverse sources across China, Southeast Asia, North America, and South America. Key deliverables include development of test method protocols and analytical methods documentation, sample collection protocols, collection and analysis of 500-1,000 reference UCO samples, comingled feedstock analysis with minimum 95% precision and 90% accuracy, supply chain analysis, training and knowledge transfer sessions, and ongoing refinement of analytical processes. The contract term is twenty-six months with a maximum budget of $800,000. Qualified proposers must demonstrate three years of proven experience in materials analysis, test method development, feedstock sampling, training development, and supply chain analysis, with lead staff holding at minimum a Master's Degree in a technical field, preferably a PhD. The procurement follows a two-phase evaluation process beginning with administrative responsiveness and responsibility assessment, followed by technical evaluation scored up to 100 points based on clarity and organization (5 points), management plan (10 points), methodology and approach (25 points), work plan and schedule (10 points), personnel and experience (20 points), and cost (30 points), with a minimum score of 70 points required for award eligibility. Critical dates include a written questions deadline of March 20, 2026 with responses posted by March 24, 2026; proposal submission deadline of April 3, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. PST; evaluation completion by April 13, 2026; notice of proposed award by April 15, 2026; and contract execution anticipated for May 22, 2026.

The RFP encourages participation from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), Small Businesses (SB), and Microbusinesses (MB), with DVBE incentive opportunities of 1-5% based on confirmed participation levels. Payment is structured based on percentage of completion for each task, submitted monthly with progress reports, with 10% of invoiced amounts withheld pending final contract completion. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement materials, and no existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements are specified. The contract does not exceed the $800,000 maximum budget threshold, and proposals exceeding this amount will be deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award.