ESAR90226 Economic Advisory Services - Consulting Services

The State Controller's Office (SCO) of California is requesting proposals for monthly economic forecasting and advisory consulting services under RFP ESAR90226, with proposals due June 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time. No set-aside or preference restriction gates eligibility, though the RFP permits a five percent Small Business/Microbusiness preference, voluntary Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation with incentives up to five percent, and Target Area Contract Preference Act preferences, with all preferences and incentives combined capped at 15 percent of the proposal amount or $100,000, whichever is less.

The scope requires quarterly comprehensive economic reports to the Council of Economic Advisors, ad-hoc real-time fiscal guidance on emergent issues, monthly cash-flow management and monitoring, refinement of existing forecasting models, and detailed analysis of state and federal economic trends (employment, industry performance, consumer spending, technology, agriculture, tourism). The contractor will participate in quarterly meetings scheduled around the Controller's monthly cash report release prior to the 10th of each month and must be available on an ad-hoc basis throughout the year.

Firm Minimum Qualifications require state or local experience in California; professional credentials as an economic consulting and forecasting firm with expertise in state economic trends; a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience within the past 15 years; and 10 years of direct experience within the past 15 years with any California State Agency or U.S. state (excluding territories) performing economic consulting and forecasting. Key staff must include at least one member holding a master's degree in economics, finance, or public policy (doctorate is desirable), with demonstrated expertise in economic analysis, regional economic modeling, and advanced data skills in tools such as Tableau or Power BI.

The contract term is three years with options to amend and add funds; SCO may terminate with 30 days' written notice. Evaluation awards 700 points: 190 points (27 percent) for technical proposal, 300 points (43 percent) for interview, and 210 points (30 percent) for cost. Interviews are scheduled June 29 through July 3, 2026; Notice of Intent to Award is anticipated July 3, with proposed award July 13 and agreement commencement August 10. Background checks using Live Scan fingerprinting are required for all proposed key staff prior to work start.