Evaluation of Fuel Specification Changes

The State of California, through the California Air Resources Board (CARB), is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure professional consulting services for the evaluation of alternative fuel specifications. The primary objective is to analyze and evaluate the impacts of alternative fuel specifications to those currently established by CARB, with consideration of petroleum market dynamics, regional pricing, fuel import/export patterns, infrastructure requirements, and market consequences in the western region, particularly across Petroleum Administration for Defense District V (PADD V), which encompasses California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona. Key deliverables include a comprehensive analysis identifying the impacts of current fuel specifications on supply and pricing, evaluation of at least six proposed harmonized specification scenarios (minimum three for the West Coast region and three for California-only implementation), stakeholder outreach activities, bi-weekly progress communications with CARB, and a final written report documenting all findings and analyses. Qualified contractors must demonstrate expertise in fuel specifications, market analysis, petroleum industry infrastructure, and regional supply chain dynamics. The evaluation will employ a two-phase assessment process consisting of administrative review and technical evaluation by a CARB selection panel, with technical criteria including clarity and organization (5 points), management plan (10 points), methodology (25 points), work plan and schedule (10 points), personnel and experience (20 points), and cost proposal (30 points), requiring a minimum combined score of 70 points for award eligibility. Proposals must be submitted by March 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PST, with an anticipated project duration of twenty-one months commencing after all required approvals are obtained.

The procurement includes opportunity for preference points available to Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (maximum 5 percent incentive), Small Business or Microbusiness certified entities (5 percent preference), and those in Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) compliance, though no mandatory set-asides are specified. Contractors must carry comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, workers' compensation, and professional liability of $1,000,000. Additionally, a second separate procurement is concurrently available through the California Department of Highway Patrol (CHP) for Protective Clothing and Operational Supplies Rental Services at the San Francisco Area office, seeking a single vendor for weekly rental and delivery of uniforms, protective clothing, mats, and shop towels for four employees, with bids due March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., and a contract term running October 1, 2026 through October 31, 2029. The fuel specification evaluation project carries a total budget allocation of $750,000.00, with proposals exceeding this amount deemed non-responsive and ineligible for award, while the CHP protective clothing rental contract does not specify a predetermined budget amount. Both procurements require proof of valid business licensure, demonstrated professional experience, sound business integrity, and compliance with all applicable state contract terms and insurance requirements.