Focus Group Research Services

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) is requesting proposals for comprehensive focus group research services across California to assess public attitudes toward cell and gene therapy, research funding value, and trust and understanding across diverse communities, with proposals due July 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM (PST).

CIRM preference is given to California-based firms. Minimum qualifications require at least five years of experience conducting qualitative research and focus groups, demonstrated success with diverse communities, experience in healthcare or science communication, and capacity for multilingual research including Spanish.

The scope includes developing a comprehensive research plan with recruitment criteria and discussion guides; recruiting participants representing underserved communities, racial and ethnic diversity, lower-income groups, rural regions, and at least one Spanish-language focus group; providing professional moderation and cultural accessibility; conducting detailed analysis and reporting with executive summaries, demographic breakdowns, and recommendations for messaging different demographic groups; and delivering presentations to CIRM leadership.

The total available budget is $60,000, which must cover recruitment, moderation, translation and interpretation, facility or virtual platform costs, analysis and reporting, and travel if applicable. The engagement period runs from September 25, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with anticipated award on September 25, 2026. Payment is made within 45 days of invoice approval under the California Prompt Payment Act, with invoices submitted weekly in arrears.

Questions are due July 6, 2026, with CIRM responses due July 13, 2026. Proposals become property of CIRM and are subject to the California Public Records Act; respondents must sign Exhibit D acknowledging this public disclosure requirement for proposals to be considered. Standard state contract terms apply, including independent contractor status, $1 million Commercial General Liability and Professional Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate) insurance, work-made-for-hire copyright assignment to CIRM, and termination upon 30 days' written notice or immediately for cause.