IFB #25-012 - Polling Place Accessibility Training Services

The California Secretary of State has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #25-012 for Polling Place Accessibility Training Services, targeting jurisdictions in Sacramento County and San Francisco City. The procurement seeks a contractor to provide comprehensive polling place accessibility trainings with at least two staff members possessing expertise in small group training and knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), California building codes, and polling location setup. Mandatory qualifications include five years of hands-on training experience, five years of small group training experience, and two years of accessibility expertise. The contract will cover training sessions in four regional areas: Northern California, Bay Area, Central California, and Southern California, focusing on updated polling place accessibility guidelines and checklists. The training period is scheduled from September 2025 through June 30, 2026, with in-person training sessions planned for October, November, December 2025, and into Spring 2026. Bidders must submit a comprehensive bid package including references, cost sheets, certification documents, and other required attachments. The bid is due by August 21, 2025, and the award will be made to the responsive and responsible bidder offering the lowest cost.

The solicitation includes a minimum 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation goal, though no additional DVBE incentive points will be applied. The total travel budget for the contract is set at $30,000, with hourly rates for training materials and in-person training sessions capped at $160 per hour. Potential bidders must demonstrate significant experience in accessibility training and meet specific organizational requirements to be considered responsive. While no incumbent vendors are explicitly mentioned, the contract appears designed to support ongoing improvements in polling place accessibility across California. The procurement seems structured to encourage participation from small to medium-sized training organizations with specialized expertise in accessibility and election infrastructure. Bidders will need to carefully review the detailed requirements and prepare a comprehensive proposal that demonstrates their capability to deliver high-quality, region-specific accessibility training for polling locations.