IFB 5CA07684 Pipeline Emergency Responder Initiative Training Services

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) 5CA07684 for Pipeline Emergency Responder Initiative Training Services across Sacramento County, Sacramento City, and West Sacramento City. The procurement seeks a contractor to develop and deliver pipeline emergency responder training in collaboration with the Pipeline Emergency Responders Initiative (PERI) Advisory Committee and stakeholders from local, state, and federal government, professional organizations, industry members, and first responders. The training must align with the national program established by the United States Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Key deliverables include preparing and conducting 90 in-person training classes, facilitating 12 PERI advisory committee meetings, conducting 18 cadre meetings for curriculum development and updates, and hosting 20 targeted meetings for interactive and virtual training development. The contractor is responsible for coordinating cadres, administering training courses throughout the state, training PERI instructors, and determining instructor qualifications. Minimum qualifications require at least 10 years of verifiable pipeline response training experience and current valid certifications including Fire Service Instructor I, Firefighter I, and Hazardous Materials Operations Level and Awareness Training from IFSAC or Pro Board. The contract term runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 (estimated), with services provided Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and weekend classes as needed to accommodate volunteer fire departments. Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid teleconference on May 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. (registration required by May 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.), written questions due May 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., bid submissions due May 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and public bid opening on June 2, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Award will be made to the lowest responsive responsible bidder.

CAL FIRE has established a 25 percent small business (SB) participation goal and offers a 5% SB preference for certified small businesses or microbusinesses, with non-small businesses eligible if they subcontract at least 25% of the net bid price to certified SBs or MBs. A Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Incentive Program applies with no mandatory goal, offering incentive percentages ranging from 1% to 5% based on verified DVBE participation levels, subject to a combined dollar cap of $100,000 for all incentives and preferences. Bidders must hold a current business license in California and submit all required attachments including rate sheets with unit prices for four service categories, bid certifications, DVBE declarations, and various state-mandated certifications. Insurance requirements include general and commercial liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation insurance with waiver of subrogation, and commercial automobile insurance of at least $1,000,000. All costs including labor, materials, equipment, tools, permits, transportation, taxes, and fees must be included in the bid rates. No specific budget range or award value has been published in the solicitation documents; pricing will be determined through the competitive bidding process based on submitted rate sheets for the four service line items.