IFB No. 124995 - Northern/Central California Assistive Technology Training

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 124995 on February 2, 2026, to procure "As Needed" assistive technology training services for EDD employees located in Northern and Central California. The procurement seeks a qualified contractor to deliver both remote and in-person training services for assistive technology software programs, specifically JAWS and Dragon Naturally Speaking software or equal alternatives. The contractor must demonstrate extensive knowledge of these software platforms and their features while maintaining the capability to serve a comprehensive geographic area encompassing offices in Sacramento, San Francisco, Oakland, Fresno, San Jose, and numerous smaller communities throughout the Northern and Central California region. Deliverables include customized training sessions tailored to EDD employee needs, with the contractor required to submit separate hourly rates for in-person and remote training services, with combined rates serving as the basis for award to the lowest responsible bidder. Key qualifications include proficiency in assistive technology software, ability to provide both training modalities, and willingness to undergo background investigation including fingerprinting and FBI clearance prior to work commencement. Critical deadlines include February 6, 2026, for submission of bidder questions, February 11, 2026, for responses to questions, and February 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. PT for bid submissions, with public bid opening on February 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in Sacramento. The contract term extends from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029, for a three-year period, with award anticipated the week of February 25, 2026.

Set-aside designations are available for Small Business/Microbusiness and Small Business/Nonprofit Veteran Service Agency certifications, each offering a five percent preference, while Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation and incentive requirements are waived for this procurement. No incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified in the solicitation materials. The contractor must furnish all labor, tools, equipment, and materials necessary for service delivery, maintain general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation insurance, and automobile liability insurance if applicable, with hourly rates to be considered full compensation for all labor and travel costs including mileage and per diem. The contractor must comply with strict confidentiality requirements regarding EDD data, maintain Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, and adhere to all state and federal nondiscrimination provisions. Monthly invoices must be submitted in arrears with itemized documentation including dates, office locations, and participant names. The total contract value is not to exceed an amount specified by the contractor in their cost proposal, with award based on the lowest responsible bidder's combined hourly training rates.