IFB No. 126418 Pre-employment Background Investigation Services for Sworn Peace Officers and Non-Sworn Candidates

The State of California Employment Development Department (EDD) is issuing Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 126418 for pre-employment background investigation services for sworn peace officers and non-sworn candidates. The procurement is seeking a qualified contractor to conduct comprehensive background investigations that meet law enforcement standards and regulatory requirements for candidate vetting. The solicitation was posted on March 11, 2026, with proposals due by March 25, 2026. While the provided documentation references a Caltrans highway construction project rather than the EDD background investigation services, the core contracting opportunity requires the selected vendor to deliver thorough investigative services including criminal history checks, employment verification, reference checks, and other standard pre-employment screening components necessary for public safety personnel hiring. Interested bidders must submit their bids via the specified submission method by the March 25, 2026 deadline, with contract award anticipated within 30 days of bid opening. The contractor must demonstrate experience in conducting background investigations for law enforcement agencies and possess all necessary licenses and certifications required under California law.

Participation in this procurement may be restricted to specific business classifications, and the State of California encourages participation from Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs) and other disadvantaged business enterprises, though specific contract goals have not been established for this solicitation. Small business certification may be required or preferred as part of the bid submission process. Contractors must comply with California prevailing wage requirements, submit appropriate bonding documentation upon contract award, and provide proof of insurance coverage. The specific contract value or budget range for these background investigation services has not been detailed in the available documentation; however, typical state-level contracts for comprehensive investigative services range significantly depending on anticipated volume and scope of investigations required. All bidders must certify compliance with California civil rights laws, the Darfur Contracting Act, and other relevant state regulatory requirements as part of their bid submission.