Job Order Contract Phase 39-41 (JOC)

The California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety is conducting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to develop a list of Independent Evaluators (IEs) for assessing electrical corporations' compliance with Wildfire Mitigation Plans (WMPs) across the state, with a specific focus on jurisdictions including Shasta County. The primary objective is to review and assess electrical corporations' safety compliance, perform safety inspections of electric distribution and transmission systems, and evaluate nine major electrical corporations' wildfire mitigation efforts. Qualified firms must possess specific technical expertise, including licensed electrical engineers, qualified electrical workers, and professional credentials such as registered Professional Foresters or ISA Certified Arborists. The RFQ requires firms to submit a comprehensive Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) by January 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM PST, with a virtual bidders' meeting scheduled for December 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM Pacific Time. Independent Evaluators will be required to submit final compliance reports by July 1, 2025, and the IE list will be published by February 28, 2025, with electrical corporations expected to execute contracts within 60 days of the list's publication.

The procurement offers opportunities for Small Businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), though no specific set-asides are mentioned in the documentation. Bidders must complete various certification forms, including the Darfur Contracting Act Vendor Certification, Postconsumer Recycled-Content Certification, and a Generative AI Disclosure form. While no specific incumbent vendors are listed, the contract requires firms to maintain well-qualified project managers and technical teams throughout the independent evaluator enlistment period. Firms should note that submission of qualifications does not guarantee placement on the Energy Safety independent evaluator list or guarantee future work assignments. The costs associated with Independent Evaluator services will be paid directly by the electrical corporations, with no funding coming from Energy Safety or CAL FIRE. Staff substitutions will require pre-approval from Energy Safety and are only permitted when absolutely necessary due to employment status changes.