RFI 25-3064 - CalFresh Employment & Training

The California Department of Social Services is requesting information on CalFresh Employment & Training service providers through RFI 25-3064, with responses due June 12, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. and a bidders' conference webinar scheduled for May 21, 2026. This is a nonbinding information-gathering exercise; responding does not constitute an offer or guarantee of contract award, and CDSS reserves the right to use information to inform future solicitations without obligating itself to issue a formal procurement.

CDSS seeks organizations to serve as either intermediary coordinators managing subrecipients or direct service providers across multiple California counties designated for CalFresh E&T in Federal Fiscal Year 2026. The RFI targets expansion of CalFresh E&T service capacity in response to federal policy changes affecting Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents under House Resolution 1, which increased work requirement obligations. Currently only 35 of California's 58 counties offer CalFresh E&T programs.

Under the intermediary model, organizations would establish partnerships with CDSS or County Welfare Departments and manage provider selection, compliance reviews, federal reporting, and fiscal management across subrecipients. Under the direct service model, organizations would contract directly to serve CalFresh E&T participants across multiple counties. Core service components include supervised job search, work experience, education, job retention, self-employment training, and case management with supportive services (transportation, dependent care, ancillary assistance).

Respondents must demonstrate experience serving CalFresh recipients or eligible populations, identify funding sources capable of providing 50 percent non-federal cost-sharing, show experience with federal reimbursement or cost-reimbursement programs, and detail financial tracking and compliance systems. Organizations must describe existing relationships with County Welfare Departments and tribal organizations and identify technical assistance needs. All services must comply with federal SNAP E&T regulations (7 CFR 273.7 and 277), OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and CDSS policies. Questions are due May 29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Responses are subject to the California Public Records Act; respondents should not include proprietary or confidential information.