RFI BAR 26-01 BAR Contracted Inspection Network

The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has issued Request for Information (RFI) BAR 26-01 BAR Contracted Inspection Network to solicit feedback on a proposed initiative to enhance the state's Smog Check Program. This RFI is preparatory to a future Request for Proposal (RFP) and seeks input regarding BAR's concept of consolidating vehicle inspections for older vehicles into a contracted inspection network within enhanced areas throughout California. The procurement seeks to gather information and feedback from potential vendors and stakeholders on the feasibility, structure, and implementation approach for this consolidated inspection network model. The RFI was posted on April 22, 2026, with responses due by June 5, 2026. While the RFI stage focuses on information gathering rather than formal proposals, potential respondents should be prepared to address how their organizations could support the operational, technical, and logistical requirements of establishing and managing an inspection network across designated enhanced areas of the state.

The RFI documentation provided does not specify set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, restrictions on organizational types, incumbent vendors, current contractors, or existing technology infrastructure requirements. No award value or budget range has been disclosed in the publicly available RFI materials at this preliminary information-gathering stage. Interested organizations should monitor the California Department of Consumer Affairs and BAR websites for subsequent RFP issuance, which will likely contain detailed specifications, evaluation criteria, qualifications requirements, and pricing information. Prospective contractors are advised to submit inquiries or requests for clarification regarding this opportunity prior to the June 5, 2026 due date and to prepare for the anticipated RFP process that will follow this information-gathering phase.