RFP 25STC003

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued Request for Proposal 25STC003 soliciting qualified contractors to design and implement comprehensive communications and outreach strategies for California Climate Investments programs, with emphasis on reaching disadvantaged communities, low-income populations, and Tribal communities. The primary deliverables include developing written and video project narratives, identifying content leads, organizing regional tours, securing participation in outreach events, implementing digital outreach strategies including social media management and newsletter support, conducting a minimum of six outreach campaigns, and providing quarterly progress reports and a final report. Proposers must demonstrate minimum qualifications including at least three years of stakeholder communication experience in climate or environmental justice work, five years developing community-centered narratives with supporting examples, five years designing and implementing communications strategies, experience with a minimum of three outreach campaigns, demonstrated writing expertise, and three years translating materials into neutral Spanish. The contract term spans approximately 26 months with work expected to begin on or after May 26, 2026, following all approvals and execution. The written question deadline is March 13, 2026, with proposals due by March 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Proposal evaluation will include administrative review and technical evaluation scored on clarity, management plan, methodology, work plan, personnel experience, and cost, with a maximum of 100 points total and a 70-point minimum required for award. All proposal costs must be all-inclusive, covering personnel, labor, subcontractors, materials, travel, reports, and taxes necessary to complete the work.

Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise participation preferences and incentives are available under this solicitation. The total contract budget is $400,000 for the 26-month initial term, with CARB reserving the option to renew the contract for one additional 10-month period valued at up to $200,000. No incumbent vendors or current contractors were identified in the solicitation documentation. Proposals must not exceed 50 megabytes in file size and must be submitted via email to the designated CARB contacts. This procurement represents a significant opportunity for organizations with demonstrated expertise in environmental communications, community engagement, and climate justice outreach to partner with the state on its California Climate Investments initiative.