RFP CSLB-26-01 Arbitration Program

California Department of Consumer Affairs, Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is requesting proposals to design, develop, and implement a statewide arbitration program for construction-related disputes under RFP CSLB-26-01, with proposals due October 28, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Small Business Enterprise and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise incentives are available.

The scope covers arbitration services between complainants and contractor respondents, addressing approximately 400 to 800 cases annually: roughly 500 mandatory arbitrations (disputes up to $25,000) and 120 voluntary arbitrations (disputes between $25,000 and $50,000). The awardee must appoint qualified arbitrators, assign hearing dates and locations, conduct arbitrations in compliance with California Business and Professions Code sections 7085 et seq., and issue awards within 90 days of receipt. The contractor must maintain a fully functioning California office, provide a toll-free participant number, and conduct a minimum of ten training sessions (six in Southern California, four in Northern California) for CSLB staff, with the contractor assuming all travel costs.

The estimated contract value is $2,548,500 over a three-year term (December 1, 2026 through November 30, 2029). Year 1 minimum arbitrator payments are $1,250 per mandatory arbitration and $1,750 per voluntary arbitration, incrementally increasing through Year 3.

The awardee must be an experienced arbitration firm with a minimum of five years in arbitration or alternative dispute resolution; the project leader must have five years overseeing arbitration programs, and all assigned employees must have at least two years' arbitration experience. Each arbitrator must have five years in construction or relevant professional experience, completion of a construction arbitration course within the last five years, and ongoing continuing education. Evaluation occurs in three phases: Phase I (compliance review, pass/fail), Phase II (technical evaluation on 100 points plus 30 points for cost), and Phase III (final scoring). Written questions are due October 9, 2026, with responses by October 14. The notice of intent to award is posted November 2, 2026. Funding is contingent on annual Budget Act appropriations; the State reserves the right to cancel with no liability if funding is reduced or eliminated.