RFP II 10219132 Financial Advisory Services

The California Department of Water Resources is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP II 10219132) to procure financial advisory services supporting the Electric Power Fund (EPF) program. The successful contractor will provide comprehensive management, coordination, and monitoring of the Bond Portfolio and wind-down of the EPF program, including regulatory and reporting compliance; deliver litigation support related to the EPF program and Power Supply Bonds; conduct historical analysis and prepare reports on prior gas and electric contracts; maintain and update revenue requirement and bond spreadsheet models; assist with California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) filings and revenue requirement proceedings; and prepare expert witness exhibits and testimony as requested by the Department. The contract is anticipated to commence in August 2026 with an initial term of three years and optional renewal for two additional one-year periods. Work will be performed primarily at the Department's California Energy Bond Office located at 2033 Howe Avenue, Suite 220, Sacramento, and the primary office at 715 P Street, 6th Floor, Sacramento, with teleworking permitted. Minimum qualifications require five years of financial advisory experience with government entities, three years with power municipal issuers, three years supporting CPUC regulatory filings, and five years preparing exhibits and presentations for government regulators. Prospective proposers must submit technical questions by May 18, 2026, with final proposals due by June 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Evaluation will consist of three phases: administrative compliance review, technical and cost evaluation using a 70% technical to 30% cost weighting, and application of applicable preferences and incentives.

The RFP encourages participation from small businesses and disabled veteran business enterprises (DVBE), with preferences and incentives applied during evaluation. Proposers must submit cost proposals using the Department's Cost Proposal Worksheet with hourly rates specified for principals, senior staff, associates, and support staff across all five potential contract years. All proposals must include original signatures, resumes for assigned personnel, references, certifications regarding Darfur contracting compliance and Iran sanctions compliance, and any applicable Small Business or DVBE participation documentation. The RFP does not identify an incumbent contractor, specific funding sources, or a stated budget range for the procurement. The State will verify tax delinquent status for all proposers and reserves the right to reject all proposals or cancel the procurement if deemed necessary. Interested firms should prepare proposals that clearly demonstrate their relevant experience with government financial advisory services, CPUC regulatory matters, and power bond portfolio management.