RFP No. CFF 7792

First 5 California (F5CA), a state agency established under Proposition 10, is issuing RFP No. CFF 7792 to procure comprehensive state advocacy services supporting early childhood development and policy advancement across California. The selected contractor will deliver legislative monitoring, policy analysis, relationship-building with state policymakers, development of advocacy materials, and strategic counsel to advance F5CA's Strategic Plan and Policy Agenda priorities affecting children prenatal to age five and their families. Key deliverables and objectives include direct state advocacy and legislative engagement with the Governor's Office, California Legislature, legislative committees, state agencies, and policy staff; legislative and budget monitoring and analysis; policy development and advocacy materials creation; and regular reporting with strategic guidance. Qualified organizations must demonstrate expertise in state-level advocacy, legislative processes, and early childhood policy development. Evaluation criteria include technical proposal quality and cost proposal evaluation, with the cost proposal weighted at a maximum of 120 points, with the lowest-cost proposal receiving full points and other proposals calculated proportionally. Written questions must be submitted by May 12, 2026, with responses provided by May 19, 2026. Proposals are due by 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, May 29, 2026, submitted via email to RFP@First5.ca.gov, with oral presentations for finalists scheduled for Thursday, June 11, 2026, and the Notice of Intent to Award anticipated for Friday, June 12, 2026.

The RFP includes mandatory Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirements of a minimum three percent (3%) of the total bid value, with an incentive of up to five percent (5%) of total possible points for confirmed DVBE participation. Small Business (SB) preference is available, providing a five percent (5%) preference to certified small businesses and a five percent (5%) preference for non-small businesses committing to at least twenty-five percent (25%) SB subcontractor participation. The Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preference of five percent (5%) is available to California-based firms meeting statutory requirements. All proposals must include required certifications, conflict of interest disclosures, and proof of California business authorization. The total contract value is a maximum of $1,000,000 over the three-year term, with an anticipated contract commencement in summer 2026 pending Department of General Services approval. Payment will be made upon receipt and approval of invoices for satisfactorily rendered services and deliverables, with a ten percent (10%) retention withhold applied to all payments pending final completion and compliance verification. The agreement is subject to budget appropriations and availability of funds from the California Children and Families Trust Fund.