RFQ-24-702 DCBO for the STEP Division and the WILLOW ROCK ENERGY CENTER

The California Energy Commission is conducting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ-24-702) to select a Delegate Chief Building Official (DCBO) for the Willow Rock Energy Center, a 520-megawatt compressed air energy storage facility located in Kern County. The procurement seeks a highly qualified team to provide comprehensive construction oversight, plan review, and compliance monitoring for this complex energy infrastructure project. The selected DCBO will be responsible for enforcing the California Building Standards Code, performing detailed document reviews, conducting construction inspections, and ensuring compliance with various industry codes and standards including ASME, NFPA, and federal regulations. Key deliverables include comprehensive engineering review across multiple disciplines such as structural, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, with a specific focus on safety, functionality, and code compliance for high-voltage power generating facilities. The solicitation timeline indicates that Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) submissions are due by August 1, 2025, with discussions scheduled for the week of August 4-8, 2025, a notice of selection on August 11, 2025, and a proposed contract start date in November 2025 running through November 2028.

The RFQ mandates a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, with potential incentive points for exceeding this threshold. Bidders must complete multiple compliance certifications, including Darfur Contracting Act documentation, DVBE declarations, and conflict of interest forms. The contract will be a zero-dollar "retainer" contract, with the DCBO firm to be reimbursed through a separate agreement with the Project Owner, Hydrostor. Firms must demonstrate extensive experience in power plant construction compliance, with specific requirements including at least two years of experience in complex industrial or high-voltage power generating facilities in California. Professional licensing from the California Department of Consumer Affairs and the Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists is mandatory for key team members. While no specific contract value is listed, the comprehensive requirements and multi-year scope suggest a significant and complex procurement focused on ensuring the highest standards of safety and technical compliance for the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center project.