RFQ-26-701 Siting, Transmission, and Environmental Protection (STEP) Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) Peak Workload

The California Energy Commission is requesting qualifications for a prime contractor to assist in evaluating Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) applications and conducting environmental and engineering analyses under RFQ-26-701, with SOQ submissions due October 1, 2026 and SOQ discussions scheduled October 23–27, 2026.

The scope covers evaluation of SPPE-eligible thermal power plants of 50 to 100 megawatts; CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses in accordance with California Code of Regulations Title 20; and support to the CEC's Siting, Transmission, and Environmental Protection Division. The prime contractor must manage a team of technical specialists across nine expertise areas: air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology, noise and vibration, transmission engineering, visual resources, water resources, and wildfire protection. Work will be assigned through individual work authorizations with no guaranteed minimum or maximum volume. This is a no-fee retainer contract with reimbursement structured through a separate agreement between the selected contractor and project applicants, and the CEC named as an expressly third-party beneficiary.

The contract runs February 1, 2027 through June 30, 2031. Compensation is cost-reimbursement with payment in arrears for actual allowable expenditures, capped at specified hourly rates, with a maximum ten percent profit on labor expenses and ten percent retention per invoice. Travel and per diem are reimbursed at CEC rates with prior authorization. No equipment purchases are permitted.

DVBE participation requirements have been waived; however, firms including DVBE participation may receive one to five incentive points depending on participation levels (0.01% to 4% or greater). All prime bidders must complete a DVBE Bidder Declaration and Contractor Status Form and comply with California Darfur Contracting Act certification requirements. Three client references are required for the prime contractor and each subcontractor.

SOQ evaluation uses 850 points for written criteria and 150 points for discussion criteria, with a minimum passing score of 750 points (75%). The top-ranked firm enters cost negotiations within 14 days of the November 4 selection notice, with contract execution contingent on CEC Business Meeting approval.