RFQ#2025-31: On-Call Tribal & Cultural Resources Monitoring - Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians

The California State Lands Commission is requesting qualifications for on-call tribal and cultural resources monitoring services under RFQ#2025-31, with proposals due September 1, 2026 and questions due August 21, 2026. This procurement is restricted to California Native American tribes recognized by the California Native American Heritage Commission — the core eligibility filter. The RFQ is not subject to Disabled Veterans' Business Enterprise incentives, small business incentives, or TACPA preferences.

The scope encompasses monitoring services for State Lands Commission projects that may affect tribal cultural resources under the California Environmental Quality Act, including subject matter expertise assessments, cultural awareness and sensitivity training, monitoring during ground-disturbing activities, record searches, and repatriation coordination. The awardee must staff multiple service classifications including tribal historic preservation officers, cultural resources managers, archaeologists, lead tribal monitors, tribal monitors, and administrative assistants. Required certifications include a written Illness and Injury Prevention Program; general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence; vehicle liability of $1,000,000 per accident; and workers' compensation liability of $1,000,000 per employee.

The contract term runs September 7, 2026 through September 6, 2030, with an option for mutual extension for up to an additional four years. Work is issued through individual task orders on an on-call basis with no guaranteed volume. The sample contract indicates a maximum not-to-exceed amount of $250,000 for Phase I services (though marked as sample language). Payment is structured hourly according to established rates in the cost worksheet, with flat fees for specific events such as training and repatriation ceremonies. Invoicing is monthly; payment is due within 45 days. Either party may terminate without cause upon 30 days' written notice.

Selection is competency-based under Government Code section 4525 et seq., with cost not scored during qualifications. Costs will be negotiated after selection. Respondents must submit a cover letter, qualifications narrative, tribal ancestral map, tribal resolution, STD 204 Payee Data Form, Darfur Contracting Act Certification, and California Civil Rights Laws Certification. A Notice of Intent to Award is expected September 4, 2026.