Technical Assistance Program

California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is soliciting input from potential technical assistance providers to develop a comprehensive technical assistance program for applicants and grantees participating in three grant initiatives: the Forest Health, Tribal Wildfire Resilience, and Regional Wildfire & Landscape Resilience grant programs. The primary objective of this technical assistance program is to promote equitable access to state funds, with particular emphasis on serving disadvantaged communities, severely disadvantaged communities, and vulnerable populations. The solicitation was posted on April 15, 2026, with a deadline for responses due by May 15, 2026. While specific deliverables and detailed evaluation criteria are not enumerated in the provided information, the program's core purpose centers on removing barriers to grant access and ensuring that underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups can effectively compete for and implement these wildfire resilience and forest health initiatives. Interested providers should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in technical assistance program design, grant administration, community engagement, and experience serving disadvantaged or vulnerable populations in environmental or natural resource management sectors.

The provided documentation does not specify set-aside designations, restrictions on organizational types, incumbent vendors, or specific award values and budget ranges. However, given CAL FIRE's emphasis on equitable access and service to disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities, it is likely that priority consideration or preference may be given to organizations with demonstrated experience working with these populations or those certified as disadvantaged enterprises. Potential bidders should contact CAL FIRE directly for additional specifications regarding contract value, program scope, organizational eligibility requirements, and any technical infrastructure or existing grant program systems with which the technical assistance provider must integrate.