UK Quantum Mission Logistical Support Request for Proposals

California's Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is soliciting proposals for logistical support coordination of a quantum trade mission to the United Kingdom, with proposals due September 14, 2026, and anticipated award on September 21, 2026. A 5% preference applies to California-certified small businesses, microbusinesses, and non-small businesses that subcontract at least 25% of the net bid price to small businesses or microbusinesses; an additional 5% preference applies to contractors meeting Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise participation goals of at least 5% of the net bid price.

The consultant will secure hotel blocks in London and Edinburgh, arrange transportation across London, Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, and Glasgow for a 17-person delegation, identify and secure venues for networking events and briefings, arrange catering, provide on-site support with two staff members throughout the mission (December 7–11, 2026), serve as fiduciary for in-market third-party expenses, and deliver bi-weekly progress reports. The contract term runs October 5 through December 12, 2026, with no renewal options. The total contract value, including both contractor services and reimbursable third-party expenses, may not exceed $80,000. GO-Biz will pay a flat fee for contractor services and reimburse variable third-party expenses subject to written approval. Payment is by physical check in U.S. dollars via standard mail; proposers outside the United States must confirm their ability to receive and process such payments.

Evaluation criteria are relevant experience (30 points), technical approach (30 points), cost proposal (30 points), and references (10 points), for a maximum possible score of 100 points. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 17–18, 2026. Proposers must complete the Bidder Declaration form, Contractor Certification Clauses form, Darfur Contracting Act Compliance certification, STD. 204 Payee Data Record, STD. 21 Drug-Free Workplace Certification, and if applicable, IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E for foreign individuals or entities.