Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy Integration

The California Arts Council is seeking expertise to integrate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles into its grantmaking processes, specifically targeting panel operations, scoring rubrics, and selection protocols. The goal is to redesign these systems to ensure fair, transparent, and inclusive funding decisions that reflect the full spectrum of communities across the state. This subcontract focuses on practical application, requiring the contractor to assess existing workflows, identify systemic biases, and implement structural changes grounded in EDI best practices to enhance equity in outcomes without compromising integrity or accountability. The opportunity is open to qualified vendors responding by July 3, 2026, under NAICS code 541611, which aligns with management consulting services. Performance is expected to be centered in Sacramento, with no set-aside provisions specified. The initiative reflects the Council’s broader institutional commitment to advancing justice in the arts ecosystem, and successful integration will require deep cultural competency, experience in arts funding, and a proven ability to translate policy into action within committee-based decision-making environments. The contract is positioned as a subcontract under the agency’s procurement framework, and while no point of contact is listed, all submissions must be made through the public procurement portal by the stated deadline.