IFB #25-015 - 2026 Elections Temporary Staffing

The contract for providing temporary staffing services to support the California Secretary of State’s Elections Division during the 2026 election cycle is designed to ensure adequate operational support across statewide election activities. It involves staffing call centers to assist voters, candidates, and county officials with inquiries related to voting procedures, candidate filings, and election night reporting, as well as performing data entry, mail processing, and organizing election materials. The procurement emphasizes strict compliance with state and federal regulations, mandating a minimum 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, and requires bidders to submit detailed certifications, including Civil Rights and Darfur Act certifications, along with a comprehensive cost proposal. The contract will be executed using the State’s standard agreement form, STD 213, incorporating all relevant exhibits and referencing the General Terms and Conditions (GTC 02/2025), which are not negotiable. The solicitation specifies that the award will be made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with evaluation based on responsiveness to all bid requirements, mandatory qualifications, and cost. Bidders must submit sealed bids by October 8, 2025, with the opening scheduled for October 10, 2025, at the Secretary of State’s Sacramento office. The contract includes provisions for amendments—allowing scope adjustments, cost increases up to 30%, and extensions of up to one year—while emphasizing that all bid attachments, certifications, and signatures must be complete and properly submitted. The scope of work and performance expectations are clearly defined, with performance to commence within 30 days of contract execution and conclude before the termination date, which can be extended if necessary. Administrative and financial procedures specify that invoices are to be submitted to the designated Accounts Payable office, with no explicit requirements for packaging, marking, or MIL-STD standards, as the contract pertains solely to services rather than physical goods. Overall, the contract’s structure ensures compliance, transparency, and accountability in supporting California’s election operations for the upcoming cycle.