RFP - EDIS90126 Electronic Payment Services

The California State Controller's Office (SCO) is soliciting proposals under RFP EDIS90126 for Electronic Payment Services to support the Disbursements Bureau. The selected contractor will act as the Originating Depository Financial Institution (ODFI) to distribute state payments via the ACH network. The scope of work encompasses a wide range of disbursement methods, including traditional direct deposit/EFT payments, global digital payments for international payees, physical and digital prepaid debit cards, push-to-card payments, digital checks, and the provision of a secure customer portal for reporting and tracking. The agreement is structured for an initial six-year term with the possibility of two optional two-year extensions, with a maximum value of eight million dollars for the initial term. To qualify, firms must demonstrate at least five years of business experience, compliance with NACHA and Federal Reserve rules, and adherence to California and Federal privacy laws. The evaluation process is rigorous, requiring proposers to meet specific point thresholds in technical proposals and interviews before their cost worksheets are opened, with the final award granted to the responsive and responsible proposal with the lowest cost. Key operational requirements include adherence to NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5 Moderate security controls, WCAG 2.1 Level A and AA accessibility standards, and the use of neutral, non-government-branded packaging for prepaid cards unless otherwise requested. Performance is managed through a formal system of Deliverable Expectation and Acceptance Documents, and the SCO retains the right to conduct on-site inspections of facilities utilizing state data.