RFQ-26-701 – Siting, Transmission, and Environmental Protection (STEP) Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) Peak Workload

The California Energy Commission is seeking a single prime contractor to provide comprehensive technical, environmental‑engineering, and project‑management services for the Small Power Plant Exemption (SPPE) program under the STEP initiative. The contractor will evaluate SPPE applications, conduct CEQA/NEPA analyses, prepare environmental documentation (Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, or EIRs), and manage all related administrative tasks, including meetings, stakeholder outreach, and subcontractor oversight. The work is performance‑based with no guaranteed minimum workload, but CEC anticipates up to ten SPPE applications by year‑end 2026, requiring rapid response capabilities and the ability to complete analyses within six‑ to twelve‑month windows. • Scope includes application completeness reviews, discovery data collection, impact analysis, mitigation planning, and siting project management. • Contractor must maintain a secure website, handle invoicing, comply with DVBE, Darfur, and sanctions certifications, and meet strict response‑time requirements (4‑hour call response, 2‑day notice for expert deployment). • The contract runs from 1 Feb 2027 to 30 Jun 2031 (≈4 years) with cost‑reimbursement funded by individual project applicants, not directly by CEC.