Accelerate California Innovation Grant Program Fiscal Agent - Request For Proposals

Background
The California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) is administering a one-time grant through the Accelerate California Innovation Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to bring innovative ideas and products into the marketplace, drive scientific and technological advances, and help small businesses compete.

Grants will be awarded to individual businesses to support proof of concept, research, design, and development projects for entrepreneurs and startups in California who are part of the Accelerate California Inclusive Innovation Hub Program. The program aims to accelerate the startup and growth of technology and science-based firms with a focus on diverse founders.

Work Details
CalOSBA is seeking a third-party administrator to serve as a Fiscal Agent for the program. The Fiscal Agent will be responsible for:
1. Designing a grantmaking process with appropriate internal controls.
2. Receiving and securely processing application data from CalOSBA for eligibility verification.
3. Verifying applicant eligibility including business status and conducting compliance checks.
4. Performing application validation of required documentation and ensuring quality control procedures.
5. Preparing and managing grant agreements, facilitating secure fund disbursement, and administering payments.
6. Providing reporting on operational application management, verified applicant eligibility determinations, executed grant agreements, financial tracking records, and required progress reports.

Period of Performance
The agreement term will begin on June 1, 2026, and end on March 31, 2028.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed in California.

Bidder Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate experience with CalOSBA in developing and managing grant programs, including application development and compliance processes. They must also have the ability to partner with relevant entities to better serve high-barrier populations.

Additionally, applicants must be able to receive state funds and provide a strong plan for validating small business applications.