The CAC believes that uplifting and prioritizing the voices and needs of Native American artists will strengthen California’s arts and culture sector and improve the lives of all Californians. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of the Tribal

Advisor, the CAC convened a group of Native American artists based in California to discuss the challenges, needs, and opportunities for Native American artists and communities. The initial focus of this convening was to plan a larger state-wide convening to be held at a later date. However, the day’s conversation highlighted several needs the CAC might address through a dedicated grant program, and the agency was able to outline an opportunity for Native American artists as part of its 2024/25 grant strategy approved by the Council.

To help the CAC and the State prioritize the needs of Native American artists across California, the CAC seeks to contract with a qualified consultant to design a process and co-create a grant program to support Native American artists. The goal of the program will be to address and mitigate disparities of funding and increase the visibility of Native American artists. The CAC is committed to following through on its promise to create opportunities for Native American artists. The engagement of this consultant contractor is an initial step in following through on this promise.

Key Dates

• Re-release of Request for Proposal Monday, March 24, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Additional Optional Webinar to Review RFP (recording will be posted on
• CaleProcure) Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 12:00pm PST
• Written Questions Due Friday, April 4, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Questions and Answers Posted Wednesday, April 9, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Bid Package Submission Due Friday, April 18, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Evaluation Period April 21 – May 2, 2025
• Interview Period May 5 – 9, 2025
• Notice of Intent to Award May 9, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Protest Period May 12 – 16, 2025 by 5:00 PM PST
• Contract Awarded May 19, 2024
• Contract Work Begins June 1, 2025 (approximate)
• Project work timeline (approximate) June 1, 2025 – November 1, 2026

Webinar and Q&A Resources 

The CAC conducted webinars on Thursday, April, 3 at 12 p.m. PST. Links to the informational webinar and the presentation slides are below:

• Webinar Recording
• Presentation Slides

A link to the recording of the April 3rd session is now also available on the CAC’s YouTube channel.

The complete RFP, including submission instructions and evaluation criteria, is available at: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/8260/0000034798.