Project Information

Bid Title

City of Antioch Cannabis Equity RFP

Issuing Agency

City of Antioch

Location

California

Published Date

May 28, 2026

Closing Date

Jun 26, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFP52726

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Bid Number:	RFP52726
Bid Title:	City of Antioch Cannabis Equity RFP
Category:	PSCR RFPs
Status:	Open

Description: The City of Antioch (“City”) is soliciting proposals from quali?ed consultants to provide professional consulting services related to the development of the City’s Cannabis Equity Program infrastructure under the Governor’s Ofice of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions (“CEG Program”) Type 1 funding. Publication Date/Time: 5/27/2026 9:00 AM Closing Date/Time: 6/26/2026 5:00 PM Related Documents: City of Antioch - Cannabis Equity RFP

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Cannabis Equity Assessment and Program Development Consulting Services

City of Antioch, California

1. INTRODUCTION

The City of Antioch (“City”) is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide

professional consulting services related to the development of the City’s Cannabis Equity

Program infrastructure under the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic

Development (GO-Biz) Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions (“CEG

Program”) Type 1 funding.

The selected consultant will assist the City in conducting a comprehensive Cannabis

Equity Assessment and developing a formal Cannabis Equity Program framework/manual

aligned with State expectations and future Type 2 grant eligibility requirements.

The City seeks consultants with demonstrated expertise in cannabis equity program

development, social equity analysis, public policy, community engagement, and

implementation planning.

2. BACKGROUND

The City of Antioch has received Cannabis Equity Grants Program Type 1 funding through

the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to

support the development of a local Cannabis Equity Program and related equity

assessment activities. Additional information regarding the Cannabis Equity Grants

Program for Local Jurisdictions is available at: https://business.ca.gov/cannabis-equity-

grants-program-for-local-jurisdictions/.

The purpose of the funding is to support the development of the City’s Cannabis Equity

Program infrastructure and establish a sustainable, state-aligned equity framework. The

City anticipates a total not-to-exceed contract amount of approximately $40,000 for this

project, inclusive of all labor, meetings, materials, travel, and reimbursable expenses.

The assessment and resulting program recommendations are intended to inform long-term

Cannabis Equity Program operations, future municipal code or policy consideration, public

hearing processes, and future Type 2 funding opportunities.

3. PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The selected consultant shall support the City in accomplishing the following objectives:

• Conduct a comprehensive Cannabis Equity Assessment

• Assess historical and disproportionate impacts associated with cannabis

criminalization and enforcement practices within Antioch communities

• Identify barriers to participation in the regulated cannabis industry

• Assess existing cannabis-related policies, agreements, and oversight structures

• Develop recommendations for a formal Cannabis Equity Program framework

• Develop recommendations supporting a sustainable, transparent, and clearly

documented Cannabis Equity Program structure.

• Provide implementation recommendations aligned with State guidance and best

practices

• Assist in positioning the City for future Cannabis Equity Grant funding opportunities

4. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected consultant shall provide services that may include, but are not limited to, the

following:

A. Cannabis Equity Assessment

Conduct a comprehensive equity assessment evaluating:

• Historical impacts of cannabis criminalization on Antioch communities

• Existing barriers to entry into the regulated cannabis market

• Socioeconomic and demographic disparities

• Existing City cannabis policies, operating agreements, cannabis-related

partnerships, community benefit arrangements, incubator relationships, workforce

development partnerships, and related equity-supporting agreements

• Gaps in oversight, compliance, accountability, and enforcement mechanisms

• Best practices from comparable California jurisdictions

B. Stakeholder and Community Engagement

• Conduct stakeholder outreach and engagement activities

• Facilitate community meetings, interviews, and listening sessions

• Engage impacted populations and relevant community-based organizations

• Incorporate public feedback into assessment findings and recommendations

C. Program Development and Recommendations

Develop recommendations regarding:

• Equity applicant qualification criteria

• Administrative processes and oversight structures

• Permit or fee waiver considerations

• Grant and funding structures

• Compliance monitoring mechanisms

• Community engagement strategies

• Data tracking and reporting systems

The consultant shall coordinate all project activities, communications, and deliverables

through the City’s Public Safety and Community Resources Department (PSCR) or

designated City representative.

The services identified in Sections A through C represent the City’s core required

deliverables. Additional support services, including public hearing participation, extended

policy discussions, and additional stakeholder engagement activities beyond the base

scope, may be requested by the City on an as-needed basis and negotiated separately if

necessary.

D. Program Framework and Implementation Planning

Develop a roadmap and implementation framework for transitioning Antioch’s current

cannabis equity structure into a formalized State-aligned Cannabis Equity Program.

The consultant should also be capable of supporting:

• Public hearing processes

• Policy development discussions

• Recommendations regarding potential municipal code or policy considerations

related to cannabis equity implementation

5. DELIVERABLES

The selected consultant shall provide deliverables including, but not limited to:

1. Comprehensive Cannabis Equity Assessment Report

2. Cannabis Equity Program Manual/Framework

3. Equity Applicant Eligibility Recommendations

4. Program Administration, Implementation, and Long-Term Sustainability

Recommendations

5. Recommendations regarding potential municipal code or policy considerations

supporting Cannabis Equity Program implementation

6. Final presentation to City staff and/or City Council, if requested

7. Support documentation and deliverables necessary to assist the City in satisfying

applicable grant reporting requirements.

8. Supporting documentation and implementation roadmap

6. CONSULTANT QUALIFICATIONS

The City seeks consultants with demonstrated experience in:

• Cannabis equity program development

• Social equity assessments

• Public policy and municipal code analysis

• Community engagement and stakeholder outreach

• Data analysis related to disproportionate impacts from cannabis criminalization

• Development of implementation frameworks and policy recommendations

• California cannabis regulatory environments and local government processes

Experience working with California municipalities and GO-Biz Cannabis Equity Grant

programs is highly desirable.

7. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposal Format and Submission Requirements

Proposals shall:

• Respond to all requested sections and questions identified in this RFP;

• Include a complete cost proposal and total not-to-exceed budget amount;

• Use professional format with a minimum 12-point font size;

• Use standard page formatting with one-inch margins;

• Not exceed ten (10) total pages, excluding cover letter, resumes, and references;

• Be submitted electronically in PDF format; and

• Be submitted no later than Friday, June 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM to: VIP@antiochca.gov

A. Cover Letter

• Include consultant contact information and summary of qualifications.

• Firm name and address

• Primary contact information

• Statement of interest

• Summary of qualifications

B. Firm Qualifications and Experience

Describe relevant experience, including similar projects completed for public agencies.

1. Describe the firm’s experience with cannabis equity program development

and/or social equity assessments.

2. Describe experience working with California municipalities, public agencies,

or state grant-funded programs.

3. Provide examples of at least three (3) similar projects completed within the

past five years, including:

o Client name

o Project scope

o Services provided

o Outcomes/deliverables

o Project timeline

4. Describe the firm’s experience facilitating community engagement,

stakeholder outreach, and public meeting processes.

C. Project Understanding and Technical Approach

Describe the proposed methodology for completing the scope of work.

5. Describe your understanding of the City’s goals for this project.

6. Describe your proposed methodology for conducting the Cannabis Equity

Assessment.

7. Describe how your firm would evaluate:

o Historical impacts of cannabis criminalization

o Barriers to entry into the regulated cannabis market

o Socioeconomic and demographic disparities

o Existing City policies and equity structures

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