California Jobs First
Regional Investment Initiative
Implementation Phase – Full Application
Round Two – January 2026
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Dear applicant,
On behalf of the California Jobs First Council, I write to invite you to submit a Full Application for the Regional Investment Initiative (RII) – Implementation Phase, Round Two. Your project, as a part of the broader regional coalition and project cluster, has been identified as part of a select group to submit a Full Application for the Council’s consideration.
As you are aware, the California Jobs First initiative was started as a community- led and climate forward process that has facilitated the creation of 13 unique yet connected regional strategies across the State. These plans served as the foundation with which the California Jobs First Council developed the State Economic Blueprint, the first region-up, statewide strategy in the country and California’s first statewide economic development strategy in 20+ years.
The RII Implementation Phase funds are being made available to support ready- to-go projects that directly support the creation, attraction, and access to good-paying jobs in one of the tradable sectors identified within the “Accelerate” or “Bet” categories as outlined in the State Economic Blueprint.
As you review this application, we’d like you to remember the following: (1) you made it this far, and the Council is excited to collaborate with you further on the implementation of your project with or without additional RII funds, (2) while you will submit an individual application, please remember that you are a part of a broader coalition and are stronger together, and (3) we can and will learn a lot together through this process.
We are grateful for your interest and look forward to engaging with you and your coalition counterparts to advance economic, business and workforce development across California.
Sincerely,
Derek Kirk
Senior Advisor for Economic Policy
Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development
on behalf of the California Jobs First Council
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Table of Contents
About the Program ................................................................................................... 5 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 5 Background ............................................................................................................ 5 Purpose & Objectives ............................................................................................ 5 Program Information ................................................................................................. 6 Program Design...................................................................................................... 6 Eligible Applicants .................................................................................................. 7 Eligible Projects ....................................................................................................... 7 Disallowed Activities & Expenditures ................................................................... 8 Application Process .................................................................................................. 8 Funding Availability ............................................................................................... 8 Application Criteria & Evaluation ......................................................................... 8 Period of Performance & Grant Agreement ...................................................... 9 Application Submission & Review Schedule ....................................................... 9 Grounds for Rejection ......................................................................................... 10 Administrative & Reporting Requirements ............................................................ 10 Project Reporting ................................................................................................. 11 Financial Reports .................................................................................................. 12 Monitoring & Review ........................................................................................... 12 Subcontracting & Procurement ......................................................................... 12 Record Keeping ................................................................................................... 13 Public Records ..................................................................................................... 13 Fiscal Requirements & Reporting ....................................................................... 14 Infrastructure ........................................................................................................ 14 Equipment ............................................................................................................ 15 Prevailing Wage ................................................................................................... 15 Intellectual Property Rights/Creative Commons Attribution License ............. 18 Compliance ......................................................................................................... 18
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Application .............................................................................................................. 18 Exhibit A - Cover Sheet (1 page PDF) ................................................................ 19 Exhibit B - Project Narrative (up to 10 pages PDF) ............................................ 19 Exhibit C - Partnership Agreement Letter(s) (Multiple pages PDF) .................. 20 Exhibit D - Project Work Plan (PDF) ..................................................................... 21 Exhibit E1 and E2 - Deliverables-Based Budget & Budget Justification .......... 21 Exhibit F - Project Reporting (PDF) ...................................................................... 21 Appendix 1 - Permit & Site Information (PDF) .................................................... 21 Required Documentation/Application Packets ............................................... 22 Scoring Overview ................................................................................................. 22 Questions .................................................................................................................. 24
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About the Program
Introduction
The Regional Investment Initiative (RII), the signature program within California Jobs First, represents a comprehensive approach to economic development across California. By strategically investing in economic development, community infrastructure, and supportive services, the initiative aims to empower local communities and foster sustainable economic growth. Bringing together local communities, economic development practitioners, industry partners, and workers, this collaborative effort seeks to unlock the potential of California's diverse regional landscapes, creating opportunities for prosperity, innovation, and shared economic success.
Background
RII was established by Senate Bill 162 (2021), amended in Assembly Bill 2342 (2022), and most recently amended in Senate Bill 108 (2024).
The program is overseen by the California Jobs First Council, which is led by the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development and the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. The California Jobs First Council also includes the California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Environmental Protection Agency, California Health and Human Services Agency, California Department of Veterans Affairs, the California Public Utilities Commission and the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Investments. Council members participation will foster increased opportunities to leverage resources across agencies toward the goals of RII.
Since 2021, RII has funded regional economic development strategies and pre- development activities in all 13 regions of the state alongside eight pilot projects, totaling $286 million. The program focuses on strategies that help create, attract, and provide access to good-paying jobs, with the aim of bolstering economic competitiveness and resilience. More information is available at https://www.labor.ca.gov/regional-investment-initiative/.
Purpose & Objectives
The Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (Co-Chair of the Jobs First Council), in partnership with the Employment Development Department (EDD), and on behalf of the Jobs First Council, including the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) (Co-Chair of the Jobs First
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Council), has made up to $125 million available in grant funding within the Implementation Phase of the RII program. In 2025, $80 million was awarded in Round One to support eleven projects. Round Two has up to $45 million in remaining funds to award.
The Implementation Phase represents the pivot point in the program from planning to implementing the strategies that were developed by and for communities across the state.
These grants are intended to allow a range of activities related to economic growth, job training and access, business development, and research and development.
The core goals of this funding include:
• Supporting sustainable and equitable economic growth
• Investing in the workforce for the sectors of the future • Creating an attractive environment for and with job creators • Strengthening the California innovation economy and our entrepreneurial culture
The grants within this phase will be awarded on a rolling and competitive basis to economic development projects that are informed by the work of the regional Jobs First Collaboratives.
Program Information
Program Design
Any applicants receiving this invitation to submit a Full Application have been selected through the submissions in the Pre-Application Questionnaire phase.
During this Full Application phase, each entity representing an individual project within the regional coalition finalists has been invited to submit an individual project application. Projects will be evaluated independently and as a part of the associated project cluster. Interviews will be required, for qualifying projects, to provide applicants with an opportunity to “pitch” the most competitive projects. During the interviews, GO-Biz, and the California Jobs First Council, may engage with additional funding partners including venture capitalists, Community Development Financial Institutions, private financial institutions such as Community Reinvestment Act bankers, philanthropies, etc. to consider co-
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investing with the California Jobs First Council in projects and project clusters.
Once interviews are completed, project awards will be announced, and applicants will be notified of their project’s success in this competition.
Eligible Applicants
This RFP requires local partnerships and collaboration. Only applications that provide evidence of impact into disinvested communities, either through a specific project or partner organization that is located in or directly serves a disinvested community will be accepted. Award recipients will also work closely with staff from GO-Biz and the California Workforce Development Board, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council to ensure implementation of the awarded project.
Proposals will be accepted from the following entity types:
• Non-profits (501c(3), c(4), and c(6)), and other community-based organizations.
• Institutions of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education.
• California Native American Tribes or a consortium of California Native American Tribes.
• Local governments, Special Districts, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), etc.
For-profit entities are not eligible to apply, though funds can be subcontracted to for-profit entities for specific activities. The applicant must be based in California.
Eligible Projects
Any applicant receiving this invitation to submit a Full Application should be applying for the project they are associated with that was identified during the Pre-Application Questionnaire phase. While GO-Biz, and the California Jobs First Council understand that projects evolve, no new projects may be proposed during this phase in the application process.
Activities funded by this grant program must comply with applicable, local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act and local permitting requirements. GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, may assist the applicant with verifying applicable compliance with state and local policies; however, the applicant is solely responsible for project verification and compliance. Applicants must be
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prepared to submit any permits, surveys, or reports that support the status of their environmental compliance.
Disallowed Activities & Expenditures
Investments in new fossil fuel extraction infrastructure or activity, or enhancements to expand fossil fuel production will not be eligible for Regional Investment Initiative – Implementation Phase funding.
All costs incurred must meet the tests of reasonableness, allowability and allocability in accordance with the grant agreement terms. GO-Biz and EDD may require grantees to provide an audit of funds by the state or a third-party to verify compliance with the grant agreement. Recipients are responsible for ensuring proper management and financial accountability of state funds to preclude future cost disallowances.
Application Process
Funding Availability
Up to $125 million in General State Funds are available through this program, available in two rounds. $80 million was awarded in Round One, leaving up to $45 million available in Round Two.
The minimum award amount is $500,000 for individual projects.
There is no maximum award amount for individual projects.
There is no matching funds requirement.
During the review of the Full Applications, award amounts for the top scoring individual projects may be adjusted depending on the availability of funding, and if the State has been able to identify additional funding partners to co- invest in projects with the California Jobs First Council.
Application Criteria & Evaluation
GO-Biz on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, will confirm eligibility of each applicant and their proposed project. GO-Biz, LWDA and other agency and department staff from within the California Jobs First Council will comprise a review committee that will review and evaluate each qualifying proposal for final consideration. The review committee will make a recommendation to the California Jobs First Council Co-Chairs. The recommendations will be based on consensus reached after each application is thoroughly reviewed, evaluated,
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and discussed by the review committee. The California Jobs First Council Co- Chairs will take the recommendations and input of the review committee into consideration along with the California Jobs First Council’s mission, program priorities, and potential investments by entities that may be co-investing with the California Jobs First Council to make the final funding decisions.
Period of Performance & Grant Agreement
Grants awarded within this RFP are anticipated to have a Period of Performance (POP) of 24 months, with an anticipated start date of October 2026. This POP includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities. No obligation of funds will be allowed before an executed grant agreement is provided. Any funds not expended during the grant agreement period shall be returned to the State.
Note – A 24-month POP is not guaranteed, and GO-Biz reserves the right to reduce the POP if necessary for encumbrance or expenditure requirements.
Similarly, GO-Biz reserves the right to extend the POP beyond the anticipated 24- months considering unanticipated delays in project implementation.
During the POP, the awardees will be required to abide by all the obligations as stipulated within this application and the signed Grant Agreement. This includes submittal of reports to GO-Biz including identifying progress made toward stated goals. The exact reporting requirements will be finalized in the grant agreement between the awardee and GO-Biz.
Application Submission & Review Schedule
The California Jobs First Council will only review applications received by Friday, January 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST). Should duplicate applications be submitted for a project, the most recent application will be evaluated.
All applications and required materials shall be submitted via email to [email protected]. An email will be returned to you to verify the receipt of your application with GO-Biz timestamp. Applicants are encouraged to submit 48 hours early to ensure no errors in submission as late applicants will not be accepted under any circumstances, without exception. All applications must be submitted by the deadline listed above. There are no exceptions or extensions of this deadline. Any technology challenges or inability of an applicant to submit an application by the deadline for any reason shall not be grounds for an extension of the deadline. For help applying, please send an
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email to [email protected] with the subject line: RII Implementation Phase Application Help.
Grounds for Rejection
The California Jobs First Council’s determination as to eligibility for grant funding, or the amount of grant funding awarded, is final and not subject to appeal or protest. GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, reserves the right to waive any immaterial deviation in a proposal; however, the waiver of an immaterial deviation in a proposal shall in no way modify the document or excuse the applicant from full compliance with the proposal requirements after the applicant is awarded the agreement.
A proposal shall be rejected if:
• The proposal package is received after the exact time and date set for receipt of proposals.
• The proposal does not meet the requirements and is not prepared and submitted as outlined in the application format section. • Plagiarism, including but not limited to taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own, and failure to cite someone else’s work or ideas, is prohibited and is grounds for disqualification. Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools to complete any portion of an application, without citation, may be considered plagiarism and may also be grounds for disqualification.
• The proposal contains false or misleading statements or references which do not support an attribute or conditions contended by the applicant; and if, in the opinion of GO-Biz, LWDA or EDD, such information was intended to mislead the review committee in its evaluation of the proposal.
• The proposal is confidential, conditional, and incomplete or if it contains any irregularities. The determination of rejection for grant funding is final and not subject to appeal or protest.
Administrative & Reporting Requirements
The following information should be considered by applicants in the development of their proposals:
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Project Reporting
As part of the application processes, applicants will be required to outline the specific and measurable indicators and metrics for evaluating project success.
Applicants will also be required to outline clear outcomes and deliverables associated with project budgets.
Awardees will be required to submit monthly and/or quarterly reports assessing the progress of their projects against the commitments identified in the grant agreements.
Final reporting indicators and metrics will be determined by GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, and project applicants, and outlined in grant agreements. Note: If awardees are serving participants in a workforce training program, they will be required to use CalJOBS.
The following outlines sample metrics (this list should not be considered required or exhaustive) for each project type:
Ecosystem Support
• Anticipated number of new licensed technologies or patented innovation.
• Anticipated number of new start-ups, spinouts, or exits. • Number of small/midsize businesses in disinvested communities connected to universities, research centers or national labs.
• Expected number of small/midsize businesses with access to funding or other assistance to overcome barriers to entry into new industries. • Anticipated number of good-paying jobs.
Infrastructure
• Size and makeup of population expected to benefit from investment. • Anticipated new businesses or expansion of businesses in disinvested communities.
• Anticipated number of good-paying jobs.
Workforce Development
• Total number of participants served (total, career services, job training). • Total number of and % of participants who receive training by Skill Type – Basic, Cross-functional, Knowledge-based.
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• % of total training participants who completed training. • Total number of participants trained and placed.
• Number of training participants with a Credential Attainment; % of participants with a credential attainment within 1 year of program exit. • % of training project graduates with measurable skill gains (training/sector specific).
• % of training project graduates employed.
• % of training graduates employed with health insurance benefits. • Median training graduates’ quarterly earnings over time and compared to regional living wage targets (prior to training and after training).
Additional Enablers
• Number of network partners serving or representing members of disinvested communities.
• Number of new initiatives or partnerships that contribute to social safety net programs.
• Anticipated number of good-paying jobs.
Financial Reports
The Financial Report Template will be provided in conjunction with the grant agreements, contain the invoice template and should be used by awardees to show they have met the agreed upon deliverables/outcomes and are proceeding with a reimbursement request.
Monitoring & Review
During the performance period, awardees may be monitored and/or audited by the state in accordance with existing policies, procedures, and requirements governing the use of the State General Funds. Awardees are expected to be responsive to all reviewers’ requests, provide reasonable and timely access to records and staff, facilitate access to subcontractors, and communicate with reviewers in a timely and accurate manner.
Subcontracting & Procurement
Subcontractor procurement processes must adhere to state and local requirements.
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Procurement requirements: Projects must obtain three competitive quotes for purchases to justify that the cost of the equipment is reasonable. Awardees are required to obtain and keep them on file in the event they are monitored.
Sole source procurement: If the purchase is a sole source purchase (only one vendor capable of providing an item or service, therefore it is not possible to obtain competitive bids), justification must be provided on why this cannot be competitively procured along with why the provider was selected.
Record Keeping
Awardees and subrecipients will be required to maintain project and fiscal records sufficient to allow state and local reviewers to evaluate the project’s effectiveness and proper use of funds. The record-keeping system must include both original and summary (computer-generated) data sources. Awardees and subrecipients will retain all records pertinent to the grant contract for a period of five years from the date of the final payment of the contract unless a longer period of record retention is stipulated. Awardees, not GO-Biz or any other state agency, will retain possession, custody, and control of all records related to the funded projects, and will make such records available for inspection and audit upon request for verification of compliance with the grant program’s terms and conditions, and to ensure awardees have effectuated their projects consistent with the statutory requirements and goals of the program.
Public Records
By applying for this grant funding opportunity, applicants acknowledge that GO-Biz is subject to the California Public Records Act (PRA) (Government Code section 7920.000 et. seq.). Application materials submitted by applicants pursuant to this grant funding opportunity may be subject to disclosure pursuant to a PRA request, except in the event that such documents submitted are considered confidential information and exempt from disclosure under the PRA.
In the event records of an applicant are requested through a PRA request, GO- Biz will notify the applicant, as soon as practicable that a PRA request for the applicant’s information has been received, but not less than five (5) business days prior to the release of the requested information, to allow the applicant to seek an injunction. GO-Biz will work in good faith with the applicant to protect the information to the extent an exemption is provided by law.
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Fiscal Requirements & Reporting
The Implementation Phase is a reimbursable, deliverables-based grant. As part of the application process, applicants will outline the deliverables/outcomes and the associated timelines and costs for achieving them.
As part of the budget development process, applicants should develop and outline justification for all indirect costs which may be applied to all deliverables and may not exceed 10%.
Applicants may be required to provide justification of proposed costs within each deliverable upon request of GO-Biz.
Awardees may request reimbursement after achieving the agreed upon deliverables no more than once per month, and no less than once per quarter.
A ten percent (10%) payment withholding will be applied to each reimbursement request and paid along with the final invoice. The retention serves to ensure full completion of funded activities, encourage timely submission of reporting and compliance documents, and safeguard public funds.
Awardees should maintain a ledger outlining expenses in the event of an audit.
At a minimum, each ledger entry should include the subcontractor agreement number, invoice date, payment date, and a description of the payment.
Individual divisions may require additional ledger information.
Awardees must establish, manage, and maintain an appropriate system of internal controls, accounting records, and documentation of the receipt and disbursement of the funds for review or reproduction upon written request by GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, according to Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures, other state regulatory requirements, and the direction of GO-Biz.
Infrastructure
For any rights of way, real and personal property, leases, improvements, and infrastructure funded as a reimbursable direct cost of the Implementation Phase, the awardee must be the sole owner of the title or leasehold.
Prior to the execution of a grant agreement, the awardee must provide documentation that they either hold ownership rights to the land on which an implementation project is to occur or has land tenure permission from the landowner(s) to implement the approved project(s).
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If the awardee does not own the property on which the project is to be implemented, the property owners(s) must sign a document or enter into an agreement with the awardee acknowledging landownership, access rights and the period of time for access for project implementation. If there is an existing agreement that provides land tenure for the time periods required, it may be used.
Each site acquired or improved upon with the funding related to this RFP must be maintained in a state of good repair and remain permanently dedicated to the described use for its full useful life.
If the ownership or use of equipment, vehicles, or infrastructure changes to a use not in accordance with the program guidelines or contract agreement, the awardee may be required to reimburse the State in a manner determined by GO-Biz, on behalf of the Jobs First Council.
Equipment
For any equipment purchased or built with funds that are reimbursable as a direct cost of the Implementation Phase, as determined by GO-Biz, on behalf of the Jobs First Council, the awardee or subcontractor, as applicable, must be the sole owner on title. During the period of performance, equipment must be dedicated to the described use in the same proportion and scope as was in the contract agreement, unless GO-Biz agrees otherwise in writing. On completion or early termination of the contract agreement, the State will either require that the equipment be returned or authorize the continued use of such equipment in the benefitting community; in making that determination, the State will consider the useful life of the equipment, and the awardee may be required to refund the State for the fair market value of equipment that continues to have a usable life, but is no longer required for the project implementation. Awardee will be required to maintain an inventory record for each piece of non-expendable equipment purchased or built with funds provided under the terms of a grant agreement.
Prevailing Wage
Requirement
Projects funded by this RFP may involve construction, alteration, demolition, installation, repair, or maintenance work over $1,000. Such projects might be considered “public works” under the California Labor Code (See California Labor Code Section 1720 et seq. and Title 8 California Code of Regulations,
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Section 16000 et seq.). Public works projects require the payment of prevailing wages. Prevailing wage rates can be significantly higher than non-prevailing wage rates.
Determination of Project’s Status
Only the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and courts of competent jurisdiction may issue legally binding determinations that a particular project is or is not a public work. If the Recipient is unsure whether the project funded by the Agreement is a “public work” as defined in the California Labor Code, it may wish to seek a timely determination from DIR or an appropriate court. As such processes can be time consuming, it may not be possible to obtain a timely determination before the date for performance of the Agreement. By accepting this grant, the Recipient is fully responsible for complying with all California public works requirements, including but not limited to payment of prevailing wage. As a material term of this grant, the Recipient must either:
1. Timely obtain a legally binding determination from DIR or a court of competent jurisdiction before work begins on the project that the proposed project is not a public work; or
2. Assume that the project is a public work and ensure that:
• Prevailing wages are paid unless and until DIR or a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the project is not a public work;
• The project budget for labor reflects these prevailing wage requirements; and
• The project complies with all other requirements of prevailing wage law, including but not limited to keeping accurate payroll records and complying with all working hour requirements and
apprenticeship obligations. California Prevailing Wage law provides for substantial damages and financial penalties for failure to pay prevailing wages when such payment is required.
Subrecipient and Vendor Flow-down Requirements
The Recipient will ensure that its Subrecipients, any lower-tiered level of Sub- Subrecipients, and Vendors also comply with the public works/prevailing wage requirements above. As applicable, the Recipient will ensure that all agreements with its Subrecipients and Vendors to perform work related to this
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Project contain the above terms regarding payment of prevailing wages on public works projects, and also as applicable that Subrecipients and Vendors also contain these terms. The Recipient is responsible for any failure of its Subrecipients, any lower tiered level of Sub-Subrecipients, and Vendors to comply with California prevailing wage and public works laws.
Indemnification and Breach
Any failure of the Recipient or its Subrecipients, any lower-tiered level of Sub- Subrecipients, and Vendors to comply with the above requirements will constitute breach of this Agreement which excuses GO-Biz’s performance of this Agreement at GO-Biz’s option and will be at the Recipient’s sole risk. In such a case, GO-Biz will refuse payment to the Recipient of any amount under this award and GO-Biz will be released, at its option, from any further performance of this Agreement or any portion thereof. The Recipient will indemnify GO-Biz and hold it harmless for any and all financial consequences arising out of or resulting from the failure of the Recipient and/or any of its subcontractors to pay prevailing wages or to otherwise comply with the requirements of prevailing wage law.
Budget
The Recipient’s budget on public works projects must indicate which job classifications are subject to prevailing wage. For detailed information about prevailing wage and the process to determine if the proposed project is a public work, the Recipient may wish to contact DIR or a qualified labor attorney for guidance.
Covered Trades
For public works projects, the Recipient may contact DIR for a list of covered trades and the applicable prevailing wage.
Questions
If the Recipient has any questions about this contractual requirement or the wage, record keeping, apprenticeship, or other significant requirements of California prevailing wage law, the Recipient should consult DIR and/or a qualified labor attorney before entering into this Agreement.
Certification
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The Recipient will certify to GO-Biz on each payment request form either that:
(a) prevailing wages were paid to eligible workers who provided labor for work covered by the payment request and the Recipient, and all contractors and subcontractors otherwise complied with all California prevailing wage laws; or (b) the project is not a public work requiring the payment of prevailing wages. In the latter case, the Recipient will provide competent proof of a DIR or court determination that the project is not a public work requiring the payment of prevailing wages. Prior to the release of any retained funds under this Agreement, the Recipient will submit to GO-Biz the above-described certificate signed by the Recipient and all Subrecipients, any lower-tiered level of Sub Subrecipients, and Vendors performing public works activities on the project.
Absent this certificate, the Recipient will have no right to any funds under this Agreement and GO-Biz will be relieved of any obligation to pay any funds.
Intellectual Property Rights/Creative Commons Attribution License
Awardees of a State award obtain the title to intangible property once it has been acquired. The awardee must use the property for the originally authorized purpose and must not encumber the property without approval from GO-Biz.
Further, GO-Biz has the right to obtain, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the data produced under a state award, and authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for state purposes.
Compliance
All funds are subject to their related State statutory and regulatory requirements.
The awardee is responsible for evaluating the risk of noncompliance based on a set of common factors. These risk assessments may include factors such as prior experience in managing state general funds and regulatory requirements, previous audits, personnel, and policies or procedures for award execution and oversight. Ongoing monitoring of any given subrecipient or contract as a result of this award should reflect its assessed risk and include monitoring, identification of deficiencies, and follow-up to ensure appropriate remediation.
Application
Application and required materials shall be submitted via email to [email protected]. Zip files will be accepted.
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All materials must be submitted as PDF unless otherwise noted in the instruction of each exhibit, completed in Century Gothic 12-point font, follow all applicable criteria, and include the following information/documentation:
Exhibit A - Cover Sheet (1 page PDF)
Applications should include a cover sheet using the Exhibit A template, that states the project name, organization and contact information including phone and email, region(s) represented, and a one paragraph executive summary.
Exhibit B - Project Narrative (up to 10 pages PDF)
Applications should include a comprehensive narrative, as Exhibit B, including the following information:
• Objectives and Vision
o Briefly describe the objectives and vision of the project including general goals and outcomes;
o Outline why this project is critical to the implementation of the associated regional plan(s);
o Include the evidence that affirms how this project will lead to the creation of and access to good paying jobs in the associated sector.
• Promotion of Industry Growth
o Explain how the applicant and regional coalition will use this project as a means of growing the identified tradable sector
Is the project intended to “push” (proactively supporting industry development by directly funding a project, even if the commercial prospects are uncertain) an industry?
Or is the project intended to “pull” (incentivizing the development of new industries and innovations by rewarding successful outcomes that meet pre-defined criteria, rather than funding the entire process upfront) an industry?
o If the project is intended to “push”, how will you promote these investments to industry? And what existing partnerships with industry do you have?
o If the project is intended to “pull”, what policies or mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the greatest benefits for the region(s), specifically regarding job creation, attraction, access and retention?
• Alignment with California Jobs First Priorities
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o Jobs
Explain how the project supports the creation of and access to good-paying jobs. Qualities of good-paying jobs should be aligned with the definitions included in the associated regional plan(s);
Outline the specific number of jobs creation/access potential associated with this project and the profile of those jobs (e.g., wages, accessibility by education level).
o Equity
Identify how the project provides direct, meaningful, and assured benefits to disinvested communities in the associated region(s).
o Climate
Identify how the project aligns with major state climate goals and policies such as mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions, reducing climate vulnerability, or promoting climate adaptation or mitigation efforts.
• Project Financing:
o Outline the plan to fully finance the project including specific information on additional funding being leveraged to support the implementation of the project;
o Outline the revenue model for the project including the value that would be offered, how you may price that value, and who the core customer is intended to be (if applicable).
• Applicant Capacity:
o Describe applicant’s capacity to manage and implement the project, report financial and evaluation data, and identify key personnel and their expected roles.
Exhibit C - Partnership Agreement Letter(s) (Multiple pages PDF) Applications should include partnership agreement letters, as Exhibit C, from a minimum of three organizations, government entities, and/or businesses that have committed to collaborating with the applicant on the successful implementation of the project. At least one of the organizations must be located in the associated region(s) where the project will take place.
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General letters of support will not be considered. The letters should be specific and outline the ways in which the collaborators will support the project applicants and the overall project.
There is no mandated template or format for the letters.
Exhibit D - Project Work Plan (PDF)
The Proposed Workplan, as Exhibit D, is a high-level overview of activities and timelines. It should correspond with Exhibit E, the Deliverables-Based Budget. The applicant is responsible for outlining potential activities based on the goals and objectives of this RFP. Document must be submitted using the template attached as Exhibit D.
Exhibit E1 and E2 - Deliverables-Based Budget & Budget
Justification
Applications should include a comprehensive deliverables-based budget using the template attached as Exhibit E1 and must be submitted in PDF and Excel.
Applicants must include a budget justification, Exhibit E2, outlining general costs and assuring each deliverable expense is reasonable to be considered by the scoring teams.
The budgets provided should outline the specific outcomes associated with the requested reimbursement, and the timelines the applicant anticipates meeting each deliverable/outcome by, within the 24-month period of performance.
Awardees may request reimbursement against achieving
outcomes/deliverables no more than once per month and no fewer than once per quarter.
Exhibit F - Project Reporting (PDF)
Applications should include a proposal outlining the specific and measurable indicators and metrics for evaluating project success using the attached Exhibit F template. Document must be submitted using the template attached as Exhibit F.
The final reporting indicators and metrics will be negotiated between the awardee and GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, as part of the grant agreement process.
Appendix 1 - Permit & Site Information (PDF)
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Projects that include construction should provide all the above-mentioned documentation and proof of compliance, identified as Appendix 1.
Required Documentation/Application Packets
All applications should include the following information:
• Exhibit A - Cover Sheet – to include lead applicant contact information • Exhibit B – Project Narrative
• Exhibit C – Partnership Agreement Letters
• Exhibit D – Project Work Plan
• Exhibit E1 – Deliverable-Based Budget
• Exhibit E2 – Budget Justification
• Exhibit F – Project Reporting
• Appendix 1 – Permit & Site Information (if applicable) • Appendix 2 – State Required Forms
o 2.a. STD 204 - Payee Data Record
o 2.b. STD 205 - Payee Data Record (Only fill this out if the payment address is different from the physical address.)
o 2.c. DGS PD1 - Darfur Contracting Act Certification
o 2.d. DGS PD3 - Iran Contracting Act Verification Form o 2.e. CCC - Contractor Certification Clauses
o 2.f. FD001 - California Civil Rights Law Certification o 2.g. FD016 - Certification Regarding Lobbying
o 2.h. STD 21 - Drug Free Workplace Certification
o 2.i. STD 1000 - Generative Artificial Intelligence Disclosure & Factsheet
Scoring Overview
Teams of reviewers will score and rank the Full Applications that are received and meet eligibility criteria.
Only the top scoring applicants will be considered for funding from this program.
GO-Biz, and the California Jobs First Council, may invite outside funders/investors to co-invest in projects proposed under this RFP. Any outside funding commitments facilitated by GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council, may be considered prior to award decisions. GO-Biz, on behalf of the California Jobs First Council may negotiate with applicants regarding funding amounts and deliverables pending funding availability and outside investments.
The scoring value for each section is as follows:
Regional Investment Initiative – Implementation Phase Full Application 23
Category Criteria Points
Project Narrative Objectives & Vision
• Provides a comprehensive “pitch”
and general goals for the project
and why it is critical to advancing
the identified tradable sector
• Articulates how and why the
project will support the creation,
attraction and/or access to jobs
Promotion of Industry Growth
• Clearly articulates the policy
mechanisms with which the project
is approaching industry
development
Alignment with California Jobs First
• Provides evidence that the project
is directly aligned with the California
Jobs First north star, and advance
the goals around jobs, climate, and
equity
Project Financing
• Articulates how the project will be
fully funded and sustainable with
additional revenue
• Provides an overview of the
project’s revenue model (if
applicable)
Applicant Capacity
• Provides evidence of the applicant
capacity to execute on the project
80 Partnership
Agreement Letters
Includes the necessary partnership
agreement letters
Pass/Fail
Project Work Plan Clearly outlines how the applicant will execute on the project and articulates
specific activities that will be executed on
to meet the deliverables in the budget.
10 Regional Investment Initiative – Implementation Phase Full Application 24
Deliverable-Based
Budget
Clearly outlines the proposed budget for
the project and breaks it down into
specific deliverables.
Each delivery includes solid reasoning for
the funding request.
10 Project Reporting Clearly outlines the core objectives and the measurable indicators that the
applicant will use to measure success.
Pass/Fail
Total 100
Additional factors that may be considered during scoring will include and are not limited to:
• Geographic equity;
• Benefits to disinvested communities;
• Funding commitments from outside funders/investors facilitated by the California Jobs First Council.
Questions
If you have any questions regarding the Application Package after having carefully reviewed the RFP, please email GO-Biz at
[email protected] with the subject line: RII Implementation Phase Application Help.
All questions submitted will be made publicly available via a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document on business.ca.gov within two weeks of the final submission deadline. Questions must be submitted by Monday, December 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM PST.
In addition to the FAQ, one "office hours" session has been scheduled during the full application filing period – Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:30 AM PST.