This is a Request for Sealed Proposals (RFP) for the Climate Champions 2026 program by the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii. The objective is to advance the city's Climate Adaptation Strategy by contracting climate champion organizations to provide four interrelated services: completing adaptation projects, demonstrating mastery of climate skills, increasing community capacity for climate adaptation actions, and growing the local green workforce. The total project budget available is $500,000, with individual two-year contracts awarded up to $100,000. Proposals will be evaluated based on organizational qualifications, project approach, project team capacity, and proposed price. The deadline for submitting offers is June 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM HST. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference will be held virtually on May 26, 2026. Questions regarding the solicitation must be emailed by June 3, 2026. Multiple awards may be made on a geographic basis, with a maximum of one contract per moku (geographic region). Successful offerors must be registered and compliant with the State of Hawaii Compliance Express System prior to award.
The contract term is 24 months from the Notice to Proceed, with potential extensions up to an additional 24 months. The work schedule, including key deliverables and deadlines, will be approved by the city.
Payments will be authorized by the Director after completion of performance or delivery and acceptance by the Director of all materials, goods, and services. Invoices must be submitted in triplicate and include specific information. Payments will be made no later than thirty (30) calendar days following receipt of the statement for goods received and services completed.
The city will award contracts to responsible offerors whose proposals are deemed most advantageous according to the solicitation's evaluation criteria, demonstrating competence and ability to perform the scope of work. The evaluation criteria include organizational qualifications and experience, project approach and methodology, project budget, project team and capacity, and proposed price.
Offerors must demonstrate a successful experience with projects of similar scope, have positive references on past performance, and previous experience working with the communities where work is proposed. The project team should have relevant experience with climate or environmental education, and/or community organizing and engagement.
Failure to meet contract requirements will constitute a breach of contract that may result in suspension or debarment, and the exercise of rights and remedies as provided by law.
The deadline to submit requests for clarifications/substitutions is June 3, 2026.
Failure to provide proof of compliance with state requirements (tax clearances, certificate of compliance, certificate of good standing) within the permitted time will result in the rejection of the offer. Failure to meet contract requirements will constitute a breach of contract that may result in suspension or debarment.
The total project budget available to be awarded is $500,000. The total value of each two-year contract awarded will be $100,000.