1026-006: California Geological Survey (CGS) Style Guide

The Department of Conservation (Department) requires the services of an individual or organization to develop standardized guidance, procedures, and supporting materials for scientific writing, data reporting, and peer review processes. The objective is to improve the quality, consistency, integrity, and efficiency of scientific publications and technical documents produced by the Department. The Department intends to award one (1) service contract for this IFB.

The California State Department of Conservation (Department) requires the creation of a style guide geared towards publications and manuscripts.

Develop comprehensive writing standards, data reporting guidance, style guides, and peer review process for the Department. This includes the development of formal guidance documents, standardized templates and documented procedures that support the preparation, review, and publication of scientific and technical materials that are developed by CGS including but not limited to:

• Reports (and associated maps)
• Special Reports
• Special Publication
• Bulletins
• California Geology Magazine
• Data Reports
• Fault Evaluation Reports
• Seismic Hazard Zone Reports
• Maps (including pamphlets)
• Preliminary Geologic Maps
• Regional Geologic Maps
• Geologic Data Maps
• Map Sheets
• Landslide Inventory Maps

The Contractor shall develop a comprehensive Scientific Writing and Publication Standards Guide that includes, at a minimum:

• Standards for tone, style, and level of technical communication
• Required manuscript or report components (e.g., abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, conclusions)
• Requirements for references and citations
• Standards for figures, tables, equations, and visual elements
• Formatting requirements, including development of Microsoft Word-based templates
• Guidance on capitalization and naming conventions (e.g., geographic names, geologic formations)

The Contractor shall develop a standardized guidance document for reporting scientific data. The Contractor shall design and document a formal internal peer review process. The Contractor shall develop procedures for external peer review. The Contractor shall develop formal authorship guidelines. The Contractor shall develop a structured editorial workflow that distinguishes between:

• Scientific/content review
• Editorial, grammatical, and stylistic review

The contractor shall develop templates, workflows, checklists, and any training material for each guide as appropriate.

Schedule of Performance

| Task | Description | Due Date |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Develop Comprehensive Writing Standards | February 16, 2027 |
| 2 | Develop Data Reporting Guidance | May 2, 2027 |
| 3 | Develop Style Guides | July 17, 2027 |
| 4 | Develop Peer Review Process | October 2, 2027 |

The Department must receive bids by **November 17, 2026 at 1:00PM**. All deadline times are Pacific Time Zone.

Bidders are encouraged to submit their bid electronically. Please email all bid documents to ServiceContracts@conservation.ca.gov

All bids must be submitted under sealed cover and sent to the Department by dates and times shown in the Key Action Dates and Times section. A minimum of one (1) original and two (2) copies of the bid must be submitted.

The schedule of performance of the Agreement shall be from, December 1, 2026, or upon Department of General Services (DGS) approval, whichever is later, through November 30, 2027. The Department will award a maximum of **$100,000.00** for the agreement.

Award, if made, will be to the most responsive responsible Bidder offering the lowest cost for their services after eligible preferences and/or incentives have been applied.

Bids will be opened on the date and time listed in the Key Action Dates and Times at on Microsoft Teams at https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/276170300821247?p=xLvP65aiDE4mLsMNpJ, or by calling 1-916-318-8892, conference ID: 652360921#.