# California Sets AI Evaluator Standards

California enacted standards for independent AI verification organizations and established a registry for AI evaluators. A state-appointed expert group is expected to recommend additional audit requirements in November 2026. The measures could shape future demand for independent AI evaluation and related cybersecurity, privacy, bias, and safety expertise, but the signal identifies no solicitation, contract award, or funding commitment.

- Companies offering AI evaluation services can assess whether to register and how their capabilities align with California’s new standards; the signal does not specify registration criteria or procurement requirements.
- Contractors and subcontractors providing AI safety, cybersecurity, privacy, or bias assessment services may find potential state-market opportunities as implementation develops, though no specific procurement is announced.
- The expert group’s recommendations are expected in November 2026. The proposed federal Frontier Act is also identified as a policy development for businesses to follow; neither is described as a current contract opportunity.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** October 06, 2026

### Government Entities
- State of California
- California State Legislature

### Key Quotes
> We can put these companies on notice, that they’re going to be evaluated by folks that understand the process, that understand the technology, and will be transparent and hold them accountable so that they create safe products, and they don’t send out these things into the wild that can cause havoc with banking, with our infrastructure and so on.
> — Jerry McNerney, California state senator

### Sources
- [California sets new standards for AI safety evaluators](https://thebusinessjournal.com/california-ai-evaluators-safety-regulation) - The Business Journal