HSC §25214.8.11.4: (a) On or before March 1, 2022, a manufacturer, or group of manufacturers, shall contract with or retain a qualified third party to develop and implement a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient pr

(a) On or before March 1, 2022, a manufacturer, or group of manufacturers, shall contract with or retain a qualified third party to develop and implement a convenient, cost-effective, and efficient program consistent with this act. (b) A manufacturer, or group of manufacturers, shall issue a request for proposals for a qualified third party to develop and implement the program required pursuant to this act. The manufacturer, or group of manufacturers, shall consider all of the following factors when selecting a qualified third party to develop and implement the program: (1) The qualified third party’s history and success of operating product takeback collection programs. (2) The qualified third party’s ability to identify and provide information to consumers about out-of-service mercury-added thermostat collection locations. (3) The qualified third party’s ability to ensure that transportation systems move waste safely and effectively. (4) The qualified third party’s history of working with recycling or disposal experts, manufacturers, state and local governments, and retailers. (5) The qualified third party’s ability to implement an effective education and outreach campaign. (6) The qualified third party’s presence in the state and its ability to adequately engage with stakeholders in the state to develop and implement the program. (7) Any other factors determined by the manufacturer, or group of manufacturers, to be relevant to the selection of a qualified third party to develop and implement the program.