Procurement Department
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Selling To The State

The following information helps you understand how your firm can become a potential supplier to the State of California and how the State buys products and services.

    Bidding Opportunities Other Contract Opportunities Is your Firm a Small business? Is Your Firm a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)? How the State Makes Procurement Decisions Other Supplier Preferences General Information

BIDDING OPPORTUNITIES
The State buys a variety of products and services.  All State of California bid opportunities are advertised on the California State Contracts Register (CSCR). Potential bidders can view and download bid opportunities directly from this site.  Additionally, the State offers free the CSCR Subscription Outreach Service (SOS), which notifies subscribers by automatic email or fax of CSCR advertised opportunities.

OTHER CONTRACT OPPORTUNITIES
California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS)

The State also establishes agreements with suppliers that offer products and/or services on current Federal General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award Schedules and other multiple award schedules.

CAL-Card
CAL-Card, the state's Visa purchase card program, is used as a payment mechanism by many state and local government agencies.  If your firm is interested in becoming a Visa merchant, contact your local financial institution to request information. Visa rates vary between financial institutions; research several before making a decision.

IS YOUR FIRM A SMALL BUSINESS?
The Procurement Division vigorously promotes equal opportunities for small businesses to compete for qualified procurement awards. Certified Small Business are eligible for a 5% bid preference on State contracts.  The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) certifies Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE).

IS YOUR FIRM A DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (DVBE)?
The Procurement Division also vigorously promotes contract participation by Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE).  The Office of Small Business and DVBE Services (OSDS) certifies Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE).

HOW THE STATE MAKES PROCUREMENT DECISIONS
The State's procurement procedures are designed to produce maximum competition, although the procedures vary with the size and type of procurement. California statutes are designed to make it easy for potential suppliers to submit competitive bids.
 
OTHER SUPPLIER PREFERENCES
In addition to the supplier preference for certified small businesses discussed above, the State also gives bid evaluation preferences for the following:

  • Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)
  • Enterprise Zone Act (EZA)
  • Local Agency Military Base Recovery Area Act (LAMBRA)

GENERAL INFORMATION

State Telephone Directory
State agencies and departments frequently make delegated purchases from local sources. Your firm may access the California Online State Telephone Directory to use as a tool to contact these organizations directly.

Updated : 3/25/2009