Cal eProcure Guide 2025: Navigate California State Procurement
Complete guide to California's Cal eProcure system. Learn how to register, search for bid opportunities, and win California state contracts.
Quick Overview: California State Contracting
California is the largest state procurement market in the US, spending over $25 billion annually on goods and services. Cal eProcure is the state's official e-procurement platform operated by the Department of General Services (DGS). Registration is free and opens access to state agency contracts, leveraged procurement agreements, and small business set-asides.
What is Cal eProcure?
Cal eProcure is California's statewide electronic procurement system. It centralizes bidding for most state agencies, making it easier for vendors to find and compete for state contracts.
What Cal eProcure Offers
- ✓Searchable bid database
- ✓Electronic bid submission
- ✓Bid notification alerts
- ✓Contract award information
- ✓Supplier registration portal
Types of Solicitations
- →IFB - Invitation for Bid (low price wins)
- →RFP - Request for Proposal (best value)
- →RFQ - Request for Quote
- →RFI - Request for Information
How to Register on Cal eProcure
Registration Steps
Go to Cal eProcure Portal
Visit caleprocure.ca.gov and click "Supplier Registration"
Create Your Account
Business email, password, and contact information
Complete Business Profile
Enter legal name, EIN, address, UNSPSC codes, and certifications
Select Product/Service Categories
Choose UNSPSC codes that match your offerings
Submit and Start Receiving Notifications
Get alerts when new bids match your categories
UNSPSC Codes
California uses UNSPSC (United Nations Standard Products and Services Code) instead of NAICS codes for product/service classification. Select all relevant codes during registration to receive appropriate bid notifications. You can update these anytime.
Finding Bid Opportunities
Search Methods in Cal eProcure
- →Keyword search
- →UNSPSC code filtering
- →Agency-specific search
- →Solicitation type filter
- →Set-aside opportunity filter
Better Alternative: BidFinds
Instead of checking Cal eProcure daily, BidFinds aggregates California opportunities plus other state, local, and federal bids in one platform.
- • Cal eProcure + local agencies + federal
- • AI-powered matching to your profile
- • $99/month for comprehensive coverage
California Small Business Certifications
California has aggressive small business participation goals. Certifications provide significant advantages in state contracting.
Small Business (SB)
California-certified small business.
- • 25% state contracting goal
- • 5% bid preference
- • SB set-aside contracts
- • Principal office in California required
Disabled Veteran (DVBE)
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise.
- • 3% state contracting goal
- • DVBE-only set-asides
- • Can combine with SB status
- • 51%+ owned by disabled veteran
Microbusiness (MB)
For the smallest California businesses.
- • Under $2.5M gross receipts
- • Under 25 employees
- • Additional preferences on some bids
How to Get Certified
- 1. Visit California DGS website
- 2. Complete online application
- 3. Submit required documentation
- 4. Await certification (2-4 weeks)
- 5. Renew annually
Major California State Agencies
| Agency | Common Contract Types |
|---|---|
| Caltrans | Construction, engineering, consulting |
| Department of General Services (DGS) | Statewide contracts, supplies, services |
| Dept of Corrections (CDCR) | Food services, supplies, construction |
| Dept of Health Care Services | IT, consulting, healthcare services |
| California State University | Construction, supplies, services |
| University of California | Research, construction, IT, supplies |
Major California Cities (Separate Portals)
Cities operate their own procurement systems. BidFinds aggregates these plus Cal eProcure.
Tips for Success in California
1. Get California SB Certification
The 5% bid preference can make the difference on competitive bids. California-certified SBs also access set-aside contracts and count toward prime contractor goals.
2. Attend CMAS Events
The California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) program offers pre-negotiated contracts. Attend CMAS vendor fairs to build relationships with state buyers and understand the process.
3. Check Caltrans Separately
Caltrans (construction/engineering) uses multiple systems including BPMS for construction. If you're in construction, register specifically with Caltrans in addition to Cal eProcure.
4. Monitor Local Agencies Too
California's 58 counties, 482 cities, and 1,000+ special districts have their own procurement. Many use PlanetBids or BidSync. BidFinds aggregates these alongside Cal eProcure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in California to bid on state contracts?
You can bid on most California state contracts from anywhere. However, California Small Business certification requires a principal office in California. Some contracts have local presence requirements.
What is CMAS?
California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) are pre-negotiated contracts that state agencies can purchase from directly. Getting on a CMAS contract simplifies sales to state agencies—they can buy without a full bid process.
How long does Cal eProcure registration take?
Basic registration is instant. Certification (SB, DVBE) takes 2-4 weeks. Some agencies may require additional registration or prequalification.
Does California accept SAM.gov registration?
SAM.gov is federal. California requires separate Cal eProcure registration. However, having SAM.gov registration demonstrates your government contracting capability and is required if you pursue federal contracts in California.
What are California's prevailing wage requirements?
California has strong prevailing wage laws for public works construction (over $1,000). You must also be registered with DIR (Department of Industrial Relations) to bid on public works projects. Check DIR requirements before bidding on construction.
Find All California Opportunities
Stop checking Cal eProcure, PlanetBids, and city portals separately. BidFinds aggregates all California government opportunities in one searchable platform.
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