Press Release

2021 Updates in State and Federal Contracting

25 February, 2021

As we enter the third month of 2021, there have already been numerous updates in state and federal contracting that contractors should know about. These updates include changes in websites, certification processes, and new electronic applications. It appears that 2021 will be a big year of change in government acquisition!

 

Cal eProcure

California’s online marketplace has been updated with a new look and feel, enhanced navigation, and new features for an improved user experience. This user-focused redesign promotes easy access to bidder/supplier accounts, certification profiles, and state procurement information and opportunities.

The updates include: 

  • Updated website design and layout
  • Intuitive navigation to quick access links, upcoming bid opportunities and more
  • A personalized WorkCenter to quickly view and manage your account and certification profile
  • New UNSPSC options with updated descriptions for easier code selection
  • New training and resources page that will include upcoming news and events

For more information on Cal eProcure updates, visit CaleProcure Update (Source).

 

California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)

The new CMAS application and supplement portal became live February 1, 2021.  All new CMAS applications, renewal applications (now supplement), and supplement requests will need to be submitted via the portal. CMAS suppliers will need to create an account and log in to submit applications and supplement requests. If you have any questions concerning the new CMAS portal, please email the CMAS Unit at CMAS@dgs.ca.gov. CMAS portal – www.dgs.service-now.com/cmas

CMAS offers a wide variety of commodity, non-IT services, and information technology products and services at prices which have been assessed to be fair, reasonable, and competitive.  This form of procurement differs from the competitive bid process. The CMAS Program creates a pool of suppliers that an agency can solicit offers from.  When utilized correctly, CMAS streamlines the procurement process.

For more information on becoming a CMAS Schedule Holder, consult with your PTAC Counselor or review Norcal PTAC’s recorded webinar, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWQD95FGv90&feature=youtu.be

 

Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB/EDWOSB) Certification

The new WOSB Certification program began accepting applications in July 2020 and the full program cameonline in October 2020. The standard processing time according to the SBA is 90 days upon the receipt of a complete application package. When applying for the certification, the SBA timeline is 14 days to notify the applicant if their package is complete or let the applicant know of any deficiencies to be corrected. The 90-day processing time does not begin until the package is complete. Currently, the SBA has a backlog due to the influx of applications since October 2020 and some applications are taking longer than 90 days.

For more information on the WOSB/EDWOSB Certification program, consult your PTAC Counselor or review Norcal PTAC’s recorded webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26aUZk1UH5c&feature=youtu.be

 

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)

Currently there are two certification programs for SDVOSB: self-certification through SAM.gov and a verification program through the Veterans Administration (VA). The 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), Section 862, eliminates SDVOSB self-certification through SAM.gov and will adopt a government wide SDVOSB Certification within two years (2023). The act transfers control of the certification program from the VA to the Small Business Administration (SBA). The transfer to the SBA makes sense since the SBA is responsible for all other small business certifications.

Once the new certification program is online, an SDVOSB will have one year to become certified under the new SBA program. During the one-year period, the SDVOSB can continue to use its self-certification for non-VA contracts. The VA will continue to verify that a contractor meets SDVOSB requirements prior to award.

If you would like more information about the SDVOSB certification program, Norcal PTAC is offering a free webinar on Thursday, March 18, 2021.  Details about the webinar and how to register are available here: https://sdvosb.eventbrite.com

 

 

 

Written by Nanci Pigeon, Procurement Specialist, Norcal PTAC