California Contracting


The State of California purchases a wide variety of goods and services ranging from pencils to temporary labor. In FY 2019-20, the state spent more than $12 billion on goods and services, $2.8 billion of which was with certified small businesses.

The Procurement Division at the California Department of General Services (DGS) is the central purchasing authority for all state departments and local government agencies.

Decorative Image - "The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, with waves gently crashing against the rocky shoreline, and the mountains in the background under a clear sky."

The State of California recognizes only two certifications: Small Business Enterprise (SB or SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). There is also a subsect of the SB certification for Public Works businesses, SB-PW that allows public works businesses a higher revenue limit to become certified as small.

More information is available at the DGS Procurement Division website. The State also organizes frequent outreach activities teaching businesses how to get registered and certified, often partnered with an APEX Accelerator.

Become a Vendor with the State of California


1.  Get registered in the Cal eProcure database

All businesses are eligible to become vendors, regardless of size or location. For assistance, refer to the Cal eProcure Vendor Training page and this DGS Resources page. 


2.  Get certified through Cal eProcure

Find out if you’re eligible to increase your opportunities with state agencies with the SB, SB-PW, or DVBE certifications.


Advanced

3.  Apply for a California Multiple Award Schedules contract

CMAS is the state’s version of GSA schedules. Some local municipalities also use CMAS for purchasing.


Advanced

4.  Register in the SB/DVBE Emergency Registry

You must be a certified SB/DVBE and able to deliver on-demand emergency goods and services.


Review our trainings on California agencies:

If you have more questions, please contact us at info@apexnorcal.org or (707) 267 – 7561