Step-by-Step Guide to Finding California Bids on Cal eProcure
Quick Answer
Cal eProcure is the State of California's primary procurement portal. Register as a bidder, input your UNSPSC codes, and search the California State Contracts Register (CSCR) to find and bid on state agency contracts.
Introduction to Cal eProcure
Cal eProcure is the official online portal for California state government procurement, managed by the Department of General Services (DGS). It is the central hub for the California State Contracts Register (CSCR), where state agencies post their open solicitations. Registration is completely free and is the first step toward winning state contracts.
Registering as a Bidder
To find bids and receive notifications, you must register as a bidder:
- Create a User Account: Set up your credentials on the Cal eProcure website.
- Build Your Profile: Enter your company’s legal information, tax ID, and contact details.
- Add UNSPSC Codes: California uses the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) system to classify purchases. Select all codes relevant to your products or services, as these trigger your automated email alerts.
- Enable Notifications: Ensure your profile is set to receive email notifications when matching bids are posted.
Note: Once you win a contract, you will need to complete a separate "supplier registration" to transact and get paid through the state's FI$Cal system.
Searching the California State Contracts Register (CSCR)
Even with notifications enabled, proactive searching is highly recommended.
- Navigate to the CSCR within Cal eProcure and use the "Start Search" function.
- Filter by keywords, specific state departments, or your UNSPSC codes.
- Review the bid packages, noting mandatory forms, submission formats, and strict deadlines. Missing a deadline by a minute or forgetting a required document will result in disqualification.
State Certifications
Cal eProcure is also where you apply for the state's highly beneficial certifications, primarily the Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) designations. These certifications unlock the SB/DVBE Option (allowing for streamlined, non-competitive bidding up to $249,999) and provide a 5% bid preference on formal, competitive solicitations.
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