How to register
- Create account on Cal eProcure
- Complete vendor registration with UEI
- Enter NAICS codes and commodity codes
- Upload W-9 and business license
- Certify eligibility for small/minority certifications
- Activate and enable notifications
Certifications
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)
Residency required51% owned by disabled veterans (20%+ service-connected disability). Must reside in California. 3% procurement goal.
Small Business (SB)
No residency required≤100 employees AND ≤$14M annual revenue. 5% bid preference and set-asides.
Minority Business (MB)
No residency required51% owned by socially/economically disadvantaged citizens. Procurement preferences.
Free tool
Set-aside eligibility checkFor federal bids: see which SBA set-aside programs you meet the tests for.
To sell to California government, register on Cal eProcure. Out-of-state vendors allowed but CA gives 5% preference to state-based in distressed areas. State spends $310 billion annually with massive tech buying through Caltrans, Department of Technology, health, and General Services.
Who Can Sell to California?
Any business can bid. Out-of-state vendors compete equally except in distressed areas (5% CA preference). Certified SB receives 5% bid preference statewide. DVBE receives strongest preferences. Your business needs valid legal structure and federal EIN.
Top Agencies Buying Technology
Caltrans manages nation's largest state transportation system. Procures traffic management, fleet software, structural monitoring technology, IT infrastructure. CA Department of Technology purchases enterprise software, cybersecurity, cloud services, IT staffing. Department of Health Care Services procures health information systems. Department of General Services manages procurement for all agencies, buys office technology, software licenses, IT services.
How State Contracting Differs from Federal
CA state contracts often larger than federal. More negotiation on pricing/terms than FAR allows. Payment Net 30-60 (similar federal). However, CA prevailing wage, apprenticeship, sustainable procurement requirements add complexity. State emphasizes environmental sustainability—consider green solutions in proposals.
Frequently asked questions
Can out-of-state companies bid?
Yes. 5% price preference applies to CA-based in distressed areas—significant disadvantage in some procurements.
California SB vs federal 8(a)?
CA SB: ≤100 employees AND ≤$14M revenue. Federal 8(a) different. You can hold both.
What is DVBE?
Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise. 51% disabled veteran ownership, CA residency required. 3% procurement goal.
Typical contract size?
$25K to $50M+. $100K-$250K can go sole-source to certified SB.
Prevailing wage?
Required on most construction/service contracts. 20-40% premium above standard wages.