If you're interested in becoming a CalPERS business partner, you must understand the procedures, regulations, and policies that govern our contracting process.

CalPERS Contract-Related Disclosure Policy

Contractors must disclose any gifts or political contributions made to a CalPERS Board member, officer, or employee (Government Code Section 20152.5).

Corporate Qualifications to do Business with California

Proposers who are either foreign or domestic corporations must be in good standing and qualified to do business in California during the term of the contract (Revenue & Taxation Code 23101).

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

In order to ensure that electronic protected health information is secure, CalPERS requires contractors to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Regulations (Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 160 and 164).

Joint Venture Procedures

CalPERS allows Joint Venture partnerships between people or companies in order to meet the minimum qualifications outlined in a solicitation.

Nondiscrimination Program

You must comply with nondiscrimination requirements of the state pertaining to the development, implementation, and maintenance of the nondiscrimination program (Government Code Section 12990 (a) - (f) and Title 2, Section 8103 of the California Code of Regulations).

Restricted Contact Policy

Bidders are prohibited from communicating with CalPERS during the competitive bidding process (Government Code Section 20153).

Preference Policies

Refer to the preference programs below to see how you can contract with the state. Additional information is provided by the Department of General Services.

Security Awareness and Privacy Training

All contractors having physical and/or electronic access to CalPERS managed information assets are required to complete Security Awareness and Privacy Training.

The Security Awareness and Privacy Training must be completed before work commences.

The Security Awareness and Privacy Training must include the following modules at the minimum:

  1. Threats: Malware, phishing & social engineering
  2. Password Policies: Best practices; multifactor authentication and how to use it
  3. Web Protection: What to look for; what to avoid
  4. Email Protection: What to look for; what to avoid
  5. Preventative Measures: Best practices for security at home and business
  6. Privacy: Best practices to protect confidential, sensitive, proprietary information.

Contractors are required to turn the certificate of completion to the CalPERS Contract Manager.

Contractors are required to annually take the Security Awareness and Privacy Training while in contract with CalPERS. The certificate of completion must be provided to the CalPERS Contract Manager by December 30th each year.

Small Business Preference Policy

You can receive a 5 percent bidding preference if you have "small business" status. To claim this preference, your business must be certified by the Office of Small Business & Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise Certification. For more information, visit Small Business & Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise.

Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA)

TACPA provides a 5 percent bidding preference on service and commodity contracts valued at more than $100,000 if the business work site is located in a distressed area as designated by the Office of Planning and Research.