Contracting Information
If you're interested in becoming a CalPERS business partner, you must understand the types of contracts that can be offered, solicitation methods, and the procedures, regulations, and policies that govern our contracting process.
Types of Contracts
CalPERS uses a variety of contracts and procurement processes to meet our business needs.
- Consultant Services Contract - This is an agreement to provide a recommended course of action or personal expertise. The contract calls for a product of the mind rather than the rendition of mechanical skills and could be for anything from answers to specific questions to the design of a system or plan.
- Service Contract - This is an agreement to provide CalPERS with a duty or labor, as opposed to commodities or goods, which are done through a procurement process.
Generally, these services are obtained through a competitive bidding process. Refer to How to Contract With CalPERS to learn more.
CalPERS’ vendor pool is used to procure various IT and non-IT goods and services on a continuous basis. You can apply to be included in the vendor pool at any time – there is no need to wait for a solicitation to join.
To be eligible, you must hold a current State Leveraged Procurement Agreement (LPA) from the California Department of General Services or the Federal Government. LPA types include:
- California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)
- Software Licensing Programs (SLP)
- National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)
- Master Services Agreements (MSA)
- General Services Agreements (GSA)
Email ossdvendorpool@calpers.ca.gov for more information about the vendor pool and how to apply.
Contract Policies
If you're interested in becoming a CalPERS business partner, you must understand the procedures, regulations, and policies that govern our contracting process.
Contractors must disclose any gifts or political contributions made to a CalPERS Board member, officer, or employee (Government Code section 20152.5).
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).
In order to ensure that electronic protected health information is secure, CalPERS requires contractors to comply with the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Regulations (Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 160 and 164).
CalPERS allows Joint Venture partnerships between people or companies in order to meet the minimum qualifications outlined in a solicitation.
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).
Bidders are prohibited from communicating with CalPERS during the competitive bidding process (Government Code section 20153).
You can receive up to a 5% bidding incentive if you are, or if you subcontract with, a California certified Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE). To learn if your business qualifies and to start the certification process visit Small Business & Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (SB & DVBE).
For businesses not eligible for certification, you can receive the same incentives by subcontracting with a California certified SB or DVBE. Search the Department of General Services’ (DGS) online Certified Firm Listing to find subcontractors to help meet your needs. For additional guidance and information, contact the CalPERS SB & DVBE advocate at sb_dvbeadvocate@calpers.ca.gov.
TACPA provides a 5% bidding preference on service and commodity contracts valued at more than $100,000 if the business worksite is located in a distressed area as designated by the Office of Planning and Research.
Security Awareness & Privacy Training
All contractors having physical and/or electronic access to CalPERS managed information assets are required to complete Security Awareness & Privacy Training.
The Security Awareness & Privacy Training must be completed before work commences.
The Security Awareness & Privacy Training must include the following modules at the minimum:
- Threats: Malware, phishing & social engineering
- Password Policies: Best practices; multifactor authentication and how to use it
- Web Protection: What to look for; what to avoid
- Email Protection: What to look for; what to avoid
- Preventative Measures: Best practices for security at home and business
- Privacy: Best practices to protect confidential, sensitive, proprietary information
Contractors are required to turn in the certificate of completion to the CalPERS contract manager.
Contractors are required to take the Security Awareness & Privacy Training annually while in contract with CalPERS. The certificate of completion must be provided to the CalPERS contract manager by December 30 each year.