CMAS (California Multiple Award Schedules)

What is CMAS (California Multiple Award Schedules)?

California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) is a procurement program established by the California Department of General Services (DGS) to provide a simplified procurement method for California state and local government agencies to acquire IT products and services. It acts as a pre-negotiated contract vehicle, offering convenience and efficiency compared to traditional competitive bidding processes.

Definition

CMAS essentially serves as a master agreement between the State of California and various vendors. These agreements offer pre-established pricing, terms, and conditions for IT-related goods and services. Agencies can then directly purchase from these approved vendors without undergoing a full, open competitive solicitation, streamlining the procurement timeline. CMAS leverages existing contracts such as GSA Schedules, WSCA-NASPO contracts, or other publicly available contracts. This allows California agencies to "piggyback" on the due diligence and price negotiations already performed by other entities. The CMAS program is governed by California procurement regulations and administered by the DGS. Compliance with CMAS requirements is crucial for vendors to successfully obtain and maintain their CMAS contracts.

Key Points

• Streamlined Procurement: CMAS significantly reduces the time and effort required for California agencies to acquire IT products and services.
• Pre-Negotiated Terms: CMAS contracts offer pre-negotiated pricing, terms, and conditions, simplifying the ordering process.
• Leverages Existing Contracts: CMAS utilizes existing contracts like GSA Schedules to avoid redundant procurement processes.
• Compliance Requirements: Contractors must meet specific eligibility criteria and adhere to CMAS regulations to participate.

Practical Examples

1. State Agency Software Purchase: A California state agency needs to purchase project management software. Instead of issuing a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), the agency can review the CMAS vendor list, identify vendors offering suitable software, and directly purchase from a CMAS-approved vendor under the pre-negotiated terms.
2. Local Government IT Consulting: A city in California requires IT consulting services to upgrade its cybersecurity infrastructure. The city can utilize the CMAS program to quickly identify and hire a qualified consulting firm with pre-approved pricing and contract terms, saving time and resources.
3. School District Hardware Acquisition: A California school district needs to purchase new laptops for its students. Rather than going through a lengthy bidding process, the district can use CMAS to procure laptops from approved vendors, taking advantage of pre-negotiated discounts and ensuring compliance with state procurement guidelines.