California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)

California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) is a cooperative purchasing program administered by the California Department of General Services (DGS) that allows California state agencies and eligible local government entities to purchase goods and services from vendors who hold federal GSA Schedule contracts or other approved competitively bid contracts, at pricing no higher than the federal contract rates.

What is CMAS?

CMAS provides California public entities with a streamlined path to purchase from pre-qualified vendors without conducting their own competitive procurements. The program is based on the principle that the federal procurement process is sufficiently competitive to satisfy California's own competitive bidding requirements. Vendors who hold a current GSA Schedule can apply to establish a CMAS contract, which imports the federal terms and pricing into the California framework. State departments, counties, cities, school districts, and universities are among the entities eligible to use CMAS. California is one of the largest state economies in the world, and its public sector procurement volume is enormous, DGS processes billions in annual purchasing. CMAS covers IT hardware and software, professional services, facilities, and a wide range of commodities. For GSA Schedule holders, CMAS is one of the most efficient ways to expand from federal sales into a massive state and local government market, requiring a relatively simple application and no re-competition.

Why CMAS matters for government contractors

California's public sector represents one of the largest procurement markets in the United States. For GSA Schedule holders already selling to federal agencies, adding a CMAS contract is a low-barrier expansion into California state and local government. A CMAS listing gives vendors visibility in DGS procurement systems that California agencies use as their primary shopping tool for IT and professional services.

Example

An enterprise software firm holds a GSA Schedule for its project management platform. After applying for and receiving a CMAS contract, the California Department of Finance discovers the product through the DGS eProcurement system and places a purchase order using CMAS pricing. The firm gains a California state customer without any new competitive solicitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMAS application process?

Vendors with current GSA Schedule contracts apply to DGS by submitting their GSA contract, current pricelist, and required California-specific certifications. DGS reviews the application and, if approved, establishes a CMAS contract tied to the GSA contract's pricing and terms.

Are CMAS prices the same as GSA prices?

CMAS pricing must be at or below the vendor's GSA Schedule pricing. Vendors may offer additional discounts for California entities, but they cannot exceed GSA rates. Competitive pressure in California's market often leads vendors to offer steeper discounts than the federal base price.

What happens when a GSA Schedule expires or is modified?

CMAS contracts are linked to the underlying GSA contract. When a GSA Schedule is renewed, modified, or terminated, the vendor must update DGS accordingly. An expired GSA contract typically results in termination of the corresponding CMAS contract.

Can California local governments use CMAS directly?

Yes. Cities, counties, school districts, community college districts, and special districts in California are generally eligible to purchase through CMAS. Many local entities rely heavily on CMAS to access technology and professional services without running their own solicitations.