California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) Frequently Asked Questions …

California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
(Last Updated 6/27/07)


By Agencies

1. How do agencies find a    There is a CMAS search engine on our web page that enables searching for a
   CMAS contract(or) for     CMAS contract(or). Go to: www.applications.dgs.ca.gov/pd/search/main.asp
   the product and/or        and in step one of the CMAS basic search, select the "view products/services"
   service that they want    link to access a listing of search criteria. Then follow the directions on the site.
   to buy?


2. How do I obtain a copy    CMAS contractors are contractually required to provide complete copies of
   of a CMAS contract?       their CMAS contracts upon request. Contact the CMAS contractor to receive
                             a copy of their contract.


3. How can I verify if the   The maximum CMAS pricing is the same as the GSA price which can be
   CMAS contractor gave      found on the GSA website. Go to: www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov and enter the
   me the current CMAS       base GSA contract number in the search window. Then continue to look for
   price or lower?           the GSA contract until you get to the Contractor Information page. Then click
                             on the word Advantage! in red. Then search for the price of the part that you
                             want.


4. How do I amend a          The processes for amending CMAS Purchase Orders are detailed in
   CMAS purchase order?      Management Memo 03-10 which can be accessed at: www.pd.dgs.ca.gov.


5. Can a CMAS contractor     The Purchase Order can direct that products and/or services will be provided
   provide products or       after the CMAS contract expires, but only if the CMAS order is issued prior to
   services after the CMAS   the expiration of the CMAS contract. No new orders can be placed against an
   contract expires?         expired CMAS contract.


6. Can resellers on a        Yes.
   CMAS contract be used
   to meet the requirement
   to solicit 3 suppliers?


7. Why are CMAS              Procurement Division (PD) does not have the capacity to provide over 2,000
   contracts not available   CMAS contracts on the internet at this time. PD is currently looking at other
   via the internet like     methods to provide these contracts electronically but these options will not be
   other Leveraged           available for some time.
   Procurement
   Agreements (LPAs)?

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)


By Contractors

1. How do I become a         First, you will need to find and obtain a copy of an active Federal General
   CMAS contractor?          Services Administration (GSA) contract that encompasses the products and/or
                             services your firm provides. Applicants can search the GSA website for
                             contracts by starting at: www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov and searching for the
                             contracts that provide the products and/or services that you want to provide.

                             Next, you will need to review Sections 1 & 2 of the CMAS Contractor Packet
                             which is available on the CMAS website at:
                             http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/publications/default.htm#cmascontractor. Section 1
                             is an overview of the CMAS program and Section 2 is a checklist of the forms
                             and information that must be provided in your application package.


2. How do I renew my         CMAS contracts may be renewed when the base GSA contract is renewed for
   CMAS contract?            a period of one year or more. The process to renew a CMAS contract is the
                             same as the process to apply for a new contract. See Section 2 of the CMAS
                             Contractor Packet which is available on the CMAS website at:
                             http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/publications/default.htm#cmascontractor.


3. How do I extend my        CMAS contracts may be extended when the base GSA contract is extended
   CMAS contract?            for a period of less than a year. The CMAS contractor must prepare a letter
                             requesting the CMAS Unit to extend their CMAS contract based on the GSA
                             modification (mod. 30). The CMAS contractor is responsible for sending the
                             letter and GSA mod. 30 to the CMAS unit to request the extension.


4. What is the purpose of    The purpose of the CMAS Product and Service Codes is to provide a tool for
   the CMAS Product and      referencing, advertising and marketing the products and/or services available
   Service Codes?            via the CMAS contract. However, since only 12 codes can be used, agencies
                             do not assume that these codes are the only products and/or services that can
                             be provided. Agencies will request a copy of the complete CMAS contract
                             from the contractor and review it to determine the full extent of the products
                             and/or services available.


5. Can a CMAS contractor     The Purchase Order can direct that products and/or services will be provided
   provide products or       after the CMAS contract expires, but only if the CMAS order is issued prior to
   services after the CMAS   the expiration of the CMAS contract. No new orders can be placed against an
   contract expires?         expired CMAS contract.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)


By Contractors (continued)

6. What information needs    The Contractor needs to provide the GSA Schedule number that they will use
   to be provided on the     as a basis for their CMAS contract along with the GSA Contractor's name and
   CMAS Contractor           the GSA contract start and end dates. This information is generally found on
   Certification             the first or second pages of the GSA Schedule. This form also needs to be
   (Exhibit R)?              signed by someone within your company who is empowered to bind the firm
                             contractually.


7. Why do suppliers need     In order to do business in California, all Corporations, LLCs, LLPs and LPs
   to be registered with     must be registered with the Secretary of State. You can review their website
   the Secretary of State?   at www.sos.ca.gov.