CalSTRS uses different approaches to acquire products and services. The type, scale and complexity of the required products or services determine the process used. All contract opportunities are advertised under Business Partnership Opportunities and eProcurement, the State of California online contracts system.

The eProcurement system includes information on the procurement process and advertisements for state construction, consulting, and service contracting opportunities.

For a list of links to contract requirements and contact information go to Contract Information for Business Partners.

Alternative Solicitation

CalSTRS uses Alternative Solicitation method to acquire goods and services to:

• Support investment operations
• Assist in implementing CalSTRS investment strategy

External investment managers are a typical service solicited by CalSTRS. There are no Alternative Solicitations at this time.

Invitation For Bid

The Invitation For Bid (IFB) method is for simple products or services requiring routine personal or mechanical skills, such as vending machine supply and servicing. These types of products and services are standard, allowing bidders little discretion in how to perform the work. There are no IFBs at this time.

Request For Offer

The Request for Offer (RFO) method is for products or services under existing California Multiple Award Schedules (CMAS) or Master Service Agreements (MSA). CalSTRS typically purchases information technology (IT) services, such as data base administration, using this process.

• California Multiple Awards Schedule
  Establishes agreements with firms to offer products and services under an already approved multiple-award schedule contract. An approved multiple-award schedule contract could be with a federal program or other government entity. Agreements cover a wide variety of commodities, non-IT services, and IT products and services.
• Master Service Agreement
  State Master Service Agreements are the result of competitive procurements conducted by the California Department of General Services. They establish a pre-qualified list of vendors. These agreements may be used by multiple state agencies needing the same products and services.

Request For Proposal

The Request for Proposal (RFP) method secures complex or uncommon products or services needing professional skills and expertise. Loan servicing for CalSTRS real estate holdings is a typical service. Bidders may be asked to recommend innovative methods and approaches to meet CalSTRS need. There are no RFPs at this time.

Small Business Request For Quote

The Small Business Request for Quote (RFQ) method solicits prices from State of California certified small businesses. RFQs are used for simple products or services requiring routine personal or mechanical skills. Vending machine supplies and servicing is a typical service. CalSTRS needs for these types of products and services are standard, allowing bidders little discretion in how to perform the work.

Business Partnership Opportunity Awards
Information for Business Partners