At Fríant, we have an extensive portfolio of state and government contracts to help bring our solutions to as many people and projects as possible. One of those contracts is the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS). What is CMAS and why is it important? Let’s talk about it.
First Things First — What is CMAS?
Generally speaking, CMAS enables businesses to sell to state and local entities in the state of California. Per the California Department of General Services (CDGS), CMAS offers a wide range of products and services “at prices which have been assessed to be fair, reasonable, and competitive.” There are three types of products/services contracts — IT, Non-IT, and Non-IT Commodities — and Fríant falls into the second. Businesses must have an active GSA Schedule to apply for a CMAS contract.
When we submit a CMAS application, we use our GSA Schedule contract as our base contract. Why? Because the pricing outlined in our GSA contract has already been determined to be “fair and reasonable.”
So Why Does CMAS Matter?
Being on CMAS opens up more opportunities for our dealers and end-users. Dealers can recommend us to state or local entities looking for workplace solutions — without going through a lengthy bidding process. Agencies can also reach out to us directly, if they prefer. Either way, CMAS helps make it easier and faster for dealers and agencies to find and connect with manufacturers who can work with California state and local agencies.
In fact, the CDGS makes the search even simpler: they have a directory of CMAS contractors that dealers and agencies can use to search for a CMAS supplier in their own time, at their own pace.
I Have Questions About CMAS. Who Can Help Me?
We’re glad you asked! Our very own Shannon Harris, Strategic Initiatives Project Manager, is your go-to person. Shannon is our resident contract pro and point of contact for all things CMAS, GSA, TIPS, and state contracts. She can provide detailed guidance and walk you through the contract to order process to provide a seamless experience. We think Shannon is pretty great. We’re positive you’ll think so, too. If you have any questions for Shannon, you can reach her at contracts@friant.com or 510-488-6072 ext. 219.