Vendor Related Information

Steps

Step 1: CSU Sends the Invitation

A current CSU employee must initiate a New Supplier Request in CSUBUY. CSUBUY does not accept unsolicited supplier registrations.

Step 2: Watch for the Invitation Email

The invitation email will come from [email protected] with the subject “Supplier Invitation for The California State University.” Check spam or junk folders if you do not see it.

Step 3: Complete Supplier Registration

Use the link in the email to access the CSUBUY Supplier Portal and provide the required information, including: 

         1. Legal business name 

         2. Tax ID (W-9 or equivalent) 

         3. Banking information for payment 

         4. Business address and company structure

 

Step 4: Approval & Readiness

Once your information is reviewed and approved, your supplier status will be marked Approved, and you will be eligible to receive purchase orders and payments from CSU.

Key Reminders

1. Vendors cannot self-register in CSUBUY.

2. CSU must initiate the invitation.

3. Use the correct accounting or finance contact email.

4. Invitations cannot be easily forwarded. If you have questions, contact your CSU campus representative who initiated your supplier request.

Additional Supplier Resources

Outlines minimum requirements for general liability, business automobile liability, Worker’s Compensation, and professional liability insurance.

Vendor/Contractor shall maintain, or cause to be maintained, for not less than the duration of the contract between Vendor/Contractor and University, at least the following types and amounts of insurance for claims which may arise from or in connection with services or products provided.

  • General Liability: comprehensive or commercial form minimum limits each Occurrence $2,000,000, General Aggregate $4,000,000
  • Business Automobile Liability: minimum limits or Owned, Scheduled, Non-Owned, or Hire Automobiles with a combine single limit of not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • Worker’s Compensation: evidence of coverage as required under California Law in the amount of 1,000,000
  • Professional Liability: evidence of coverage when applicable.
  • Abuse or Molestation Coverage: Required for events catering specifically to persons under the age of 18 (minors). Minimum limits each Occurrence $1,000,000, General Aggregate $2,000,000 (when applicable)

The description of operations/ locations/ vehicles must include the following: The State of California, the trustees of the California State University, University Auxiliary Services (UAS) the Campus, and the officers, employees, volunteers, and agents of each of them are named as Additional Insured with regards to the Operations of the Named Insured. Coverage includes Primary and Non-contributory and Waiver of subrogation per endorsements attached as required by written contract.

Once our office has received and verified that the requirements have been met per the certificate of insurance a purchase order shall be issued. The vendor/contractor agrees that no work or services shall be performed prior to the issuance of the purchase order.

Insurance shall be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best’s rating of no less than A:VII.

Certificate Holder
California State University, Los Angeles
Att: Insurance & Risk Management
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032

SAMPLE INSURANCE

Small Business & DVBE Certification (Optional but Encouraged)

Cal State LA strongly encourages eligible vendors to obtain State of California Small Business (SB) or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification.

Certification is administered by the California Department of General Services (DGS).

🔗 Apply or learn more

FAQ's

Do I need Small Business or DVBE certification to work with Cal State LA?

No. Certification is not required to do business with Cal State LA. However, it may provide advantages for certain contracts and bidding opportunities.

What is a California Small Business (SB)?

A Small Business is independently owned and operated, not dominant in its field, has its principal office in California, and has owners or officers who live in California.

How big can my business be and still qualify?

Your business may qualify if, including affiliates, it has:

  • 100 or fewer employees, and
  • Average gross annual receipts of $15 million or less over the last three tax years
What is a Microbusiness?

You are automatically considered a Microbusiness if:

  • Your gross annual receipts are under $5 million, or
  • You are a manufacturer with 25 or fewer employees
What qualifies as a manufacturer?

A manufacturer is a business that:

  • Primarily makes or transforms products through chemical or mechanical processes, and
  • Falls within NAICS codes 31–339999
What is a Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)?

A DVBE is a business that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more disabled veterans and managed on a daily basis by a disabled veteran.

Who qualifies as a disabled veteran?

A disabled veteran must:

  • Have served in the U.S. military, naval, or air service
  • Have a service-connected disability of 10% or more
  • Reside in California
Does the disabled veteran have to own the business?

Not always. The disabled veteran who manages and controls the business is not required to be an owner, but DVBE ownership requirements still apply.

What documents are required for DVBE certification?

DVBE applicants must submit federal income tax returns for the past three years. Businesses operating for less than three years must submit returns for each year in operation.

Where do I apply for Small Business or DVBE certification?

Certification is administered by the California Department of General Services (DGS).

Apply for SB or DVBE Certification 

The Accessible Technology Initiative (ATI) reflects the California State University's (CSU) ongoing commitment to providing access to information resources and technologies to individuals with disabilities. This commitment is articulated in Executive Order 1111 (EO 1111), the CSU Board of Trustees Policy on Disability Support and Accommodations.

VENDOR REQUIREMENTS

Note: Vendors are asked to review campus and CSU requirements.

All payments of undisputed invoices are made upon receipt of materials or satisfactory completion of services and receipt of an approved invoice. Unless otherwise directed, invoices shall be sent to Cal State Los Angeles Controller's Office (Accounts Payable, email: [email protected]).

Cal State Los Angeles
Controller's Office (Accounts Payable)
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
 
Vendors should NOT send invoices to the department.
 

The following list of active bids is for information purposes only. Prospective bidders should check with the buyer to verify all data.

CSUBUY

To view Cal State L.A. solicitations on the CSU Public Bid Site