Government contracting in the Monterey Bay area starts with SAM.gov and Cal eProcure, and GERC handles both for you. The Monterey Bay area has an unusual concentration of federal buyers for its size. The Naval Postgraduate School, the Defense Language Institute at the Presidio of Monterey and Fort Hunter Liggett all buy services, facilities work and supplies. The Salinas Valley’s agricultural economy and coastal cities add steady state and local demand.
GERC helps local firms register in SAM.gov, get certified and respond to federal and local solicitations, and helps nonprofits and agencies find grant funding.
Who buys in the Monterey Bay area
Public buyers in the area include:
- Naval Postgraduate School, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center and Fort Hunter Liggett
- Caltrans District 5, for Highway 1, 101 and 156 work
- Monterey County, Santa Cruz County, San Benito County and the cities of Salinas, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Hollister
- CSU Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz, Hartnell College, Cabrillo College and Monterey Peninsula College
- Monterey-Salinas Transit, Santa Cruz Metro and regional water agencies
Government contracting help for businesses in the Monterey Bay area
- SAM.gov registration and UEI and entity validation, so you are eligible for federal contracts, grants and set-asides
- Cal eProcure registration, so state solicitations for your UNSPSC codes reach you
- California Small Business (SB), Micro Business and SB-PW certification, with the 5% bid preference on state contracts
- DVBE certification for firms owned by disabled veterans
- Local vendor registration with cities, counties, school districts, transit agencies and special districts
- Bid and proposal writing for RFPs, RFQs and IFBs, and capability statements
- Grant writing for nonprofits, tribes, small businesses and public agencies
Cities we serve in the Monterey Bay area
Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Soledad, Gonzales, Greenfield and King City in Monterey County; Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley and Capitola in Santa Cruz County; and Hollister and San Juan Bautista in San Benito County.
Government contracting in the Monterey Bay area: frequently asked questions
Can I bid on work at the Naval Postgraduate School or the Presidio?
Yes, if you are registered in SAM.gov and the solicitation fits your NAICS codes. Many of these purchases are small business set-asides, and smaller buys may be made under the micro-purchase threshold without a formal bid.
Does it cost anything to register or certify?
No. SAM.gov, Cal eProcure, and California SB, SB-PW and DVBE certification are all free to apply for and hold. You pay GERC only for preparation, troubleshooting and ongoing management.
Economic consulting in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties
GERC is also an economic consulting firm. For cities, counties, special districts, developers, nonprofits and businesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties, we prepare economic impact analysis, fiscal impact analysis, benefit-cost analysis for grants, feasibility studies and market research.
Studies are delivered remotely, and we present findings to councils and boards in person or by video. See all of our economic consulting services.
Related services
- Procurement support for cities and public agencies
- Infrastructure grant writing
- Caltrans SB 1 grant support
- Water grants for districts and cities
Schedule a consultation
- Call (909) 454-7076. This is the fastest route, Monday to Friday.
- Book a consultation at a time that suits you.
- Email us about the Monterey Bay area. The message opens with the subject already filled in.