State Contracting Manual (SCM), Volume 1 is provided as a resource to those in California state government who are involved in the state’s contracting process. It provides the policies, procedures and guidelines to promote sound business decisions and practices in securing necessary services for the state.

 The April 2026 edition of the SCM, Volume 1 is broken down by chapter below in PDF format:

Chapter 1:  Introduction 

Chapter 2:  The Basic Contracting Process  

Chapter 3:  Additional Requirements for Specific Types of Contracts  

Chapter 4:  Standard Contract Format and DGS Contract Approval 

Chapter 5:  Competitive Bidding Methods 

Chapter 6 Contract Award Protests 

Chapter 7:  Miscellaneous Contracting Issues 

Chapter 8:  Business Participation Program Requirements 

Chapter 9:  Contract Management 

Chapter 10 Public Works Contracts 

Chapter 11:  Architectural and Engineering Contracts 

Glossary of Terms  

Index

SCM Volume 1 Full Version (April 2026 Edition)

SCM Volume 1 Full Version (April 2026 Redline)

 

 

Previous Versions

June 2025 Edition and June 2025 Redline

February 2025 Edition and February 2025 Redline

August 2024 Edition and August 2024 Redline

  

Other State Contracting Manuals

State Contracting Manual, (SCM), Volume 2

Please visit DGS Procurement Division