General Questions

What is the California GenAI Procurement Navigator?

The California GenAI Procurement Navigator is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for California state agencies to navigate the procurement, implementation, and governance of Generative AI solutions. It provides step-by-step guidance for meeting California's specific requirements for responsible AI adoption.

Who created this guide?

The guide was developed by IAmTheAgencyLLC based on California's GenAI framework, policies, and best practices. It represents the most current understanding of California's requirements for GenAI procurement as of May 2025.

Who should use this guide?

This guide is designed for California state agency personnel involved in GenAI initiatives, including:

• Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
• IT Procurement Managers
• Program Managers
• Risk and Compliance Officers
• Contract Managers
• Technology strategists and planners

Is this guide officially endorsed by the State of California?

While the guide aligns with official California policies and requirements, it is produced independently by IAmTheAgencyLLC as a resource to help agencies navigate the state's GenAI procurement framework. It is not an official state publication but references all relevant official documentation.

Licensing & Access

What does the license include?

A one-year agency license includes:

• Full digital access to the complete guide (all chapters and appendices)
• Permission to distribute internally within the licensed agency
• Rights to use all included templates, checklists, and frameworks
• Access to quarterly updates during the license period

How many people can use the guide with one license?

The license is agency-based, not user-based. Once your agency purchases a license, the guide can be used by all relevant staff within your agency who are involved in GenAI procurement and implementation.

Can we share this guide with vendors or other agencies?

No. The license restricts sharing outside your agency. Each agency requires its own license. Vendors should not receive complete copies, though you may share relevant excerpts as needed for specific procurements.

How do we renew our license?

License renewal notices will be sent 60 days before expiration. You can also contact hello@iamtheagency.co at any time to process a renewal.

Content & Updates

How current is the information in the guide?

The guide is current as of May 2025 and reflects the latest California policies, including the February 2025 updates to GenAI contract terms (DGS Bulletin P-02-25) and the addition of SAM Section 4986.1.

Will the guide be updated if policies change?

Yes. During your license period, you will receive quarterly updates to reflect any significant policy changes or new best practices. Major policy changes may trigger immediate updates outside the regular schedule.

Does the guide include templates and examples?

Yes. The guide includes numerous practical tools including:

• Decision frameworks for determining procurement paths
• Risk assessment templates aligned with SIMM 5305-F
• Vendor evaluation criteria
• GenAI-specific contract language
• Checklists for CDT consultation preparation
• Governance framework templates

Does the guide cover technical evaluation of GenAI models?

The guide primarily focuses on procurement processes, risk management, and governance rather than technical evaluation. While it includes general considerations for technical assessment, agencies may need additional resources for in-depth technical evaluation of specific GenAI models.

Implementation & Support

Does purchase of the guide include consulting services?

No. The guide is a standalone document resource. However, IAmTheAgencyLLC does offer consulting services for GenAI procurement and implementation as a separate engagement. Contact hello@iamtheagency.co for information about consulting options.

How does this guide relate to the CDT consultation process?

The guide provides detailed preparation guidance for the CDT consultation process required for moderate and high-risk GenAI implementations. It helps agencies understand what documentation is needed, how to prepare, and what to expect, but it does not replace or alter the official CDT process.

Can this guide be used for non-GenAI AI procurement?

While some principles may apply broadly, this guide is specifically tailored to Generative AI procurement under California's framework. Other AI technologies may have different requirements or considerations not covered in this guide.

If we're already mid-process with a GenAI procurement, is this guide still useful?

Yes. The guide is structured to be useful at any stage of the procurement lifecycle. Specific chapters address various phases from initial planning through implementation and ongoing governance. Even for in-progress procurements, the risk management and governance frameworks provide valuable guidance.

Technical Questions

What format is the guide provided in?

The guide is available as a secured PDF document with bookmarks, hyperlinked table of contents, and fillable form fields in the template sections.

Can we install this on our internal knowledge management system?

Yes, you may upload the PDF to your secure internal systems for use by agency staff covered under your license. However, access should be restricted to authorized agency personnel only.

Is there a print version available?

The license includes permission to print reasonable quantities for internal agency use. There is no separate hardcopy version available for purchase.

Are the templates available as separate files?

Currently, templates are included within the guide itself. However, editable versions of key templates can be requested by licensed users by contacting hello@iamtheagency.co.

Getting Started

We're new to GenAI procurement. Where should we begin?

Start with the Introduction and Chapter 1 to understand California's overall approach to GenAI. Then proceed to Chapter 2 to identify which procurement path applies to your specific initiative. From there, the guide will direct you through the appropriate process.

How do we determine our GenAI procurement path?

Chapter 2 provides a detailed decision framework with a flowchart and validation questions to help you determine whether your initiative falls under Path 1 (Unexpected Discovery), Path 2 (GenAI-Supported Features), or Path 3 (GenAI as Primary Feature).

What's the difference between low, moderate, and high-risk GenAI implementations?

Chapter 3 explains the risk assessment process in detail, including how to determine your implementation's risk level based on data sensitivity, use case impact, and potential consequences. The risk level determines what level of oversight and what controls are required.

How do we prepare for a CDT consultation?

Chapter 4 provides comprehensive guidance on preparing for a CDT consultation, including required documentation, meeting preparation, typical attendees, key discussion points, and possible outcomes.

Additional Questions

For questions not addressed here, please contact:

Licensing & Purchases: hello@iamtheagency.co

Technical Support: hello@iamtheagency.co

Content Questions: hello@iamtheagency.co

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