The following news and references are for the previous solution (prior to 2024) and may no longer apply. Current updates can be found on the CARS Project homepage.
Project References
- Draft version 1.07 of the CAL-ACCESS XML file specifications document (XSD)(ZIP)
- Draft version 0.12 of the CAL Access Application Programming Interface (API) Requirements(PDF)
- CAL-ACCESS Replacement Project, System Integrator Vendor, Request for Offer.
- S1BA (PDF)
- 15 - State Survey (PDF)
- 2013 Request for Information (RFI) and Responses (PDF)
CARS Software Vendor/Service Provider Meeting Presentations
- March 30, 2021, CARS Software Vendor-Service Provider Meeting
- January 21, 2021, CARS Software Vendor-Service Provider Meeting
- November 30, 2020, CARS Software Vendor-Service Provider Meeting
- September 10, 2020, CARS Software Vendor-Service Provider Meeting
- July 8, 2020, CARS Software Vendor-Service Provider Meeting
CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting Presentations
- March 16, 2021, CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting
- January 20, 2021, CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting
- December 2, 2020, CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting
- October 7, 2020, CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting
- August 19, 2020, CARS Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) Meeting
CARS External Stakeholder Meetings
- July 5, 2023: Details for the July Stakeholder meeting are in the July 5, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- June 7, 2023: Details for the June Stakeholder meeting are in the June 7, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- May 3, 2023: Details for the May Stakeholder meeting are in the May 3, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- April 5, 2023: Details for the April Stakeholder meeting are in the April 5, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- March 1, 2023: Details for the March Stakeholder meeting are in the March 1, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- February 1, 2023: Details for the February Stakeholder meeting are in the February 1, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- January 4, 2023: Details for the January Stakeholder meeting are in the January 4, 2023 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- December 7, 2022: Details for the December Stakeholder meeting are in the December 7, 2022 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- November 28, 2022: The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Data Consumers Stakeholder Working Group on November 30, 2022. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
- November 28, 2022: The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Data Filers Stakeholder Working Group on December 2, 2022. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
- November 28, 2022: The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors/Service Providers Stakeholder Working Group on December 2, 2022. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
- November 2, 2022: Details for the November Stakeholder meeting are in the November 2, 2022 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- October 5, 2022: The CARS Project Team has scheduled monthly project update meetings with stakeholders beginning October 5, 2022. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the October 5, 2022 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- October 3, 2022: The CARS Project Team has scheduled monthly project update meetings with stakeholders beginning October 5, 2022. Details regarding this meeting series can be found in the meeting invitation.
- August 22, 2022: The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for External Stakeholders to provide an update on project activities. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the August 22, 2022 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- March 15, 2022: The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for External Stakeholders to communicate a summary of the independent assessment report findings and the next steps for the CARS Project. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the March 15, 2022 CARS Project Update for External Stakeholders PowerPoint.
- The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for Institute of Governmental Advocates (IGA) to communicate progress made to date and the phased implementation schedule. In addition, a demonstration of some functionality for lobbying in the new CAL-ACCESS was provided. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update PowerPoint.
- The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for Good Government organizations to communicate progress made to date and the phased implementation schedule. A sneak peek (demo) was also provided of the new CAL-ACCESS. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update PowerPoint.
- The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for the Fair Political Practices Commission to communicate progress made to date. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update PowerPoint.
- The CARS Project Team hosted a New CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for the Franchise Tax Board to communicate progress made to date and a system demo. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update PowerPoint.
- The CARS Project Team hosted a New CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update for legislative staff members to communicate progress made to date and a system demo. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Update PowerPoint.
Public Meetings
The Secretary of State held public meetings to take comments on desired features and electronic filing format of an internet-based, electronic system for reporting and disclosure of campaign finance and lobby activity pursuant to the requirements of SB 1349 (Hertzberg).
- February 9, 2017, Sacramento, CA - Public Meeting Transcript(PDF)
- Public Meeting held at 10:30 a.m. on February 9, 2017, in Sacramento, CA
- February 3, 2017, Los Angeles, CA - Public Meeting Transcript(PDF)
- Updated Public Meeting Notice for February 9, 2017(PDF)
- Public Meeting Notice for February 3, 2017 and February 9, 2017(PDF)
News & Updates
October 2, 2023:
The CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released and can be found here: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/0890/0000028861
January 4, 2023:
The CARS Project Team hosted a CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Request for Information (RFI) Vendor Day to provide an overview of CARS and the RFI document. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the January 4, 2023 CARS Request for Information PowerPoint.
December 16, 2022:
We've released the Request for Information for the CARS Project: You are invited to respond to this Request for Information (RFI) titled “California Automated Lobbyist and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System (CAL-ACCESS) Replacement System (CARS) Project.” The California Secretary of State (SOS) is seeking information from the vendor community via this RFI about existing technologies available for replacing its legacy campaign, lobbying registration, contributions and activities reporting solution.
March 22, 2022:
California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. issued the following statement on the status of the Cal-Access Replacement System (CARS): “To ensure that the CARS project can fully meet its statutory obligations, the scheduled June 30, 2021 roll out of the project will be postponed,” Weber said. “Moving forward, the Secretary of State's office will assess the project's state of readiness so that on the date it goes live it will meet the expectations of the public, stakeholders and the regulated community.
June 11, 2021:
In July 2021, the Secretary of State's office partnered with the California Department of Technology to conduct an independent assessment of the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS). The purpose of the assessment was to determine the readiness of CARS to launch and whether it would meet the expectations of the public, stakeholders, and the regulated community. The independent assessment report indicated CARS was not ready for a system launch. After reviewing the report findings, the Secretary of State decided to evaluate the independent assessment report recommendations and begin the planning process for a CARS project restart. Knowing the complexity of the system and the need for a thorough project planning process, the project will not launch during 2022. A project timeline has not been established. The independent assessment report is located here: https://www.sos.ca.gov/administration/agency-reports/cal-access-replacement-project-cars-agency-reports. Additional information will be posted when it becomes available.
May 5, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has created a May CARS Project Newsletter to communicate up-to-date information about the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project. Additional issues will be published as new information becomes available.
March 24, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors/Service Providers on March 30, 2021. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
March 10, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) on March 16, 2021. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
March 1, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with Institute of Governmental Advocates on March 10, 2021. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
January 27, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with Good Government organizations on February 3, 2021. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation meeting invitation.
January 22, 2021:
The CARS Project Team hosted a new CAL-ACCESS Information Session for Secretary of State Staff which included a special address from Secretary of State, Alex Padilla; updates on a new phased implementation approach, new CAL-ACCESS training, and much more. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the new Cal-Access Information Session.
January 14, 2021:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors/Service Providers on January 21, 2021. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
December 15, 2020:
The CARS Project Team hosted a New CAL-ACCESS Information Session for Secretary of State Staff to communicate progress made to date, testing, and upcoming training. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the New CAL-ACCESS Information Session.
November 2, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on November 30, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholder Input Group on December 2, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
October 8, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has created an October CARS Project Newsletter to communicate up-to-date information about the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project. Additional issues will be published as new information becomes available (approximately every two months).
September 29, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) on October 7, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
September 1, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on September 10, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
July 28, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholder Input Group (SIG) on August 19, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
June 26, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on July 8, 2020. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
March 30, 2020:
Check out the March edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
March 4, 2020:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholders Input Group (SIG) on March 11, 2020. SIG is a collaboration of the California Political Attorneys Association, the California Political Treasurers Association, the Fair Political Practices Commission and the SOS Political Reform Division. Other interested parties may attend SIG meetings in listen only mode via WebEx. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
February 25, 2019:
Check out the February edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
November 25, 2019:
Check out the November edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
November 21, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Stakeholders Input Group (SIG) on December 4, 2019. SIG is a collaboration of the California Political Attorneys Association, the California Political Treasurers Association, the Fair Political Practices Commission and the SOS Political Reform Division. Other interested parties may attend SIG meetings in listen only mode via WebEx. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
November 20, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on December 11, 2019. This meeting will focus on issues pertinent to software vendors and service providers who provide electronic filing services for the California Automated Lobbying and Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Search System (CAL-ACCESS). Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
November 12, 2019:
The CARS Project SIG will meet on November 14, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
October 17, 2019:
Check out the October edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
October 15, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on October 25, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
September 24, 2019:
Draft version 1.07 of the CAL-ACCESS XML files specifications document (XSD)(ZIP) is now available.
September 16, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on September 27, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
September 12, 2019:
Check out the September edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
September 6, 2019:
Draft version 0.12 of the CAL-ACCESS Application Programming Interface (API) Requirements is now available.
Based on feedback from some external stakeholders, the draft version 0.12 updates the data output requirements included in draft version 0.11, sent to you on July 26, 2019. There are no other changes. Initial version of the API requirements were shared at the CAL-ACCESS software vendors and service providers’ meeting on May 10, 2019.
The CARS Project Team is asking anyone with questions or comments email feedback on Draft version 0.12 to PRDCARS@sos.ca.gov by September 13, 2019. We look forward to hearing from you.
August 19, 2019:
Draft version 1.02 of the CAL-ACCESS XML files specifications document (XSD)(ZIP) is now available. PLEASE NOTE: The draft file specifications documentation posted on August 6, 2019 was erroneously labeled v1.1d instead of the correct version number, v.1.01. We apologize for any confusion.
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on August 23, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
August 12, 2019:
Check out the August edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
August 6, 2019:
Draft version 1.1d of the CAL-ACCESS XML file specifications document (XSD) (ZIP) and draft version 0.11 of the CAL Access Application Programming Interface (API) requirements(PDF) are now available.
In consideration of the July 31, 2019, filing deadline, the next Software Vendor and Service Provider Project Meeting has been deferred until late August. In that meeting, the CARS Project Team will continue discussions regarding electronic filing specifications, the CAL-ACCESS API and the impact of Senate Bill 84 on the CARS project schedule. Meeting details will be posted to CARS News and Updates when they are available.
July 2, 2019:
Check out the June/July edition of CARS Project News, a newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
June 26, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the Software Vendors and Service Providers on June 28, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
June 3, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting with the California Political Attorneys Association and the California Political Treasurers Association on June 13, 2019. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
May 28, 2019:
Check out the May edition of CARS Project News, a monthly newsletter sharing information about the CARS project, the new CAL-ACCESS and upcoming CARS project activities.
April 30, 2019:
The CARS Project Team has scheduled a meeting on May 10, 2019, to continue discussions on the proposed CAL-ACCESS Application Programming Interface (API) and the next draft version of the CAL-ACCESS Electronic Filing Specifications for the Software Vendors and Service Providers. Details regarding this meeting can be found in the meeting invitation.
February 28, 2019:
The CARS Project team is providing this Project Update to Software Vendors and Service Providers on February 28, 2019.
January 22, 2019:
On December 14, 2018, the CARS Project Team met with the Software Vendors and Service Providers Approved for Electronic Filing in California to discuss electronic file upload and provide a Project Update. At the request of participants attending the meeting and in light of the January filing deadlines, the next meeting date is still being determined. Once the meeting date has been finalized, Software Vendors and Service Providers Approved for Electronic Filing in California will receive the new date via email.
October 1, 2018:
The Secretary of State's (SOS) office has developed a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page to provide more information regarding the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project.
September 20, 2018:
The CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project is wrapping up the planning portion of the project, referred to as Phase I, and is transitioning to the design portion of the project, referred to as Phase II. While a detailed project schedule is being developed, the overall project schedule provides defines the specific segments of activities needed to be completed by the project.
August 30, 2018:
The CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project conducted an internal Project Kick-Off meeting on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. This internal kick-off was designed to formally introduce the System Integrator project team, Perspecta, to the internal stakeholders and to provide a project overview.
July 9, 2018:
In accordance with the Government Code section 84602(c), the Secretary of State’s office has made a determination that it is in the best interest of the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) Project, to extend the implementation date of the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System from February 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. For more information, please refer to the CARS Project report to the Legislature, available here.
May 31, 2018:
The Secretary of State has selected Enterprise Services LLC, a Perspecta company, as the System Integrator for the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System (CARS) implementation.
We encourage you to sign up for the SOS electronic updates service to receive further project updates as they become available. Please click the "Sign up for e-updates" button on this page, provide your email and you will receive a welcome message from the SOS. Be sure to check the CAL-ACCESS Replacement System Project Updates checkbox and enter your email address.
October 23, 2017:
The CARS System Integration (SI) Contractor Request for Offer (RFO) has been released to eligible Department of General Services Information Technology (IT) Consulting Services Master Service Agreement (MSA) vendors. The CARS RFO Resource Library is available here: CARS RFO Resource Library.
February 9, 2017:
The Secretary of State will be hosting public meetings to take comments on desired features and electronic filing format of an internet-based, electronic system for reporting and disclosure of campaign finance and lobby activity pursuant to the requirements of SB 1349 (Hertzberg).
