The University of California (UC) is pleased to announce a new UC-wide agreement with Hays as a Managed Service Provider (MSP), effective February 2, 2026 – January 31, 2031. This agreement is available for use at all 10 UC campuses, 6 health centers, and UC ANR Services.
This award followed a competitively solicited Request for Proposal (RFP) and comprehensive evaluation of contingent workforce practices. This process identified opportunities to improve consistency, strengthen compliance, and address rate variability across campuses.
Shared vision for UC’s workforce
Working with Hays, UC will implement a more coordinated and transparent approach to managing its contingent workforce while maintaining campus-level flexibility. The program is designed to preserve campus autonomy, allowing locations to continue working with preferred suppliers while benefiting from enterprise-wide governance and benchmarking.
With this partnership, UC expects to improve visibility into workforce data, standardize processes, and control costs. The MSP model introduces vendor-neutral oversight supported by a Vendor Management System (VMS), helping reduce operational risk and improve decision-making across the system. Implementation begins in May of 2026 with a pilot at UC Berkeley, with UC Merced and UC Santa Cruz campuses to follow.
CalUsource contract: #2026004889
Supplier Contacts and Information:
Aaron Wolfson | VP, Customer Growth Enterprise Solutions | 813/335-0095
Craig Huntley | SVP, Customer Growth Enterprise Solutions | 317/946-6771
Procurement Connections - 4/27/26: Hays Presentation
Worker Categories Covered:
- Temporary workers – short-term contingent workers employed by staffing agencies
- Independent contractors – 1099, self-employed
- Statement of work consultants – project-based, deliverable-focused
- Permanent/direct hire – full-time positions
Service Components:
Hayes will provide competitively priced temporary worker rates through supplier alignment, payroll and independent contractor compliance for referred workers, and direct sourcing through Hayes staffing at lower rates than competitive sourcing.
Program Benefits:
- Process optimization through VMS technology
- Cost reductions and savings
- MSP volume rebate that grows with program adoption across campuses
- Compliance and governance standardization
- Access to talent and supplier enablement
- Expanded partnerships – including supplier-funded event sponsorships
- 25% commitment to economic & community impact initiatives – small business, disabled veteran-owned, etc.
RFP Team
Lead: Robert Puerzer (SWP) | UC Systemwide Procurement | UC Systemwide HR | UC Labor Relations
Questions?
Bob Puerzer | Sr. Category Manager | Professional Services Strategic Sourcing | UC Systemwide Procurement