In a major move for contractor compliance and supplier risk management, Achilles, a global leader in supply chain prequalification, has officially acquired Global Risk Management Solutions (GRMS)—a well-known U.S.-based vendor screening platform.
This acquisition, announced in early 2024, has significant implications for thousands of contractors and suppliers across North America. If your company is already registered with GRMS—or you’ve recently been asked by a client to become GRMS compliant—this transition to the Achilles Veritas platform will directly affect your operations, documentation, and eligibility to win work with certain buyers.
At Cascade QMS, we specialize in contractor prequalification and compliance services. We’re here to break down what this acquisition means, what to expect from the Veritas system, and how you can stay compliant without stress or delays.
What Is GRMS and Why Was It Acquired?
GRMS (Global Risk Management Solutions) has served as a trusted third-party compliance system for businesses in construction, hospitality, technology, commercial real estate, and beyond. The platform has been used by major buyers to evaluate contractors and vendors based on key risk factors such as:
- Insurance coverage and certificates
- OSHA safety history and EMR ratings
- Financial stability and bankruptcy records
- Business licensing and legal standing
- Diversity status and ethical compliance
With this acquisition, Achilles aims to strengthen its presence in North America and bring GRMS’s robust buyer network into its global portfolio. As a result, GRMS accounts and services are now being integrated into the Achilles Veritas platform.
What Is Achilles Veritas?
Achilles Veritas is the U.S. and Canada-focused compliance platform built by Achilles to provide streamlined, centralized supplier prequalification. Veritas is designed to be more user-friendly and transparent, allowing contractors to manage compliance documents, monitor account status, and meet client-specific requirements more effectively.
As GRMS is phased out, all users will eventually be asked to complete their registration and manage their profiles through Achilles Veritas.
Important Note:
This change may require new document formatting, updated safety and insurance details, and stricter ongoing maintenance. In some cases, existing GRMS certifications may not carry over unless you actively engage in the transition process.
Who Requires GRMS / Achilles Veritas Compliance?
If you’re wondering whether this transition impacts your business, here’s a list of companies that have historically required GRMS certification—and are now shifting their requirements to the Achilles Veritas platform:
- Darden Restaurants (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House)
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- Best Buy
- CBRE Group
- Equinix
- Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)
- Other large real estate, hospitality, technology, and retail buyers
If any of these organizations are your clients—or you’re bidding on work with them—you’ll likely need to become GRMS/Achilles Veritas certified and maintain an active, compliant profile year-round.
What Documents Are Required for GRMS / Veritas Certification?
The GRMS / Achilles Veritas certification process involves submitting detailed documentation related to your business, safety, insurance, and legal standing. Commonly required documents include:
- W-9 or W-8 Form
- Business licenses and tax ID documentation
- Certificates of Insurance (COIs) for general liability, workers’ comp, auto, and umbrella coverage
- OSHA 300 and 300A logs (past 3 years)
- Experience Modification Rate (EMR) letter
- Written Safety Program or IIPP (Injury & Illness Prevention Program)
- Subcontractor policies (if applicable)
- EEO and nondiscrimination policies
- Financial and litigation disclosures (if relevant)
The process can be time-consuming and confusing—especially during this transition from GRMS to Veritas.
How Cascade QMS Can Help
At Cascade QMS, we offer complete GRMS and Achilles Veritas Account Management services so you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need help migrating your existing GRMS profile, we’ll handle the entire process for you.
Our GRMS / Veritas Management Services Include:
- New account setup and GRMS-to-Veritas migration
- Document preparation and formatting to meet platform standards
- Upload and submission of safety records, COIs, and licensing
- Custom-written safety programs and policy development
- Ongoing compliance monitoring to ensure you stay job-ready
- Fast-track services for clients facing deadlines or pending bids
Our experienced team has helped hundreds of contractors pass audits and maintain compliance in systems like ISNetworld®, Veriforce®, Avetta®, and now Achilles Veritas.
How Long Does GRMS Certification Take?
The certification process typically takes 5 to 15 business days once all documents are submitted. However, delays can occur if:
- Required documentation is incomplete or outdated
- Insurance COIs need corrections or reissues
- Your safety programs are not in acceptable format
- You are unfamiliar with Veritas’s newer user interface
That’s why working with Cascade QMS is so valuable—we streamline the process and can often get your account certified in as little as 5–7 business days, depending on your readiness.
Why This Matters to Your Business
The Achilles acquisition of GRMS reflects a larger trend in vendor management: increased scrutiny, more detailed risk assessments, and rising expectations from major clients. Falling out of compliance can lead to:
- Disqualification from bids
- Work delays or stoppages
- Missed revenue opportunities
- Damaged relationships with long-term clients
Contractors who invest in compliance are the ones who get invited back. Let Cascade QMS help you stay in good standing.
Ready to Get GRMS / Veritas Compliant?
Whether you need full account setup, help updating expiring documents, or a partner to manage your compliance year-round, we’re here for you.
Click HERE to explore our GRMS Management Plan
Or call us at 1-855-792-5722 to speak with a compliance expert today.
Let Cascade QMS take the burden off your plate—so you can stay focused on the work that matters.