Article 2. Contracts of California Public Utilities Code >> Division 10. >> Part 15. >> Chapter 5. >> Article 2.

The district may make contracts and enter into stipulations of any nature whatsoever, either in connection with eminent domain proceedings or otherwise, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, contracts and stipulations to indemnify and save harmless, to employ labor, and to do all acts necessary and convenient for the full exercise of the powers granted in this part.

The district may contract with any department or agency of the United States of America, with any public agency, or with any person upon such terms and conditions as the board finds is for the best interest of the district.

(a) The purchase of all supplies, equipment, and materials, when the expenditure required exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), shall be, by contract, let to the lowest responsible bidder, or, in the district's discretion, to the responsible bidder who submitted a proposal that provides the best value to the district on the basis of the factors identified in the solicitation. "Best value" means the overall combination of quality, price, and other elements of a proposal that, when considered together, provide the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirements described in the solicitation documents.
  (b) To the extent practicable, the district shall obtain a minimum of three quotations, either written or oral, that permit prices and terms to be compared whenever the expected expenditure required for the purchase of supplies, equipment, or materials exceeds two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), but does not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
  (c) Notice requesting bids required by the section shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation and on the district's procurement Internet Web site, which publication shall be made at least 10 days before the bids are received. The board may reject any and all bids and readvertise at its discretion.
  (d) This section applies solely to the procurement of supplies, equipment, and materials, and shall not apply to construction contracts.

If, after rejecting bids received under Section 103222, the board determines and declares by a two-thirds vote of all of its members that, in its opinion, the supplies, equipment, or materials may be purchased at a lower price in the open market, the board may proceed to purchase these supplies, equipment, or materials in the open market without further observance of the provisions regarding contracts, bids, or advertisements.

The district may insure against any accident or destruction of the system or any part thereof. The district may insure against loss of revenues from any cause whatsoever. It may provide, in the proceedings authorizing the issuance of any bonds, for the carrying of insurance in such amount and of such character as may be specified, and for the payment of the premiums thereon. The district may also provide insurance as provided in Part 6 (commencing with Section 989), Division 3.6, Title 1 of the Government Code.

The district may contract for the services of independent contractors.