Article 2. Contracts of California Public Utilities Code >> Division 11.5. >> Chapter 4. >> 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, but not limited to, contracts and stipulations to indemnify and save harmless, to employ labor, to contract with a private patrol operator licensed pursuant to Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 7500) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, the county sheriff and municipal police departments within the areas described in Section 125052, and other transit development boards for security, police, and related services, and to do all acts necessary and convenient for the full exercise of the powers granted in this division.

Immediately upon holding its first meeting, the board shall proceed to negotiate with the existing municipal transit operators within its area of jurisdiction to acquire the capital transit equipment and facilities of the municipal transit operators.

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 district finds is in its best interest.

Contracts for the purchase of supplies, equipment, and materials in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after competitive bidding, except in an emergency declared by the vote of two-thirds of the membership of the board.

If, after rejecting bids received under Section 125223, 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 also provide insurance as provided in Part 6 (commencing with Section 989) of Division 3.6 of Title 1 of the Government Code.

The district may contract for the services of independent contractors.