San Joaquin Regional Transit District: procurement.

The Local Agency Public Construction Act governs contracting by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District for the purchase of supplies, equipment, and materials. The act requires the district, when such an expenditure exceeds $50,000, to make that purchase by contract let to the lowest responsible bidder. The act requires the district to publish notice requesting bids at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. This bill would increase that competitive bidding threshold to $75,000 and specify that the contract be let, in the district's discretion, either to the lowest responsible bidder or to a responsible bidder that submits a proposal that provides the best value, as defined, to the district. The bill would also require, for the purchase of supplies, equipment, or materials that exceeds $5,000, but does not exceed $75,000, the district to obtain, to the extent practicable, a minimum of 3 written or oral quotes that permit the district to compare the prices and terms for the purchase. By imposing additional duties on local officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.