Bidding Thresholds and Procurement Methods Based on Project Types
| Project Type | Threshold | Procurement Method | Authority Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Public Works Construction (Districts not operating under California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA)) |
Over $15,000 | Formal sealed bid* |
Lowest responsible bidder; bidder security required |
| CUPCCAA Construction | $0-$75,000 | Force Account, Negotiated Contract, or Purchase Order |
Public Contract Code 22000-22045
CA State Controller's Office CUPCCAA Webpage
(PDF) |
| CUPCCAA Construction | $75,001-$220,000 | Informal Bid | PCC 22032(b), or (c)
|
| CUPCCAA Construction | Over $220,000 | Formal Bid | PCC Section 22032(c)
|
Equipment, Materials, Supplies, Services, and Non-public-project Repairs*** |
Over $119,100 | Formal bid or eligible alternative contract method | Public Contract Code 20111(a)(1)
Alternatives include piggyback, CMAS, cooperative contracts CDE Bid Threshold Adjustment Letter 12-08-2025 |
| Professional Services | Any Amount | Qualifications-Based Selection | Public Contract Code 20111(d)
|
| Architects/Engineers/Construction Management | Any Amount | Qualifications-Based Selection | Government Code 4524-4529.5
|
| Cooperative Contracts / Existing Master Agreements | Varies | Use an existing eligible cooperative or state contract | Public Contract Code 20118
Verify district and County Office of Education restrictions |
*The $15,000 threshold applies to contracts involving a public project, and bids must be submitted under sealed cover with bidder security. Lowest responsible bidder requirement: because the attached rules state that public project contracts must be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder or all bids rejected.
**PCC 20111
applies to contracts over the statutory threshold and includes equipment, materials, supplies, and services other than construction services.
***Subject to district and county-specific restrictions.
Best Practices for All Bids
Public Works vs Maintenance:
First determine whether the work is a public project (construction) or maintenance. Maintenance work is not treated as a public project under PCC 22002
. See PCC 20115
for the definition of maintenance.
Bonds:
Public works projects of $25,000 or more require a payment bond before work begins. Performance bonds are recommended as a best practice.
The document cites Civil Code 9550
for required payment bonds over $25,000 and recommends performance bonds.
Construction bids require bidder security:
Examples include cash, cashier’s check, certified check, or bidder’s bond.
Required bidder security applies to public project construction bids under PCC 20111(b)
.
Recommended Outreach Practices:
- The School District Website: Acts as a central information hub for interested parties.
- Online Bidding Platforms: Using bidding services to reach a wider network of contractors.
- Contractor Associations: Informing relevant associations to alert their members of upcoming opportunities.
Check Local Requirements:
Always verify specific policies with the individual school district and legal counsel, as they may have unique internal requirements beyond the legal minimums.
California Code Sections Relating to Local Government
Final Takeaway
For school districts, the most important first step is determining whether the purchase is a public works construction project. If it is, the district must then determine whether it operates under CUPCCAA. Once the project cost is estimated, the appropriate procurement method becomes clear. Proper planning, accurate cost estimates, and adherence to statutory thresholds help districts remain compliant while delivering projects efficiently and responsibly.
General Authority: Public Contract Code 20110-20118.4