California § 10340 - Except as provided by subdivision (b), a state agency shall secure at least three

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 10340 — Except as provided by subdivision (b), a state agency shall secure at least three, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 10340. Except as provided by subdivision (b), a state agency shall secure at least three

(a) Except as provided by subdivision (b), a state agency shall secure at least three competitive bids or proposals for each contract. (b) Three competitive bids or proposals are not required in any of the following cases: (1) In cases of an emergency where a contract is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, or safety, or protection of state property. (2) When the state agency awarding the contract has advertised the contract in the California State Contracts Register and has solicited all potential contractors known to the state agency, but has received less than three bids or proposals. (3) (A) The contract is with another state agency, a local governmental entity, an auxiliary organization of the California State University, an auxiliary organization of a California community college, a foundation organized to support the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, or an auxiliary organization of the Student Aid Commission established pursuant to Section 69522 of the Education Code. These contracts, however, shall not be used to circumvent the competitive bidding requirements of this article. (B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), until January 1, 2020, an interagency agreement that is in effect pursuant to an amount appropriated to the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine, including a contract with the Regents of the University of California or an auxiliary organization of the California State University, may include a subcontract not subject to any competitive bidding requirements of this article for the limited purpose of researching or developing precision medicine. (4) The contract meets the conditions prescribed by the department pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 10348. (5) The contract has been awarded without advertising and calling for bids pursuant to Section 19404 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. (6) A contract entered into pursuant to Section 14838.5 of the Government Code. (7) A contract for the development, maintenance, administration, or use of licensing or proficiency testing examinations. (8) The contract is for services for the operation, maintenance, repair, or replacement of specialized equipment at facilities of the State Water Resources Development System, as defined in Section 12931 of the Water Code, and meets the conditions established by the Department of Water Resources for those contracts. (9) The contract meets the conditions prescribed by the Department of Water Resources for contracts subject to Section 10295.6. (10) A contract entered into by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training or the Office of Emergency Services solely for the services of instructors for public safety training. For the purpose of this paragraph, “public safety training” includes, but is not limited to, training related to law enforcement, emergency medical response, emergency volunteers, and fire responders. (11) A contract entered into by the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the purpose of providing logistical support for large-scale prescribed fire operations, including, but not limited to, meals, lodging, hired equipment, and land use agreements, or any related subcontract. (c) A state agency that has received less than three bids or proposals on a contract shall document, in a manner prescribed by the department, the names and addresses of the firms or individuals it solicited for bids or proposals.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 10340

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 10340 cover?

Section 10340 ("Except as provided by subdivision (b), a state agency shall secure at least three") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 10340?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 10340" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 10340 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.