California § 5101 - A bidder shall not be relieved of the bid unless by consent of the awarding autho

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 5101 — A bidder shall not be relieved of the bid unless by consent of the awarding autho, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5101. A bidder shall not be relieved of the bid unless by consent of the awarding autho

(a) A bidder shall not be relieved of the bid unless by consent of the awarding authority nor shall any change be made in the bid because of mistake, but the bidder may bring an action against the public entity in a court of competent jurisdiction in the county in which the bids were opened for the recovery of the amount forfeited, without interest or costs. If the plaintiff fails to recover judgment, the plaintiff shall pay all costs incurred by the public entity in the suit, including a reasonable attorney’s fee to be fixed by the court. (b) If an awarding authority for the state consents to relieve a bidder of a bid because of mistake, the authority shall prepare a report in writing to document the facts establishing the existence of each element required by Section 5103. The report shall be available for inspection as a public record. In the case of the University of California or a California State University, the report shall be filed with the regents and the trustees, respectively, and shall be available as a public record.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 5101

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 5101 cover?

Section 5101 ("A bidder shall not be relieved of the bid unless by consent of the awarding autho") 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 § 5101?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 5101" (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 § 5101 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.