Which framework governs formal bidding in California school districts?

• A. Public Contract Code.
• B. State procurement manual.
• C. District policy alone.
• D. Federal procurement guidelines.

Answer: (C)

Formal bidding in California school districts is governed by state statutes, not by district policy alone. The Public Contract Code sets the mandatory rules for competitive bidding—when formal bids are required, how bids are solicited and opened, how they are evaluated, and how contracts are awarded. Districts carry these out through board policies and procedures, but those policies cannot override or replace the state law. The State Procurement Manual is intended for state agencies, not local districts, and federal procurement guidelines only come into play if federal funds are involved. So the most authoritative framework for formal bidding is the Public Contract Code, with related statutes guiding the process.