Purchasing Authority

Almost all CalSave contracts are bid and awarded by the Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE), whose Superintendent of Schools is elected by the citizens of Monterey County and has authority under the California Constitution to award contracts. MCOE follows procedures under the California Public Contract Code for bidding and also invokes authorities under the California Education Code and California Government Code. Some award categories — such as books, instructional materials, and professional advice — are exempt from bidding under law. In these cases, MCOE enters into competitive negotiations before awarding contracts. Bids are piggybackable by other school districts and other government agencies on the authority of PCC 20118 and Government Code 6500 and 6502.