Water Code section 71731

(a)

The district shall not use sole source contracts unless one of the following conditions is met:

(1)

The contract is limited to an emergency circumstance.

(2)

The circumstances are that only one vendor can meet the district’s needs.

(b)

Before executing a sole source contract, the district shall provide written justification demonstrating the reasons for not competitively bidding the services. The justification shall include all of the following information:

(1)

The background of the purchase.

(2)

A description of the vendor’s uniqueness.

(3)

An explanation of the consequences of not purchasing from the vendor.

(4)

Market research to substantiate a lack of competition.

(5)

An analysis of pricing and alternatives.

Source: Section 71731, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=WAT§ionNum=71731.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2017; accessed Dec. 8, 2025).

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Verified:
Dec. 8, 2025

§ 71731's source at ca​.gov