Welfare and Institutions Code section 9159

(a)

The department shall do all of the following:

(1)

Maintain or enter into contracts directly with nonprofit CRCs to provide direct services to caregivers throughout the state in the existing geographic service areas.

(2)

Require the CRCs to maintain a CRC Operations Manual that defines CRC services and procedures and identifies CRC duties and responsibilities.

(b)

The department may enter into any contracts under this chapter on a bid or noncompetitive bid basis. These contracts shall be exempt from Part 2 (commencing with Section 10100) of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code.