Cal Fire Says Legislative Budget Approval Exempts Them from Bidding Rules

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Written by Sally Riley - Northern Region Senior Field Representative

California Department of Forestry, now renamed as Cal Fire, has slated major projects that are being done in-house. The value of the statewide construction is more than $25 million. Inquiries from various CIFAC supporters initiated an investigation by CIFAC senior field representative Sally Riley. After obtaining documents, more questions arose.

It was found that out of 21 projects, each worth over $2 million, only 5 were being done completely by competitive bidding. The remaining projects are to be completed by a combination of day labor and bidding.  To date, only 7.3% of the work has been bid.

The projects, at various fire stations throughout the State, includes erecting new stations,  grading, concrete, underground, framing, electrical, painting, landscaping, ADA compliance and finish work. In most cases they put the HVAC out to bid.

The California Public Contract Code (PCC) allows Cal Fire to self- perform up to a maximum of $100,000 on a project. When questioned, Cal Fire Officials told Riley that they did not have to follow the code; they planned their budget around day labor, the legislature approved their budget and that approval granted them the ability to have the work done as they wish.  When asked why they chose to not bid some stations, Riley was told that they felt the rural areas did not have the contractors or work force to complete the projects.  CIFAC disagrees with their assumption that the legislative approval of their budget gives them blanket authority to exempt themselves from the competitive bidding requirements in the PCC. CIFAC continues to pursue this matter.