Cal. Code Regs. tit. 21 § 1520.7
The Director shall attempt to negotiate a contract with the most highly qualified firm. In negotiating fees and executing a contract, the procedure described in Section 6106 of the Public Contract Code (or any successor statute) shall be followed. When the Director is unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with this firm with fair and reasonable compensation provisions as determined by the procedure set forth in Section 1520.4, negotiations shall be terminated. The Director may then undertake negotiations with the second most qualified firm on the same basis. Failing accord, negotiations shall be terminated. The Director may then undertake negotiations with the third most qualified firm on the same basis. Failing accord, negotiations shall be terminated. Should the Director be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract at fair and reasonable compensation with any of the selected firms, additional firms may be selected in the manner prescribed and the negotiation procedure continued.
Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 21, § 1520.7
Note: Authority cited: Section 4526, Government Code. Reference: Sections 4528 and 4529.12, Government Code; Section 6106, Public Contract Code; and Article XXII, California Constitution, Sections 1-2.