# Private Contractors ### **Three (3) Bids for Subcontracts Exceeding the Amount Stated in Annual Contract.** Private contractors shall obtain at least three (3) bids or estimates for subcontracts that exceed the amount stated for subcontract bid requirements in the annual child development contract. (a) The subcontract shall be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. (b) If three (3) bids or estimates cannot be obtained, the private contractor shall maintain documents in its records that establish: (1) The reasons why three (3) bids or estimates could not be obtained; and (2) The reasonableness of the proposed expenditure without three (3) bids or estimates. (c) The contractor shall not split subcontracts to avoid competitive bidding requirements. > NOTE: Authority cited: Section 8261, Education Code. Reference: Section 8261, Education Code. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://title5.caqualityearlylearning.org/general-requirements/private-contractors.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.