California Code, Public Contract Code - PCC § 10110

(a) Where the nature of the work is historic restoration for the state park system, as determined jointly by the director and the Director of Parks and Recreation, the department may authorize the carrying out of the project directly by the Department of Parks and Recreation.

(b) If the estimated total cost of any construction project or work carried out under this section exceeds fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), the Department of Parks and Recreation shall solicit bids in writing and award the work to the lowest responsible bidder or reject all bids.  However, the director may authorize the Department of Parks and Recreation to carry out work in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) under the provisions of this section by day labor if the director determines, in consultation with the Director of Parks and Recreation, that the award of a contract, the acceptance of bids, or the acceptance of further bids is not in the best interests of the state.  The Department of Parks and Recreation shall establish, by regulation, criteria to be considered by the Department of Parks and Recreation in requesting authorization from the director to perform all or part of a project by day labor.