California Code, Public Resources Code - PRC § 5080.23

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, with respect to concession contracts entered into on and after October 1, 1994, if the director determines that it is in the best interests of the state, the director may, upon giving notice to the State Parks and Recreation Commission, in lieu of the process for awarding contracts otherwise prescribed in this article, award contracts authorizing occupancy of any portion of the state park system for a period of more than three years to the best responsible person or entity submitting a proposal for a concession contract.

(b) For any concession contract authorizing occupancy by the concessionaire for a period of more than three years of any portion of the state park system that is entered into pursuant to this section, the department shall prepare a request for proposal, which shall include the terms and conditions of the concession sufficient to enable a person or entity to submit a proposal for the operation of the concession on the basis of the best benefit to the state.  Proposals shall be completed only on the basis of the request for proposal.

(c) Any concession contract entered into pursuant to this section that is expected to involve a total investment or gross sales in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) shall comply with the requirements for entry into contract that are set forth in Section 5080.20.

(d) For purposes of this section, “best responsible person or entity submitting a proposal” means the person or entity submitting a proposal, as determined by specific standards established by the department, that will operate the concession in the best interests of the state and the public.