Bassett Unified board adopts California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act to prequalify contractors
Summary
The board voted to adopt resolution 15-26 to become subject to the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA), enabling a prequalified contractor list and streamlined procurement for certain public-construction thresholds; the item drew questions about trial implementation and ongoing board oversight.
On Oct. 28 the Bassett Unified School District Board of Education approved Resolution 15‑26 electing to participate in the California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA), a procurement model that allows districts to use prequalified contractor lists and informal procedures for many public‑works projects.
Motion and vote: the motion to approve Resolution 15‑26 was made by Board member Dina Flores and seconded by Board member Gonzales. The board carried the motion by roll call vote.
What the board heard: staff explained the practical effect of CUPCCAA compared with existing public-construction law. Superintendent Dr. Alvarez and staff said current law requires public bids for many construction projects (the presenters noted the statutory public-bid threshold starting point) and that CUPCCAA provides an option to prequalify contractors so certain projects can proceed under an informal process without a full formal bid advertisement. Staff described how prequalification will require contractors to demonstrate insurance, licensing, prevailing-wage compliance and other qualifications before being added to a district list.
Discussion and oversight: several board members asked whether the district could try the process on a limited or trial basis and how the board would retain oversight. Staff (Ibarra) said the board has the right to elect into CUPCCAA and to later withdraw if the board determines it is not meeting district needs; staff recommended at least a two‑year window to allow the process to be implemented and evaluated because establishing and maintaining the prequalified list takes time. Board members asked that district finance and facilities staff report back to the board (the facilities presentation and the CBO) with implementation updates so the board could review how the list is functioning and whether the approach is producing the promised transparency and efficiency.
Why it matters: staff and trustees framed the resolution as a tool to make smaller‑scale public‑works projects more efficient while retaining public‑procurement safeguards; trustees voiced a desire for mechanisms to monitor the approach and to stop or rescind it if problems arise.
Implementation notes: board members requested periodic reporting (facility updates and CBO reporting) and a clear process for adding contractors to the prequalified list. Staff said annual timing would include public notices and an opportunity to add contractors ahead of the fiscal year.
