(a) An application for a conversion or restructuring shall contain the information the director may require, by rule or order.
(b) The director shall charge a health care service plan an application filing fee. The fee for filing an application shall be the actual cost of processing the application, including the overhead costs. The filing fee shall include the costs of undertaking the activities described in subdivisions (c), (d), and (e) of Section 1399.74.
(c) The director may contract with experts or consultants to assist the director in reviewing the application. Contract costs shall not exceed an amount that is reasonable and necessary to review the application. Any contract entered into under this subdivision shall be on a noncompetitive bid basis and shall be exempt from Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 10290) of Part 2 of Division 2 of the Public Contract Code. The applicant shall promptly pay the director, upon request, for all contract costs.