Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 125225

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, and upon a finding by two-thirds of all members of the board that a purchase in compliance with Sections 125222 and 125223 does not constitute a method of procurement adequate for the operation of the district’s facilities or equipment, the board may direct the procurement of prototype equipment or modifications in an amount sufficient to conduct and evaluate operational testing without further compliance with any contracting, bidding, or advertising requirements.