Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 130236

Notwithstanding Section 130232, and upon a finding by two-thirds vote of all members of the commission that the proposed purchase in compliance with Sections 130232 and 130233 does not constitute a method of procurement adequate for the operation of commission facilities or equipment, the commission may direct the procurement of prototype equipment or modifications in an amount sufficient to conduct and evaluate operational testing without further observance of any provisions in this article regarding contracts, bids, advertisements, or notice.