(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), contracts for the purchase of supplies, equipment, and materials in excess of one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000) shall be by contract let to the lowest responsible bidder or, in the district’s discretion, to the responsible bidder that submitted a proposal that provides the best value, as defined in paragraph (1), to the district on the basis of the factors identified in the solicitation.

1. (1) For purposes of this section, “best value” means the overall combination of quality, price, and other elements of a proposal that, when considered together, provide the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirements described in the solicitation documents.
2. (2) To the extent practicable, when the expected procurement required exceeds three thousand dollars ($3,000) but does not exceed one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000), a minimum of three quotations shall be obtained, either written or oral, which permit prices and other terms to be compared.