CA SB1280

Allows University of California and community college districts to award contracts using "best value" criteria instead of lowest responsible bidder through January 1, 2018

Defines "best value" as the most advantageous balance of price, quality, service, performance, and other elements including life-cycle costs, sustainability, and long-term savings

Requires UC and community college districts to adopt written policies and guidelines ensuring fair evaluation, with criteria potentially including total cost, operational benefits, vendor quality, delivery reliability, warranties, and local economic benefits

Mandates UC report to Legislative Analyst by July 1, 2016, and community college districts report to Chancellor by January 1, 2016, with Legislative Analyst reporting findings to Legislature by February 1, 2017

Automatically repeals on January 1, 2018, unless extended by future legislation