CUPCCAA Compliance
Unlock higher bidding thresholds and streamlined procurement. The California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act empowers agencies to build smarter.
What is CUPCCAA?
The California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act (CUPCCAA) is a voluntary program that allows local public agencies to utilize alternative bidding procedures for public works projects. By opting into CUPCCAA, agencies can award contracts at significantly higher thresholds than the default $15,000 limit.
Administered by the California State Controller's Office, CUPCCAA provides a standardized cost accounting framework while giving agencies greater flexibility in how they procure construction services.
2025 Bidding Thresholds
Governor Newsom signed AB 2192, significantly increasing CUPCCAA thresholds effective January 1, 2025.
Projects may be performed by agency employees (force account), negotiated contract, or purchase order without formal bidding.
Projects may be let through informal bidding procedures with simplified notification and documentation requirements.
Projects must follow formal competitive bidding with full advertisement, sealed bids, and public bid opening.
Without CUPCCAA: Agencies are limited to a $15,000 threshold for informal procurement. CUPCCAA provides up to 14x higher limits for qualifying agencies.
Benefits of CUPCCAA
Joining CUPCCAA unlocks significant advantages for public agencies.
Faster Project Delivery
Informal bidding reduces procurement timelines by weeks, allowing agencies to start projects sooner and respond to urgent needs.
Reduced Administrative Costs
Streamlined procedures mean less staff time on documentation, advertising, and formal bid processes for mid-sized projects.
Local Contractor Relationships
Informal bidding allows agencies to maintain lists of qualified local contractors, supporting community businesses.
Maintained Compliance
CUPCCAA provides a clear legal framework, reducing risk while offering flexibility in procurement methods.
Prequalified Contractor Pool
Build and maintain a roster of vetted contractors ready to bid on projects within informal thresholds.
Force Account Flexibility
Perform smaller projects in-house or through negotiated contracts without competitive bidding requirements.
How to Opt Into CUPCCAA
Follow these steps to enroll your agency in the CUPCCAA program.
Adopt an Ordinance
Your governing board must adopt a resolution or ordinance electing to become subject to CUPCCAA uniform construction cost accounting procedures.
File with the State Controller
Submit a copy of the adopted ordinance to the California State Controller's Office within 30 days of adoption.
Implement Cost Accounting
Adopt the Cost Accounting Policies and Procedures Manual published by the California Uniform Construction Cost Accounting Commission.
Establish Contractor Lists
Develop and maintain lists of qualified contractors by trade category for informal bidding notification.
Verify Your Enrollment
The State Controller maintains an official list of agencies enrolled in CUPCCAA. If your agency is not on this list, you cannot utilize CUPCCAA thresholds.
Check Enrollment StatusAB 2192 Key Changes
Beyond threshold increases, AB 2192 introduces important updates to CUPCCAA.
Expanded Definition
AB 2192 adds "installation" to the definition of "public project," broadening the scope of work covered under CUPCCAA.
Enhanced Commission Authority
The CUPCCAA Commission now has expanded authority to review potential violations and agency accounting procedures.
Anti-Splitting Enforcement
The Commission can investigate when work appears to be split into smaller orders to circumvent bidding requirements.
Ordinance Review Required
Agencies must verify their ordinances allow automatic threshold adjustments. Fixed thresholds may require amendment.
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