Any person who has a claim under any contract entered into by this department may bring an action on such contract in the superior court of the plaintiff's residence. However, as a condition precedent to the filing of the action, the claimant must file with the board of directors a claim in writing outlining his contentions and claim in detail; and no action may be filed on such claim until the claim has been decided adversely to the claimant or until the expiration of 60 days, whichever is earlier.