§ 2-271. Formal bidding procedures.

(a)

Bidding required for certain purchases. Except as otherwise provided in this division, when the estimated cost shall exceed $50,000.00 all supplies and professional and contractual services shall be purchased by formal, written contract (purchase order) from the lowest responsible and responsive bidder after due public notice inviting sealed written proposals; provided, however, the county council shall have the authority to waive execution of the formal bidding process in cases where it deems it advisable to do so.

(b)

Notice inviting bids.

(1)

Publication. Notice inviting bids shall be published on the purchasing division website or once in at least one official newspaper having general circulation in the county and at least five working days preceding the day set for the receipt of bids.

(2)

Scope. The notice required in this subsection shall include a general description of the supplies or professional or contractual services to be purchased, shall state where bid forms and specifications may be secured, and shall state the time and place for opening bids.

(c)

Bid deposits. When deemed necessary by the purchasing director, bid deposits shall be prescribed in the public notices inviting bids. Unsuccessful bidders shall be entitled to a return of their deposit where the purchasing director has required such. A successful bidder shall forfeit any deposit required by the purchasing director upon failure on his part to enter into a contract within ten days after the award.

(d)

Sealed bids. Bids shall be submitted sealed to the purchasing division and shall be identified on the outside of the envelope as a sealed bid.

(e)

Opening of bids. Bids shall be opened in public at the time and place stated in the invitation to bid and shall be witnessed.

(f)

Tabulation of bids. A tabulation of all bids received shall be made and shall be available for public inspection after award is made.

(g)

Correction of bids. Correction or withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids before or after award and cancellation of awards or contracts based upon such bid mistakes shall be permitted in accordance with regulations promulgated by the purchasing director. After bid opening, no changes in bid prices or other provisions of bids prejudicial to the interest of the county or fair competition shall be permitted. Except as otherwise provided by regulation, all decisions to permit correction or withdrawal of bids or to cancel awards or contracts based upon bid mistakes shall be supported by a written determination by the purchasing director.

(Ord. No. 90-20, § 11, 5-17-90; Ord. No. 2009-07, § III, 3-5-09)