(a) Competitive negotiation may be used if:
(1) no bid or proposal is received or only one bid is received by the time and date specified in the solicitation;
(2) none of the bids or proposals received are acceptable;
(3) none of the bids or proposals received meets County price or budget limitations, including fairness and reasonableness of price; or
(4) none of the bidders or offerors are responsible.
(b) The Director must announce by public notice the County's intent to enter into competitive negotiations. The public notice must name the person with whom the County intends to negotiate.
(c) If no timely bid or proposal is received or only one timely bid is received, competitive negotiations may take place concurrently with all those solicited who indicate a desire to participate in the negotiations. If more than one bid or proposal is received, negotiations may be held with the bidder or offeror who most nearly meets the County's requirements, including price, to attempt to negotiate an acceptable offer. If negotiations fail with the most qualified bidder or offeror, negotiations may proceed to the next most qualified bidder or offeror. (1994 L.M.C., ch. 30, § 1.)