(A) For purchases that will cost $150,000 or more, the purchasing agent shall issue invitation for bids which must contain at a minimum:
(1) The description of the purchase;
(2) All contractual terms and conditions that apply to the purchase;
(3) A statement of the evaluation criteria that will be used, including any inspection, testing, quality, workmanship, delivery, suitability for a particular purchase, and the requirements imposed upon offers submitted by trusts under IC 5-22-3-5;
(4) The time and place for opening the bids by the BOW;
(5) A statement concerning whether the bid must be accompanied by a certified check or other evidence of financial responsibility that may be imposed by the BOW; and
(6) A statement concerning the conditions under which a bid may be canceled or rejected in whole or in part if the purchasing agent or the BOW determines it is the best interests of the city, in which case such reasons must be made a part of the contract file.
(B) The county shall give notice of the invitation for bids in the manner required by IC 5-3-1, by publishing two times, at least one week apart, with the last notice to appear at least seven days prior to bid opening.
(C) All bids received shall be opened publicly at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids.
(D) A contract must be awarded with reasonable promptness to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. If the contract is not awarded to the lowest bidder, reasons for doing so must be stated in the minutes of the BOW. All bids may be rejected and new bids may be solicited. In the event no valid bids are received, the purchasing agent may go to the open market without further advertisement in order to make a purchase, subject to the approval of the BOW.
(Ord. 2023-08, passed 10-16-23)
Statutory Reference:
For similar provisions, see IC 5-22-10-7