<div class="chunk-title">Sec. 30-5. - Formal bids.</div>
<div class="chunk-content">
            <p class="p0">
               All formal bids will be sent out by the purchasing manager as the authorized representative
               of the county. Bids will be opened and tabulated by the purchasing manager. When architects
               or engineers are employed to perform this service on construction bids, the purchasing
               manager should be present at openings when possible, receive copies of the public
               notice and bids, and prepare a recommendation for the award of a bid. Certain requirements
               must be followed in the formal bid process:
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (1)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  Written specifications must be prepared. Efficient purchasing practices require buying
                  in accordance with carefully developed specifications. For purchases of standard items,
                  development of elaborate specifications are not necessary, but simple, standard specifications
                  are acceptable. Good, clear specifications are an essential aspect of competitive
                  bidding. Quality and service are as important as price; therefore, specifications
                  are needed that will fulfill but not exceed the requirements for which the items and/or
                  services are intended. Specifications are prepared by the purchasing office with input
                  from the ordering department to ensure that the products purchased fill the need.
                  A lengthy specification designed solely for the purpose of eliminating competition,
                  other than those able to supply a particular brand name, will not be permitted. Brand
                  names should be used only when no other product would be satisfactory.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (2)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  Bids must be advertised for prospective bidders. Advertisements must be published
                  on the county's web site so there are seven full days between the date of the publication
                  and the date of the opening of the bids. It will be the purchasing office's responsibility
                  to maintain a vendor list and notify all parties on the vendor list for applicable
                  projects. The advertisement must contain the time and place where plans and specifications
                  may be obtained and the time and place for opening of the proposals. On all construction
                  contracts, the advertisement must also contain a notice that bidders must be properly
                  licensed under G.S. chapter 87.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (3)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  Prospective bidders must submit sealed bids. Unless the invitation to bid states differently,
                  bids must be sealed and the contents must not be disclosed or exhibited prior to the
                  time set for the bid opening.
                  </p>
               		
               
               <p class="incr1">
                  (4)
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content2">
                  Except under the conditions in subsections (4)a and b, the board of commissioners
                  must accept bids and award contracts. Bid results must be presented to the board of
                  commissioners for acceptance and award. The board of commissioners reserves the right
                  to reject any or all proposals.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr2">
                  a.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  The county manager is authorized to award formal bids for purchase contracts in amounts
                  less than $250,000.00 within the following guidelines:
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  1.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The bid is awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  2.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  Sufficient funding is available within the department.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  3.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The purchase is consistent with the goals and/or outcomes of the department.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="incr3">
                  4.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content4">
                  The project is approved in the budget.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="b3">
                  The county manager is further authorized to reject any and/or all bids received less
                  than $250,000.00 if it is in the best interest of the county.
                  </p>
               <p class="incr2">
                  b.
                  </p>
               		
               <p class="content3">
                  Bids may be rejected for any reason determined by the board or the county manager,
                  under his/her authority, for any reason determined to be in the best interest of the
                  county. However, the bid shall not be rejected for the purpose of evading the provisions
                  of G.S. Â§ 143-129.
                  </p>
               		
               
            <p class="historynote0">
               (Ord. No. 2023-11, 10-16-2023)
               </p></div>