§ 45-55-5. Competitive sealed bidding.
(a) Contracts exceeding the amount provided by § 45-55-9 shall be awarded by competitive bidding unless they are professional engineering/architectural services pursuant to § 45-55-8.1 and it is determined in writing that this method is not practicable. Factors to be considered in determining whether competitive sealed bidding is practicable shall include whether:
(1) Specifications can be prepared that permit award on the basis of either the lowest qualified bid price or the lowest qualified evaluated bid price; and
(2) The available sources, the time and place of performance, and other relevant circumstances as are appropriate for the use of competitive sealed bidding.
(b) The invitation for bids shall state whether award shall be made on the basis of the lowest bid price or the lowest evaluated or responsive bid price. If the latter basis is used, the objective measurable criteria to be utilized shall be stated in the invitation for bids, if available.
(c) Adequate public notice of the invitation for bids shall be given a sufficient time prior to the date stated in the notice for the opening of bids. Notice may include publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the state as determined by the purchasing officer for the municipality not less than seven (7) days nor more than twenty-one (21) days before the date set for opening of the bids. The purchasing officer may make a written determination that the twenty-one (21) day limitation needs to be waived. The written determination shall state the reason why the twenty-one (21) day limitation is being waived and shall state the number of days, giving a minimum and maximum, before the date set for the opening of bids when public notice is to be given.
(d) Bids shall be opened publicly in full view of the public at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. Each bid, together with the name of the bidder, shall be recorded and an abstract made available for public inspection. Subsequent to the awarding of the bid, all documents pertinent to the awarding of the bid shall be made available and open to public inspection and retained in the bid file.
(e) The contract shall be awarded with reasonable promptness by written notice to the responsive and responsible bidder whose bid is either the lowest bid price, or lowest evaluated or responsive bid price.
(f) Correction or withdrawal of bids may be allowed only to the extent permitted by regulations issued by the purchasing officer.
History of Section.P.L. 1992, ch. 394, § 1; P.L. 1998, ch. 276, § 1.
Structure Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 45-55 - Award of Municipal Contracts
Section 45-55-1. - Legislative findings.
Section 45-55-2. - Method of source selection.
Section 45-55-3. - Purchasing agent — Appointment — Duties.
Section 45-55-4. - Definitions.
Section 45-55-5. - Competitive sealed bidding.
Section 45-55-5.1. - Business exempt.
Section 45-55-5.2. - Town of North Smithfield — Exemption.
Section 45-55-6. - Competitive negotiation.
Section 45-55-7. - Negotiations after unsuccessful competitive sealed bidding.
Section 45-55-8. - Sole source procurement and emergency procurements.
Section 45-55-8.1. - Qualification-based selection of architects and engineers.
Section 45-55-9. - Small purchases.
Section 45-55-10. - Cancellation of invitation for bids and requests for proposals.
Section 45-55-11. - Responsibilities of bidders and offerors.
Section 45-55-12. - Prequalification of contractors — General.
Section 45-55-13. - Exclusion of state mandated costs.
Section 45-55-13.2. - Exclusion of multi-cities or towns energy aggregation programs.
Section 45-55-13.3. - Exclusion of multi-school district combined purchasing consortia.
Section 45-55-14. - Staff consultants.
Section 45-55-15. - Severability.
Section 45-55-16. - Prohibition against the use of lead based paints.