Rhode Island § 45-55-5 - Award of Municipal Contracts

§ 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.