Tennessee § 54-5-116 - Opening bids and awarding contracts.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 54-5-116 — Opening bids and awarding contracts., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 54-5-116. Opening bids and awarding contracts.
Sealed bids shall be opened in the presence of the bidders and public generally by the commissioner, or an authorized agent of the department, and the bidder making the best and most advantageous offer shall be awarded the contract by the department within thirty (30) days, upon complying with all requirements of the department, the lowest bid to be accepted. Acts 1917, ch. 74, § 6; Shan., § 1720a29b26 (p. 6550); impl. am. Acts 1923, ch. 7, §§ 1, 2, 33; Shan. Supp., § 1720a7b57; Code 1932, § 3215; Acts 1968, ch. 418, § 1; impl. am. Acts 1959, ch. 9, § 3; impl. am. Acts 1972, ch. 829, § 7; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 54-516; Acts 1981, ch. 264, §§ 6, 12. Cited: Modjeski & Masters v. Pack, 215 Tenn. 629, 388 S.W.2d 144, 1965 Tenn. LEXIS 639 (1965); M. C. West, Inc. v. Lewis, 522 F. Supp. 338, 1981 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 17879 (M.D. Tenn. 1981). Collateral References. Bond, for that bidder furnishes as affecting right to award contract to one other than lowest financial bidder. 86 A.L.R. 131 . Evasion of law requiring contract for public work to be let to lowest responsible bidder by subsequent changes in contract after it has been awarded pursuant to that law. 69 A.L.R. 697 . Federal funds requiring contractor, in case of public improvement aided by, to comply with conditions imposed by federal government as violation of requirement that contract be let to lowest responsible bidder. 113 A.L.R. 845 . Labor conditions or relations as factor in determining whether public contract should be let to lowest bidder. 110 A.L.R. 1406 . Mandamus to compel consideration, acceptance or rejection of bids. 80 A.L.R. 1382 . Variation by bidder from specifications on bid for public work. 65 A.L.R. 835 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 54-5-116
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 54-5-116 cover?
Section 54-5-116 ("Opening bids and awarding contracts.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 54-5-116?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 54-5-116" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 54-5-116 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.