BIDS AND AWARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS
The Board supports economic development in Iowa, particularly in the school district community. Construction contracts shall be made in the school district community or in Iowa from Iowa-based companies if the bids submitted are comparable in quality and can be received without additional cost in comparison to those submitted by other bidders. The Board shall have the authority to approve or retain construction contracts.
Public, competitive sealed bids are required for construction projects, including renovation and repair, with a cost exceeding the statutory minimums required by law. The low public, competitive sealed bid requirement is waived in the case of emergency repairs when the repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school. The AEA administrator shall certify that the emergency repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school. The superintendent will comply with the competitive quote process for those projects subject to the competitive quote law. The superintendent will determine the process for obtaining quotes for projects below the competitive quote limit.
The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsible bidder. The Board, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the Board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid. The Board shall have the right to reject any or all bids, or any part thereof, to waive informalities, and to enter into the contract or contracts deemed to be in the best interests of the school district.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation and the reason for it to the Board for construction contract bids. The board secretary/business manager shall recommend, to the board, which bid to accept.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 72; 73; 73A.2, .18; 297.7-.8 (2007).