SCS/SB 130 - The provisions of this act, relating to the letting of public bids by political subdivisions, apply only to the extent that the letting of bids valued in excess of $25,000 is not otherwise regulated by law.

Public bids on contracts must be advertised for at least five days in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the service is to be performed. All bid specifications must contain the deadline for submission and must specify the dates that the bids will be opened, Bid information shall not be revealed to competitors.

When a subdivision rejects a bidder, it must notify the bidder of the reasons for the rejection. The subdivision shall not be liable for slander for providing the required statement.

A political subdivision with a construction project of $100,000 or more shall publicize the project through a commercial organization providing such information to interested parties or shall advertise the project for ten days in two newspapers with at least 50,000 daily circulation.

Bids must be accompanied by a certified check, cashier's check or bid bond equal to five percent of the bid. Surety shall be forfeited if the successful bidder fails to enter into a contract with the subdivision.

Political subdivisions cannot establish policies which grant preferences to any class of bidders except disadvantaged business enterprises.
TOM CRAWFORD