§ 2.121.340. Negotiations after competitive sealed bidding where all bids exceed available funds.

A.

Determination. In the event that all bids submitted pursuant to competitive sealed bidding under Section 2.121.320 result in bid prices in excess of the funds available and the department recommending the award of the contract determines in writing:

1.

That there are no additional funds available from any source so as to permit an award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and

2.

The best interest of the county will not permit the delay attendant to a resolicitation under revised specifications, and/or for reduced level of services, under competitive sealed bidding as provided in Section 2.121.320; then a negotiated award may be made as set forth in subsections B and C of this section.

B.

Negotiation with Multiple Bidders. Where there is more than one bidder, competitive negotiations pursuant to Section 2.121.330 shall be conducted with the three (two if there are only two) bidders determined in writing to be the lowest responsive and responsible bidders to the competitive sealed bid invitation. Such competitive negotiations shall be conducted under the following restrictions:

1.

If discussions pertaining to the revision of the specifications or quantities are held with any potential offeror, all other potential offerors shall be afforded an opportunity to take part in such discussions;

2.

An addendum to the invitation for bids, based upon revised specifications or quantities, shall be issued as promptly as possible, shall provide for an expeditious response to the revised requirements, and shall be awarded upon the basis of the lowest bid price or lowest evaluated bid price submitted by any responsive and responsible offeror. No discussion shall be conducted with offerors after submission of proposals except for a compelling reason as determined in writing by the department recommending the award of a contract. All addenda shall state that award is to be made without discussions except as herein provided.

C.

Negotiation with Single Bidder. Where, after competitive sealed bidding, it is determined in writing by the department recommending the award of a contract that there is only one responsive and responsible bidder, a noncompetitive negotiated award may be made with such bidder in accordance with Section 2.121.350.

(Ord. 90-0030 § 3 (part), 1990.)