The purpose of the Procurement Policy is to provide a procurement system of quality and integrity; to assure that the Authority procures supplies, service and construction effectively, efficiently and at the most favorable prices; and to assure that Authority purchasing actions are in full compliance with applicable Federal standards, HUD regulations, and State and local laws. To the extent possible and in the best interests of the Authority, American-made equipment and products shall be purchased with HUD funds.
This Procurement Policy applies to all contracts for the procurement of supplies, services, and construction entered into by the Authority after the effective date of this Policy. It shall apply to every expenditure of Federal funds by the Authority for public purchasing, irrespective of the source of funds, including contracts that do not involve an obligation of funds (such as concession contracts). Nothing in this Policy, however, shall prevent the Authority from complying with the terms and conditions of any grant, contract, gift or bequest that is otherwise consistent with law. The term "procurement," as used in this Policy includes both contracts and modifications (including change orders) for construction or services, as well as purchase, lease, or rental of supplies and equipment.
SEALED BIDDING
A. Conditions for Use - Contracts shall be awarded based on competitive sealed bidding if the following conditions are present: a complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available; two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively for the work; the procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract; and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price. Sealed bidding is the preferred method for construction procurement. For modernization projects, sealed bidding shall be used for all construction and equipment contracts exceeding the small purchase limitation. For professional services contracts, sealed bidding should not be used.
B. Solicitation and Receipt of Bids - An invitation for bids shall be issued including specifications and all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement, including a statement that award will be made to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements of the invitation for bids. The invitation for bids shall state the time and place for both the receipt of bids and the public bid opening. All bids received shall be time-stamped but not opened and shall be stored in a secure place until bid opening. A bidder may withdraw its bid at any tune prior to bid opening.
C. Bid Opening and Award - Bids shall be opened publicly, an abstract of bids shall be recorded, and the bids shall be available for public inspection. If equal low bids are received from responsible bidders, award shall be made by drawing lots or similar random method, unless otherwise provided in State or local law and stated in the invitation for bids. If only one responsive bid is received from a responsible bidder, award shall not be made unless a cost or price analysis verifies the reasonableness of the price.
D. Mistakes in Bids –
1. Correction or withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids may be permitted, where appropriate, before bid opening by written or telegraphic notice received in the office designated in the invitation for bids prior to the time set for bid opening. After bid opening, corrections in bids shall be permitted only if the bidder can show by clear and convincing evidence that a mistake of a nonjudgmental character was made, the nature of the mistake, and the bid price actually intended. A low bidder alleging a nonjudgmental mistake may be permitted to withdraw its bid if the mistake is clearly evident on the face of the bid document but the intended bid is unclear or the bidder submits convincing evidence that a mistake
2. All decisions to allow correction or withdrawal of bid mistakes shall be supported by a written determination signed by the Contracting Officer. After bid opening, no changes in the bid prices or other provisions of bids prejudicial to the interest of the Authority or fair competition shall be permitted.