A. All contracts of the Borough shall be awarded by competitive sealed bidding except as otherwise provided in this section and FNSBC 16.08.040, 16.08.050, 16.12.020, 16.12.030, 16.12.040, 16.12.050, 16.32.010, 16.32.020, 16.32.030, 16.32.040 and 16.32.050.

B. An invitation for bids shall be issued and shall include specifications and all contractual terms and conditions applicable to the procurement.

C. Adequate public notice of the invitation for bids shall be given a reasonable time prior to the date set forth therein for the opening of bids which shall provide for a minimum of at least 15 calendar days. Such notice may include publication in a newspaper of general circulation a reasonable time prior to bid opening. The public notice shall state the date and time of bid opening.

D. Bids shall be opened publicly in the presence of one or more witnesses at the time and place designated in the invitation for bids. The amount of each bid and such other relevant information as the Chief Procurement Officer deems appropriate, together with the name of each bidder, shall be recorded. The record and each bid shall be opened to public inspection.

E. Bids shall be unconditionally accepted without alteration or correction, except as authorized in this title. Bids shall be evaluated based on the requirements set forth in the invitation for bids. Those criteria that will affect the bid price and be considered in evaluation for award shall be objectively measurable, such as discounts, transportation costs and total or life cycle costs. The invitation for bids shall set forth the evaluation criteria to be used, such as inspection, testing, quality, workmanship, delivery, and suitability for a particular purpose. No criteria may be used in bid evaluation that are not set forth in the invitation for bids.

F. Correction or withdrawal of inadvertently erroneous bids before or after bid opening, or cancellation of awards or contracts based on such bid mistakes, may be permitted where appropriate. Mistakes discovered before bid opening may be modified or withdrawn by written or facsimile notice received in the office designated in the invitation for bids prior to the time set for bid opening. After bid opening, no changes in bid prices or other provisions of bids prejudicial to the interest of the Borough or fair competition shall be permitted.

G. The contract shall be awarded with reasonable promptness by written notice to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder whose bid meets the requirements and criteria set forth in the invitation for bids.

H. When it is considered impractical to initially prepare a purchase description to support an award based on price, an invitation for bids may be issued requesting the submission of unpriced offers to be followed by an invitation for bids limited to those bidders whose offers have been determined to be technically acceptable under the criteria set forth in the first solicitation. (Ord. 2002-29 § 11, 2002; Ord. 94-084 § 2, 1994; Ord. 93-019 § 2, 1993; Ord. 92-070 §§ 2, 3, 1992; Ord. 92-012 § 2, 1992; Ord. 89-044 § 3, 1989; Ord. 82-69, 1982. 2004 Code § 16.30.010.)