20290-20294

PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE
SECTION 20290-20294




20290.  The provisions of this article shall apply to contracts by
the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, as provided for in Part
10 (commencing with Section 98000) of Division 10 of the Public
Utilities Code.


20291.  The purchase of all supplies, equipment and materials, when
the expenditure required exceeds twenty-five thousand dollars
($25,000), and construction of facilities and works, when the
expenditure required exceeds ten thousand dollars ($10,000), shall be
by contract let to the lowest responsible bidder. Notice requesting
bids shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general
circulation, which publication shall be made at least 10 days before
bids are received. The board may reject any and all bids and
readvertise in its discretion.


20292.  If after rejecting bids the board determines and declares a
four-fifths vote of all its members that in its opinion the supplies,
equipment and materials may be purchased at a lower price in the
open market, the board may proceed to purchase the supplies,
equipment and materials in the open market without further observance
of the provisions requiring contracts, bids or notice.



20293.  In case of an emergency, the board may, by resolution passed
by a majority vote of all its members, declare and determine that
public interest and necessity demand the immediate expenditure of
public money to safeguard life, health, or property and thereupon
proceed to expend or enter into a contract involving the expenditure
of any sum needed in the emergency without observance of the
provisions requiring contracts, bids, or notice. If notice for bids
to let contracts will not be given, the board shall also comply with
Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 22050).



20294.  All bids for construction work shall be presented under
sealed cover and shall be accompanied by one of the following forms
of bidder's security:
   (a) Cash.
   (b) A cashier's check made payable to the district.
   (c) A certified check made payable to the district.
   (d) A bidder's bond executed by an admitted surety insurer, made
payable to the district.
   Upon an award to the lowest bidder, the security of an
unsuccessful bidder shall be returned in a reasonable period of time,
but in no event shall that security be held by the district beyond
60 days from the time the award is made.