20370-20374

PUBLIC CONTRACT CODE
SECTION 20370-20374




20370.  The provisions of this article shall apply to contracts by
the Fresno Metropolitan Transit District, as provided for in Chapter
1932 of the Statutes of 1961.



20371.  The purchase of all supplies, equipment and materials, and
the construction of facilities and works, when the expenditure
required exceeds three thousand dollars ($3,000), 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.



20372.  If after rejecting bids the board determines and declares by
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.



20373.  In case of any great public calamity, such as an
extraordinary fire, flood, storm, epidemic, or other disaster, the
board may, by resolution passed by a four-fifths 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 such
emergency without observance of the provisions requiring contracts,
bids, or notice.


20374.  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.