§ 5.28.230. Procedures for award.

A.

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, contracts shall be awarded by written notice issued by the purchasing officer to the lowest qualified, responsive and responsible bidder, provided that, if the lowest bids are approximately equal, preference may be given to local bidders who maintain and operate businesses within the boundaries of the borough when it is determined by the mayor to be in the best interest of the borough.

B.

The borough may reject any or all bids if the mayor determines that it is in the best interest of the borough.

C.

If the lowest qualified, responsive and responsible bid exceeds the amount of funds certified by the certifying officer to be available for the procurement, and if sufficient additional funds are not made available, the scope of the procurement may be reduced to bring its estimated cost within the amount of available funds. The purchasing officer shall issue a new invitation for bids for the reduced procurement, or, upon finding that the efficient operation of the borough government requires that the contract be awarded without delay, he may negotiate with the three lowest qualified, responsive and responsible bidders, starting first with the lowest bidder and then proceeding with the second and third lowest bidders; and may award, or recommend to the assembly for award, the reduced contract to the best negotiated proposal, except where prohibited by state and federal grant conditions or where another procedure has been specified in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2000-07, § 2, 3-21-00; Ord. No. 87-29, § 1(part), 1987)