Article 15. Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District of California Public Contract Code >> Division 2. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 1. >> Article 15.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.