801.5 - Bids and Awards for Construction

The board supports economic development in Iowa, particularly in the school district community.  Construction contracts will be made in the school district community or in Iowa from Iowa-based companies if the bids submitted are comparable in quality and can be received without additional cost in comparison to those submitted by other bidders.  The board will have the authority to approve or reject construction contracts.

Public, competitive sealed bids are required for construction projects, including renovation and repair, with a cost exceeding the statutory minimums required by law.  The public, competitive sealed bid requirement is waived in the case of emergency repairs when the repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.  The AEA administrator will certify that the emergency repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.  The superintendent will comply with the competitive quote process for those projects subject to the competitive quote law.  The superintendent will determine the process for obtaining quotes for projects below the competitive quote limit.

The award of construction contracts will, generally, be made to the lowest responsible bidder.  The board, in its discretion, after considering factors relating to the construction, including, but not limited to, the cost of the construction, availability of service and/or repair, completion date, and any other factors deemed relevant by the board, may choose a bid other than the lowest bid.  The board will have the right to reject any or all bids, or any part thereof, and to enter into the contract or contracts deemed to be in the best interests of the school district.

It is the responsibility of the superintendent to make a recommendation and the reason for it to the board for construction contract bids.  The board secretary (or other board officer) shall recommend, to the board, which bid to accept.

 

NOTE:  This policy is consistent with Iowa law regarding construction.  Public, competitive sealed bids are only required on construction projects, including renovation and repair, if the cost exceeds $130,000.  In the case of emergency repairs, the requirement for public, competitive sealed bids is waived if the AEA administrator issues a certificate that the emergency repairs are necessary to prevent the closing of a school.

The competitive bid and quotation limit will increase effective January 1, 2013. The competitive bid increased from $125,000 to $130,000. The quotation limit will increase from $48,000 to $50,000.

 

 

Legal Reference:  Iowa Code §§ 72; 73; 73A.2, .18; 297.7-.8 (2007).  HF 2713 (2006)

Cross Reference:  705       Expenditures
                                       801       Site Acquisition and Building Construction

Approved     3/2017                 
Reviewed     9/19/2022                          
Revised