42-720. Bids for construction work; publication notice; contractor's bond. (a) After adopting a plan for the proposed canal or canals, ditches, laterals, storage reservoirs, pumping plants and works and after having obtained the approval of same from the chief engineer, and a permit for acquisition of waters for beneficial use, the board of directors shall give notice, by publication thereof in a newspaper of general circulation in said district, at least once not less than fifteen days before bids are received, calling for bids for the construction of the work or any portion thereof, particularly describing the works or portions so advertised. The notice shall also set forth that plans and specifications can be seen at the office of the board, or other designated place within said district; that the board will receive sealed proposals therefor; that the contract will be let to the lowest responsible bidder, stating the time and place of opening of bids.

(b) All bids shall be opened in public at the time and place specified and as soon as convenient thereafter the board shall let such work either in whole or in part to the lowest responsible bidder, or it may reject any and all bids and readvertise for new bids or proposals, or may proceed to construct the works under their own superintendence with the labor of the residents of the district. All contracts for the purchase of materials shall be awarded to lowest responsible bidder. The person or persons to whom a contract is awarded, shall enter into a bond with good and sufficient sureties, to be approved by the board payable to such district for its use, to an amount equal to twenty-five percent of the contracted price for the faithful performance of the contract, not however, to exceed a maximum of fifty thousand dollars. The work and construction shall be done under the direction and to the satisfaction of the engineer, and be approved by the board. The provisions of this section shall not apply in case of any contract between the district and the United States or with any department, bureau or agency thereof.

History: L. 1941, ch. 262, § 20; June 30.