After reviewing the bids, what is the next step?

After reviewing the bids, the next step is to award the contract to the lowest responsible and eligible bidder. This process is grounded in procurement principles that aim to ensure fairness and value for public funds. By selecting the lowest responsible bidder, you promote competition among contractors and help ensure that the project can be completed at the best price while still meeting quality and safety standards.

In public contracting, it is essential to maintain a transparent and equitable selection process. Awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder not only supports fiscal responsibility but also aligns with legal requirements in many jurisdictions, which often mandate that contracts must be awarded based on the best value while factoring in the contractor's capability to fulfill the contract terms.

While rejecting all bids and starting over may sometimes be an option if none of the bids meet the requirements or expectations, this does not follow the typical next step approach immediately after bid review, especially if a reasonable bid is available. Awarding the contract to the highest bidder is not a common practice in public sector contracts, as it can lead to the risk of overspending and does not necessarily guarantee quality. Considering modifications to the project scope may be a valid approach in certain situations, but it is not the immediate next step after bid evaluation unless a significant issue arises with