How is the term "lowest responsible and eligible bidder" defined?

The term "lowest responsible and eligible bidder" is defined as a process that not only considers the bid amount but also evaluates the bidder's qualifications to ensure they can successfully complete the project. This includes assessing the bidder's skill level, ability to perform the work as required, and their integrity throughout the bidding and construction process.

Choosing the lowest price alone does not guarantee that the contractor will meet the necessary standards for the project. Evaluating bidders based on their qualifications ensures that the project will be completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. This comprehensive assessment helps avoid potential issues that could arise from selecting a bidder who may have submitted the lowest bid but lacks the capability or trustworthiness to fulfill the contract effectively.

Other options fail to encompass the full criteria for eligibility. Simply bidding the lowest amount does not take into account the necessary skills and integrity required for responsible bidding practices. Additionally, merely meeting minimum bidding thresholds does not assure the bidder is equipped to handle the project's demands, nor does a good payment history alone define a contractor's overall reliability and competence.