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 $25,000. 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 officers shall recommend, to the board, which bid to accept.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ Ch 26; 72; 73; 297.7-.8 (2013).
Cross Reference:
705 Expenditures
801 Site Acquisition and Building Construction
Approved July 2000
Reviewed October 2016
Revised April 2011