Select Bids Fairly, Or Bid Farewell

Anytime a road is renovated, a public school is built, or a city storage shed is constructed, that construction project likely began through a process called competitive bidding. Despite its frequent use, the requirements and intricacies of competitive bidding can be a surprise to project owners and contractors alike.

What is Competitive Bidding?

The Purpose.

Minnesota competitive bidding laws were enacted by the legislature to ensure that all contractors have an equal opportunity to bid on projects and to ensure that the taxpayers are getting the best bargain possible. Minnesota courts require rigid adherence to the requirements of public bidding to ensure that public entities act transparently and economically. To achieve those purposes, public officials must follow their own designated procedures and have limited discretion in selecting bidders outside of the low, responsible bidder. If a public entity rejects a low bid, that decision must be based upon a