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802.4

Bidding and Awarding of Construction Contracts

Competitive Bids for Public Improvement Contracts

Initial Bid
If the estimated total cost of a public improvement exceeds the dollar amount identified by the Code of Iowa, preliminary approval of the construction documents will be required by the Board of Education. All bids will be solicited in the manner prescribed by the Code of Iowa.

The Board of Education may award a contract to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder after holding a public hearing on the public improvement.

Subsequent Change Orders
Except as provided in the American Institute of Architects’ standard forms of agreement, no work will be performed, other than as stipulated in the construction contract, without prior District approval. In all but emergency situations, Board approval will be required for work not stipulated in the contract if the cost is in excess of the dollar amount identified by the Code of Iowa.

Competitive Quotations for Public Improvement Contracts

Competitive quotations will be required for a public improvement having an estimated total cost that exceeds the dollar amount identified by the Code of Iowa. The District will make a good faith effort to obtain quotations for the work from at least two contractors regularly engaged in such work prior to letting a contract. Quotations may be obtained from contractors after the District provides a description of the work to be performed, including the plans and specifications prepared by an architect or engineer, if required. The contractor will include in the quotation the price for labor, materials, equipment, and supplies required to perform the work.

The Manager of Purchasing may issue a purchase order to the contractor with the lowest responsible quote.


Code of Iowa
: Chapters 26.3, 26.14, 297


  • Approved: 02-12-78
  • Reviewed: 08-28-89
  • Revised: 09-11-89
  • Reviewed: 09-14-92, 01-13-97, 12-14-98, 08-25-03
  • Revised: 12-11-06, 03-24-08, 01-09-12, 10-08-12, 04-14-14, 01-25-16, 03-08-2021
  • Documents: 802.4

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