The Board supports economic development in Iowa, particularly in the local community. Construction contracts will be made in the local community or 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 has the authority to approve or reject construction contracts.
Prior to the approval of a construction contract, except emergency construction, the Board may review methods for financing the project. The Board may use the means it deems necessary to pay for the purchase of sites and construction. In determining the means of financing for these purposes, the Board shall consider the financial condition of the District and the uses allowed for District monies.
The Superintendent shall analyze the various methods of financing for the purchase of sites and construction and make a recommendation to the Board.
Public competitive sealed bids are required for construction projects, including renovation and repair, with a cost exceeding the statutory minimums required by law.
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 District will comply with the competitive quote process for those projects subject to the competitive quote law. The Board shall approve all quotes for projects subject to the competitive quote law. The Superintendent or designee 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, at 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 District.
The Superintendent shall make a recommendation to the Board for construction contract bids including the reason. However, an Officer of the Board shall formally recommend to the Board which bid to accept.
Approved: September 2007
Reviewed: October 2020
Revised: October 2020