20-A M.R.S. §5402: Bid procedure

The following shall apply to bids.

1. Written bids. Bids shall be in writing, sealed with outside envelope or wrapper plainly marked "Bid, not to be opened until (with appropriate date inserted)," and mailed to or filed with the superintendent of the unit.

2. Time of opening. A board member or employee of the school administrative unit may not open a bid until the appointed time.

3. Public opening. At the time and place stated in the public notice, and open to the public, all bids shall be opened by the superintendent or, in the superintendent's absence or disability, by any school board member designated for the purpose by the chairman of the school board.

4. Reading. If any citizens who are not school board members or employees of the school administrative unit, or if any representatives of the press are present, bids shall at the time either be made available for examination by them or shall be read aloud in a manner to be heard plainly by those in attendance.

5. Exceptions. The following contracts are exempt from the requirements of this section:

A. Contracts for bus services under $4,000; and

B. Contracts between school administration units.