One at One: School District Bids & Covid-19

During these difficult times, our Firm’s Education and School Law Group is launching a new initiative called “ONE AT ONE” to get you relevant, focused information and resources regarding important issues impacting New Jersey during this COVID-19 pandemic. Each day at 1pm, we will share one issue and one answer on a specific topic of interest.

We realized that you along with your school district communities have many questions and concerns. We thought this would be a useful way to disseminate important information to you in real time as you work tirelessly to educate and support New Jersey’s 1.4 million students. Also, we encourage you to email us a question that you would like answered.

Today’s Issue:

During the period of school closure as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, can a school district cancel a bid that has already been sent out?

Answer:

Yes. Bids for non-essential goods and services should be cancelled. Cancellation must be made in accordance with relevant regulations. The Board must notify vendors about the cancellation. Do not open the bids, send them back via certified mail. The Board should place an ad regarding the cancellation and place a notice on the date of the advertised bid opening at the place where bids were to be opened.

Resources:
N.J.A.C. 5:34-9.3(a)
See LFN 2020-06 at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/lfns/20/2020-06.pdf

To Learn More about FPSCTT’s Education and School Law Practice, please contact:
Lester Taylor, Partner and Co-Chair
Christine Soto, Partner and Co-Chair
Afshan Ajmiri Giner, Senior Associate

This post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.