18-2-301. Bids required -- advertising. (1) It is unlawful for any offices, departments, institutions, or any agent of the state of Montana acting for or in behalf of the state to do, to cause to be done, or to let any contract for the construction of buildings or the alteration and improvement of buildings and adjacent grounds on behalf of and for the benefit of the state when the amount involved is $25,000 or more without first advertising in at least one issue each week for 3 consecutive weeks in two newspapers published in the state, one of which must be published at the seat of government and the other in the county where the work is to be performed, calling for sealed bids to perform the work and stating the time and place bids will be considered.
     (2) All work may be done, caused to be done, or contracted for only after competitive bidding.
     (3) If responsible bids are not received after two attempts, the department or agency may contract for the work in a manner determined to be cost-effective for the state.
     (4) This section does not apply to work done by inmates at an institution in the department of corrections.

     History: (1) thru (3)En. Sec. 1, Ch. 149, L. 1927; re-en. Sec. 259.1, R.C.M. 1935; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 142, L. 1961; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 97, L. 1977; Sec. 82-1131, R.C.M. 1947; (4)En. Sec. 2, Ch. 142, L. 1961; amd. Sec. 92, Ch. 199, L. 1965; amd. Sec. 54, Ch. 326, L. 1974; Sec. 82-1131.1, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 82-1131, 82-1131.1; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 16, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 262, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 6, Ch. 518, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 61, Ch. 546, L. 1995.