Advertisements for bids shall be published at least twice in a daily newspaper of general circulation published in the metropolitan area, the last publication to be at least 10 calendar days before the time for receiving bids, and such advertisements shall also be posted on readily accessible bulletin boards in the principal office of the Authority. Such advertisements shall state the time and place for receiving and opening bids and, by reference to plans and specifications on file at the time of the first publication, or in the advertisement itself, shall describe the character of the proposed contract in sufficient detail to fully advise prospective bidders of their obligations and to ensure free and open competitive bidding.
     All bids in response to advertisements shall be sealed and shall be publicly opened by the Board, and all bidders shall be entitled to be present in person or by representatives. Cash or a certified or satisfactory cashier’s check, as a deposit of good faith, in a reasonable amount to be fixed by the Board before advertising for bids, shall be required with the proposal of each bidder. Bond for faithful performance of the contract with surety or sureties satisfactory to the Board and adequate insurance may be required in reasonable amounts to be fixed by the Board before advertising for bids.
     The contract shall be awarded as promptly as possible after the opening of bids. The bid of the successful bidder, as well as the bids of the unsuccessful bidders, shall be placed on file and be open to public inspection. All bids shall be void if any disclosure of the terms of any bid in response to an advertisement is made or permitted to be made by the Board before the time fixed for opening bids.