Sec. 79.1. Notwithstanding sections 77 and 78 of this chapter, the following provisions apply whenever the board estimates that the amount of the contracts to be let is not more than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000):

(1) The board need not advertise in the manner provided by section 78 of this chapter. If the board does not advertise, it shall mail or send by electronic means written invitations for bids to at least three (3) persons believed to be interested in bidding on the work. The invitations shall be mailed or sent by electronic means at least seven (7) days before the date the board will receive bids, and must state the nature of the contracts to be let and the date, time, and place bids will be received.

(2) The board may authorize the county surveyor to contract for the work in the name of the board.

(3) The contracts may be for a stated sum or may be for a variable sum based on per unit prices or on the hiring of labor and the purchase of material.

(4) The contracts shall be let in accordance with the statutes governing public purchase, including IC 5-22.

(5) The board may for good cause waive any requirement for the furnishing by the bidder of a bid bond or surety and the furnishing by a successful bidder of a performance bond.

[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citations: 36-9-27-79 part; Part new.]

As added by Acts 1981, P.L.57, SEC.42. Amended by P.L.355-1987, SEC.1; P.L.49-1997, SEC.84; P.L.241-1999, SEC.6; P.L.43-2019, SEC.4; P.L.164-2019, SEC.8.