Sec. 3. (a) If the estimated cost of a public works project is less than one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000), the division may award a public works contract either under section 2 of this chapter or under this section, at the discretion of the director.

     (b) If the director awards a contract under this section, the division shall invite quotations from at least three (3) contractors known to the division to deal in the work required to be done. However, if fewer than three (3) contractors are known to the division to be qualified to perform the work, the division shall invite quotations from as many contractors as are known to be qualified to perform the work. Failure to receive three (3) quotations shall not prevent an award from being made.

     (c) The division may authorize the governmental body for which the public work is to be performed to invite quotations, but award of a contract based upon those quotations is the responsibility of the division.

     (d) Quotations given by a contractor under this section must be in writing and sealed in an envelope, shall be considered firm, and may be the basis upon which the division awards a public works contract.

     (e) The division shall award a contract to the lowest responsible and responsive contractor and in accordance with any requirement imposed under section 2.5 of this chapter.

As added by P.L.24-1985, SEC.7. Amended by P.L.26-1989, SEC.11; P.L.336-1989(ss), SEC.11; P.L.12-2002, SEC.4; P.L.172-2011, SEC.5.