Allstar Towing, Inc. v. City of Alexandria

In this action arising from the competitive bidding process for a public contract, we review the trial court’s application of the principles of res judicata.

The chronology is important as we recite the undisputed facts. On November 16, 1984, appellee City of Alexandria, through its purchasing division, invited bids for a contract to tow vehicles in the City for a period beginning November 1, 1984 through December 31, 1985. Appellant Allstar Towing, Inc., although unincorporated at the time, submitted a timely bid. No other bid was received.

On December 3, 1984, the City, through its purchasing…