Opinion No.

Honorable Peyton McKnight Chairman Subcommittee on Nominations Senate of the State of Texas Austin, Texas 78711

Re: Whether negotiation of contract terms prior to acceptance of bid violated article 2368a, V.T.C.S.

Dear Senator McKnight:

Early in 1980, the city of Grand Saline advertised for competitive bids on a contract to complete a sewerage treatment plant. Each of the five bids submitted exceeded the funds available for the project. In order to reduce project costs, the city altered its plans; however, it only presented these revisions to the original low bidder, who submitted a revised bid…