R. J. Taggart, Inc. v. Douglas County

The majority opinion is premised on an untenable construction of the specifications, the bid bond and ORS 279.027 and 279.031. 1

*[1145]We are here dealing with a public contract. Before construing the specifications and bond, it is necessary to consider the environment in which the parties were dealing. By statute, public contracts must be let by competitive bidding. See ORS 279.015. There must be a public advertisement for bids, ORS 279.025, followed by a public opening. ORS 279.027. The contract must be awarded to the "lowest responsible bidder.” ORS 279.029.2 Contractors can only be…