At the time and place named in the call for bids the department of transportation shall publicly open and read the final figure in each of the bid proposals that have been properly filed and read only the unit prices of the three lowest bids, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder unless the department has, for good cause, continued the date of opening bids to a day certain, or rejected that bid. Any bid may be rejected if the bidder has previously defaulted in the performance of and failed to complete a written public contract, or has been convicted of a crime arising from a previous public contract. If the lowest responsible bidder fails to meet the provisions or specifications requiring compliance with chapter 39.19 RCW and the rules adopted to implement that chapter, the department may award the contract to the next lowest responsible bidder which does meet the provisions or specifications or may reject all bids and readvertise. All bids shall be under sealed cover and accompanied by deposit in cash, certified check, cashier's check, or surety bond in an amount equal to five percent of the amount of the bid, and a bid shall not be considered unless the deposit is enclosed with it.

Effective date—Applicability—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1983 c 120: See RCW 39.19.910 and 39.19.920.

Office of minority and women's business enterprises: Chapter 39.19 RCW.