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1. "Responsible" refers to the bidder and "responsive" refers to the bid. <br />2. A bid is "responsive" if it substantially conforms to the specifications. If it has <br />a "material variance" then it does not substantially conform. A material <br />variance is one that, if allowed, would give one bidder an unfair competitive <br />advantage over others. <br />3. The bidder is "responsible" if they have the skill, judgment and integrity <br />necessary to the faithful performance of the contract, as well as sufficient <br />financial resources and ability. <br />4. A determination that the lowest bidder is not responsible applies to that <br />particular bid. Broad findings are not permissible. <br />5. All information should be verified and accurate records kept including the <br />sources of pertinent information. <br />6. Concluding that a vendor is not "responsible" based on false or <br />unsubstantiated information is to be avoided. <br />V. MINORITY AND WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MWBE) <br />The county is committed to promoting equal opportunities for all and to eliminate <br />prohibited discrimination in all forms. For purposes of this section, prohibited <br />discrimination means "discrimination against any person, business or other entity <br />in contracting or purchasing practices on the basis of race, color, sex or national <br />•„ <br />origin . <br />All County departments are encouraged to seek out MWBE firms for participation <br />in procurement of goods and services. <br />VI. NEGOTIATING WITH BIDDERS <br />The formal bidding statute allows negotiation with bidders only in one situation: <br />when all bids exceed the "funds available for the project". In this case, the County <br />may elect to negotiation with the lowest responsible bidder and make reasonable <br />changes in the plans and specifications as necessary to bring the contract price <br />within the amount of funds available. <br />F-5 <br />Page 31 of 48 <br />Attachmentnumber1 <br />Page 96 <br />