Section 905. Contracts on Public Works. Every project involving an expenditure of more than Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars for the sewers, utilities, parks or playgrounds shall be let by the City Council by contract to the lowest responsible bidder after notice by publication in the official newspaper by one or more insertions, the first of which shall be at least ten days fore the time for opening bids. Projects for the construction, resurfacing, maintenance or report of streets, drains or sewers are excepted from the requirements of this paragraph is such work is performed by a City or County of Los Angeles department.

All bids shall be accompanied by either a certified or cashier’s check, or a bidder’s bond executed by a corporate surety authorized to engage in such business in California, made payable to the City. Such security shall be in an amount not less than that specified in the notice inviting bids or in the specifications referred to therein, or if no amount be so specified then in an amount not less than ten percent of the aggregate amount of the bid. If the successful bidder neglects or refuses to enter into the contract, within the time specified in the notice inviting bids or in the specifications referred to therein, the amount of the bidder’s security shall be declared forfeited to the City and shall be collected and paid into its general fund, and all bonds so forfeited shall be prosecuted and the amount thereof collected and paid into such fund.

The City Council may reject any and all bids presented and may readvertise in its discretion.

The City Council, after rejecting bids, or if no bids are received, may declare and determine that in its opinion, based on estimates approved by the City Manager, the work in question may be performed better or more economically by the City with its own employees or the materials may be purchased more economically o the open market, and after the adoption of a resolution to this said work done in the manner stated, without further observance of the provisions of this section. Such contracts likewise may be let without advertising for bids, if such work shall be deemed by, the City Council to be of urgent necessity for the preservation of life, health or property, and shall be authorized by resolution passed by at least three affirmative votes of the Council and containing a declaration of the facts constituting such urgency.  (As amended March 2, 1965).

Municipal Code

3.20.090 Bidding for public works projects.

Public works projects as defined by the California Public Contract Code Section 20161, or subsequent amendments thereof, shall be bid, advertised and awarded in accordance with applicable sections of the California Public Contract Code and Article IX, Section 903 of the city charter. (Ord. 749 (part), 1995)