A contractor who discovers an error after submitting a bid on a public works project should do which of the following?

A contractor who discovers an error after submitting a bid on a public works project should do which of the following?

• A. Ignore the error
• B. Submit a revised bid immediately
• C. Notify the public entity within 30 days
• D. Give the public entity written notice of the mistake within five working days after opening of the bids

Answer: (D)

When a contractor discovers an error after submitting a bid on a public works project, promptly informing the public entity in writing is the appropriate action. This timing helps preserve fairness in the bidding process by giving the owner a clear picture of any mistakes while bids are still under consideration. The five-working-day deadline after bid opening ensures the agency can address the issue quickly, whether that means allowing withdrawal, correction, or other appropriate steps, without disadvantaging other bidders or undermining competition. Ignoring the error leaves the agency unaware of a potential misstatement that could affect award fairness. Submitting a revised bid after bids are opened isn’t allowed because bids are sealed and cannot be altered once opened. Waiting much longer, like thirty days, delays the process and undermines the integrity of the procurement.

When a contractor discovers an error after submitting a bid on a public works project, promptly informing the public entity in writing is the appropriate action. This timing helps preserve fairness in the bidding process by giving the owner a clear picture of any mistakes while bids are still under consideration. The five-working-day deadline after bid opening ensures the agency can address the issue quickly, whether that means allowing withdrawal, correction, or other appropriate steps, without disadvantaging other bidders or undermining competition.

Ignoring the error leaves the agency unaware of a potential misstatement that could affect award fairness. Submitting a revised bid after bids are opened isn’t allowed because bids are sealed and cannot be altered once opened. Waiting much longer, like thirty days, delays the process and undermines the integrity of the procurement.