§ 12-301. In general

   (a) Scope of section. -- This section applies only to commission counties.

(b) Application of other sections. -- The provisions of § 9-105 and 9-106 of this article apply to an act, an ordinance, or a resolution adopted under this section.

(c) In general. -- The county commissioners shall:

   (1) establish a competitive bidding process for awarding contracts for services or the purchase of supplies if the contract exceeds $ 15,000;

   (2) require a bond in connection with a contract, regardless of the amount; and

   (3) if no bids are submitted in response to a request for bids, obtain the services or supplies in a manner that the county commissioners consider appropriate.

(d) Special provisions -- Frederick County. --

   (1) (i) In Frederick County, subsection (c) of this section applies only to a contract for services or the purchase of supplies if the contract exceeds $ 30,000.

      (ii) In Frederick County, subsection (c) of this section does not apply to a contract solely for architectural, engineering, or consulting services.

   (2) The County Commissioners of Frederick County may award a contract for architectural, engineering, or consulting services with a value that exceeds $ 30,000:

      (i) on a competitive basis that consists of competitive sealed bids or competitive negotiation that includes the submission of written technical and price proposals from two or more offerors and a written evaluation of the proposals in accordance with evaluation criteria; or

      (ii) based on an evaluation of the technical proposals and qualifications of at least two persons, with the contract set at a rate of compensation that is fair, competitive, and reasonable.

(e) Special provisions -- Somerset County. -- In Somerset County, subsection (c) of this section does not apply to a contract solely for design or consultation services.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 25, § 3(l)(1)-(3); 2013, ch. 119, § 2.