Legal Services

	"We put out a notice for bids on a new exciting project. Many bids were received early on, but it’s been quiet for a week now. We’re so close to the deadline. Can we go ahead and open the bids early? I’m just too excited and can’t wait any longer!"

Can competitive bids be opened early? 

By its express terms, the County Purchasing Act requires that the notice for bids specifically advertise the time and place bids are to be publicly opened. Local Government Code §262.025(b)(2). For more information on competitive bidding requirements, see our publication Procurement Handbook.