All contractual services and purchases of supplies, materials and equipment in the amount of $25,000 or more except professional services, will be put to bid. This does not apply, however, to contracts for instructional services or materials. Other purchases may be made in the open market but will, when possible, be based on competitive quotations or prices.
Competitive selection
All contracts and all open market orders will be awarded to the lowest responsible qualified supplier, taking into consideration the quality of materials (services) desired and their contribution to program goals.
The district reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to accept that bid which appears to be in the best interest of the district.
Response receipt and opening
All bids must be submitted to the district designee following the RFP (Request for Proposal) process. Bids may be opened in public by appropriate district officials or employees at the time specified, and all bidders shall be invited to be present.
Awarding a bid
The bidder to whom an award is made will be required to submit to the district proof of liability insurance and when appropriate, proof of workers’ compensation insurance, and may be required to enter into a written contract with the district. Any written contract will include a provision requiring a criminal background check for any person providing direct services to students under the contract, including but not limited to transportation, instruction or food services as required by law. The contracting entity shall be responsible for any costs associated with the background check.
Requirements for Written Contract
Any contract must include a provision that states that any of the district’s obligations for the construction and design of public works projects that are payable after the current fiscal year are contingent on money to pay the obligations being appropriated, budged, and otherwise made available to the district, subject to the requirements of C.R.S. 24-91-103.6.
Any written contract shall not include any of the below conditions or terms. If any of the below conditions are included in a written contract, that condition or term is considered null and void.
- Any requirement that the district hold harmless another person or entity;
- Any requirement that the district or contracting entity participate in binding arbitration or other extra-judicial process for dispute resolution;
- Any requirement that the district agree to limit liability of another person or entity for bodily injury, death, or property damage;
- Any waiver, alteration, or limitation of the application of the “Student Data Transparency and Security Act” or the “Colorado Privacy Act”;
- Any conflict with Colorado law or associated rules under state statute.
LEGAL REFS.: C.R.S. 22-1-135 (terms and conditions in public school contracts definitions)
C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(b) (board required to adopt bidding procedures)
C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(b) (Board required to adopt bidding procedures)
C.R.S. 22-32-109.7 (board duties regarding the employment of personnel)
C.R.S. 22-32-122 (4) (background check provision required in service contracts)
C.R.S. 24-18-201 (public official’s interest in contract)
CROSS REFS.:
Board policy:
SSG-8, Asset Protection
Administrative policy:
DJB, Federal Procurement
Adopted: Prior to 2017
Revised: February 2017
Revised: September 2020
Revised: July 2023
Revised: May 2026
Lake County School District, Leadville, Colorado