Pre‐letting. The Local Government will prepare construction contracts in accordance with Minnesota law and applicable Federal laws and regulations.
2.3.1. The Local Government will solicit bids after obtaining written notification from MnDOT that the FHWA has authorized the Project(s). Any Project(s) advertised prior to authorization without permission will not be eligible for federal reimbursement.
2.3.2. The Local Government will prepare the Proposal for Highway Construction for the construction contract, which will include all federal‐aid provisions supplied by MnDOT.
2.3.3. The Local Government will prepare and publish the bid solicitation for the Project(s) as required by state and federal laws. The Local Government will include in the solicitation the required language for federal‐aid construction contracts as supplied by MnDOT. The solicitation will state where the proposals, plans, and specifications are available for the inspection of prospective bidders and where the Local Government will receive the sealed bids.
2.3.4. The Local Government may not include other work in the construction contract for the authorized Project(s) without obtaining prior notification from MnDOT that such work is allowed by FHWA. Failure to obtain such notification may result in the loss of some or all of the federal funds for the Project(s). All work included in a federal contract is subject to the same federal requirements as the federal project.
2.3.5. The Local Government will prepare and sell the plan and proposal packages and prepare and distribute any addenda, if needed.
2.3.6. The Local Government will receive and open bids.
2.3.7. After the bids are opened, the Local Government will consider the bids and will award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder or reject all bids. If the construction contract contains a goal for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), the Local Government will not award the bid until it has received certification of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation from the MnDOT Office of Civil Rights.
2.3.8. The Local Government must disclose in writing any potential conflict of interest to the Federal awarding agency or MnDOT in accordance with applicable FHWA policy.
