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Lowest responsible bidder

The lowest responsible bidder is the bidder with the lowest price whose bid meets every requirement and who is able to do the work. It is the standard for awarding most formal county bids.

Most state laws require counties to award formal bids to the lowest responsible bidder (sometimes phrased "lowest and best" or "lowest responsive and responsible"). That doesn't always mean the lowest number read at the opening.

Two checks before award

  1. Responsive: does the bid meet all the requirements of the invitation? See responsive bid.
  2. Responsible: can this bidder actually perform? The county may look at experience, financial capacity, equipment, licenses, past performance on county work and ability to provide bonds.

If the lowest bidder fails either check, the county moves to the next lowest. A county must usually document its reasons, and the rejected bidder may be able to protest.

Last reviewed Oct 30, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds change; check the current statute and the bid documents.