PUBLIC BID OPENINGS (updated 5-21-21)
Under Executive Order 202.11, the Governor has waived the public bid opening requirements of General Municipal Law 103(2). The Executive Order states that where practicable, public entities must record or live stream bid openings so that the public has the opportunity to view the bid openings. Currently, Executive Order 202.11 has been extended by Executive Order 202.108 until June 16, 2021. NYCOM anticipates that EO 202.11 will be extended for the duration of the pandemic, and local officials may plan for EO 202.11 being effective until further notice.
General Municipal Law 103(2), requires that all bids received by a local government for a competitively bid contract must be publicly opened and read, and the identity of all bidders must be publicly disclosed. If a municipality limits the public from attending bid openings, Executive Order 202.11 requires local officials to take steps ensuring that the public has a meaningful opportunity to observe the opening of bids. Cities and villages must provide alternative methods of participation to ensure the public nature of the bid opening while access to municipal buildings may be restricted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These steps include recording or live streaming the bid openings whenever practicable when the public is prevented from attending the bid opening in person.
Additionally, NYCOM recommends that cities and villages create a record of the bid opening and document each action taken to safeguard the fairness of the bidding process. Finally, cities and villages are always encouraged to have more than one municipal official or employee present to witness bid openings.
RESOURCES (updated 3-25-20)
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, local officials should keep abreast of the latest reports and advisories from the New York State Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC webpage “Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.” will be regularly updated at noon Monday through Friday
In addition, local officials are strongly encouraged to coordinate their public health response with their own county health department. Local officials should take care to provide information that comes directly from either the CDC, the New York State Department of Health, or their local county health department.
Per the New York State Department of Health, while there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, the following steps can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:
- • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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