{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/2.2-4318.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/2.2-4318.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/2.2-4318.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/2.2-4318.html"}],"law_id":64926,"edition_id":1,"section_id":64926,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4318","catch_line":"Negotiation with lowest responsible bidder","history":"1982, c. 647, \u00a7 11-53; 2001, c. 844.","full_text":"Unless canceled or rejected, a responsive bid from the lowest responsible bidder shall be accepted as submitted, except that if the bid from the lowest responsible bidder exceeds available funds, the public body may negotiate with the apparent low bidder to obtain a contract price within available funds. However, the negotiation may be undertaken only under conditions and procedures described in writing and approved by the public body prior to issuance of the Invitation to Bid and summarized therein.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":236207,"text":"Unless canceled or rejected, a responsive bid from the lowest responsible bidder shall be accepted as submitted, except that if the bid from the lowest responsible bidder exceeds available funds, the public body may negotiate with the apparent low bidder to obtain a contract price within available funds. However, the negotiation may be undertaken only under conditions and procedures described in writing and approved by the public body prior to issuance of the Invitation to Bid and summarized therein.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":12805,"edition_id":1,"name":"Contract Formation and Administration","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":5,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12752,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","permalink":{"id":177013,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12805,"identifier":"2","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12752,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Public Procurement Act","identifier":"43","label":"chapter","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12751,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176989,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12752,"identifier":"43","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/43\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12751,"edition_id":1,"name":"Transaction of Public Business","identifier":"B","label":"part","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12750,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176445,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12751,"identifier":"B","token":"2.2\/II\/B","url":"\/2.2\/II\/B\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12750,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of State Government","identifier":"II","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12749,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":176253,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12750,"identifier":"II","token":"2.2\/II","url":"\/2.2\/II\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12749,"edition_id":1,"name":"Administration of Government","identifier":"2.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":171453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12749,"identifier":"2.2","token":"2.2","url":"\/2.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":60713,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4303","catch_line":"Methods of procurement","url":"\/2.2-4303\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4303","metadata":false},{"id":61675,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4303.01","catch_line":"High-risk contracts; definition; review","url":"\/2.2-4303.01\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4303.01","metadata":false},{"id":63722,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4303.1","catch_line":"Architectural and professional engineering term contracting; limitations","url":"\/2.2-4303.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4303.1","metadata":false},{"id":54690,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4303.2","catch_line":"Job order contracting; limitations","url":"\/2.2-4303.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4303.2","metadata":false},{"id":60269,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4304","catch_line":"Joint and cooperative procurement","url":"\/2.2-4304\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4304","metadata":false},{"id":67205,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4305","catch_line":"Competitive procurement by localities on state-aid projects","url":"\/2.2-4305\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4305","metadata":false},{"id":85651,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4306","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/2.2-4306\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4306","metadata":false},{"id":80442,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4308.1","catch_line":"Purchase of owner-controlled insurance in construction projects","url":"\/2.2-4308.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4308.1","metadata":false},{"id":77240,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4308.2","catch_line":"Registration and use of federal employment eligibility verification program required; debarment","url":"\/2.2-4308.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4308.2","metadata":false},{"id":76051,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4309","catch_line":"Modification of the contract","url":"\/2.2-4309\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4309","metadata":false},{"id":59798,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4310","catch_line":"Discrimination prohibited; participation of small, women-owned, minority-owned, military family-owned, and service disabled veteran-owned businesses and employment services organizations","url":"\/2.2-4310\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4310","metadata":false},{"id":83482,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4310.1","catch_line":"Awards as a result of any authorized enhancement or remedial measure; requirements","url":"\/2.2-4310.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4310.1","metadata":false},{"id":70958,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4310.2","catch_line":"Executive branch agency's goals for participation by small businesses; requirements","url":"\/2.2-4310.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4310.2","metadata":false},{"id":77101,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4310.3","catch_line":"Fiscal data pertaining to certain enhancement or remedial measures","url":"\/2.2-4310.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4310.3","metadata":false},{"id":62578,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4311","catch_line":"Employment discrimination by contractor prohibited; required contract provisions","url":"\/2.2-4311\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4311","metadata":false},{"id":67743,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4311.1","catch_line":"Compliance with federal, state, and local laws and federal immigration law; required contract provisions","url":"\/2.2-4311.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4311.1","metadata":false},{"id":82121,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4311.2","catch_line":"Compliance with state law; foreign and domestic businesses authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth","url":"\/2.2-4311.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4311.2","metadata":false},{"id":70336,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4311.3","catch_line":"Compliance with state law; contract terms inconsistent with state law","url":"\/2.2-4311.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4311.3","metadata":false},{"id":62129,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4311.4","catch_line":"Procurement of imported goods; forced and indentured child labor prohibition","url":"\/2.2-4311.4\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4311.4","metadata":false},{"id":79415,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4312","catch_line":"Drug-free workplace to be maintained by contractor; required contract provisions","url":"\/2.2-4312\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4312","metadata":false},{"id":75321,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4313","catch_line":"Petition for recycled goods and products; periodic review of procurement standards","url":"\/2.2-4313\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4313","metadata":false},{"id":87067,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4314","catch_line":"Petition for procurement of less toxic goods and products; periodic review of procurement standards","url":"\/2.2-4314\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4314","metadata":false},{"id":58266,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4315","catch_line":"Use of brand names","url":"\/2.2-4315\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4315","metadata":false},{"id":59468,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4316","catch_line":"Comments concerning specifications","url":"\/2.2-4316\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4316","metadata":false},{"id":84046,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4317","catch_line":"Prequalification generally; prequalification for construction","url":"\/2.2-4317\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4317","metadata":false},{"id":64926,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4318","catch_line":"Negotiation with lowest responsible bidder","url":"\/2.2-4318\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4318","metadata":false},{"id":64505,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4319","catch_line":"Cancellation, rejection of bids; waiver of informalities","url":"\/2.2-4319\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4319","metadata":false},{"id":76824,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4320","catch_line":"Exclusion of insurance bids prohibited","url":"\/2.2-4320\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4320","metadata":false},{"id":59483,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4321","catch_line":"Debarment","url":"\/2.2-4321\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4321","metadata":false},{"id":62909,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4321.1","catch_line":"Prohibited contracts; exceptions; determination by Department of Taxation; appeal; remedies","url":"\/2.2-4321.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4321.1","metadata":false},{"id":74446,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4321.2","catch_line":"Public works contracts; project labor agreements authorized","url":"\/2.2-4321.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4321.2","metadata":false},{"id":56761,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4321.3","catch_line":"Payment of prevailing wage for work performed on public works contracts; penalty","url":"\/2.2-4321.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4321.3","metadata":false},{"id":79921,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4322","catch_line":"Acceptance of bids submitted to the Department of Transportation","url":"\/2.2-4322\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4322","metadata":false},{"id":86146,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4323","catch_line":"Purchase programs for recycled goods; agency responsibilities","url":"\/2.2-4323\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4323","metadata":false},{"id":66033,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4323.1","catch_line":"Purchase of flags of the United States and the Commonwealth by public bodies","url":"\/2.2-4323.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4323.1","metadata":false},{"id":60604,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4324","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2027) Preference for Virginia products with recycled content and for Virginia firms","url":"\/2.2-4324\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4324","metadata":false},{"id":76844,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4325","catch_line":"Preference for Virginia coal used in state facilities","url":"\/2.2-4325\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4325","metadata":false},{"id":75140,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4326","catch_line":"Preference for recycled paper and paper products used by state agencies","url":"\/2.2-4326\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4326","metadata":false},{"id":82739,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4327","catch_line":"Preference for community reinvestment activities in contracts for investment of funds","url":"\/2.2-4327\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4327","metadata":false},{"id":62013,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4328","catch_line":"Preference for local products and firms; applicability","url":"\/2.2-4328\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4328","metadata":false},{"id":73628,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4328.1","catch_line":"Preference for energy-efficient and water-efficient goods","url":"\/2.2-4328.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4328.1","metadata":false},{"id":63397,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4328.2","catch_line":"Purchase of personal protective equipment by state agencies","url":"\/2.2-4328.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4328.2","metadata":false},{"id":81072,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4328.3","catch_line":"Solar photovoltaic equipment and facilities","url":"\/2.2-4328.3\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4328.3","metadata":false},{"id":64067,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4329","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/2.2-4329\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4329","metadata":false},{"id":72432,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4329.1","catch_line":"Energy forward pricing mechanisms","url":"\/2.2-4329.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4329.1","metadata":false},{"id":73315,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4330","catch_line":"Withdrawal of bid due to error","url":"\/2.2-4330\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4330","metadata":false},{"id":66024,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4331","catch_line":"Contract pricing arrangements","url":"\/2.2-4331\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4331","metadata":false},{"id":86314,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4332","catch_line":"Workers' compensation requirements for construction contractors and subcontractors","url":"\/2.2-4332\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4332","metadata":false},{"id":53971,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4333","catch_line":"Retainage on construction contracts","url":"\/2.2-4333\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4333","metadata":false},{"id":68826,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4334","catch_line":"Deposit of certain retained funds on certain contracts with local governments; penalty for failure to timely complete","url":"\/2.2-4334\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4334","metadata":false},{"id":84415,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4335","catch_line":"Public construction contract provisions barring damages for unreasonable delays declared void","url":"\/2.2-4335\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4335","metadata":false},{"id":55647,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4336","catch_line":"Bid bonds; construction contracts","url":"\/2.2-4336\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4336","metadata":false},{"id":79610,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4337","catch_line":"Performance and payment bonds","url":"\/2.2-4337\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4337","metadata":false},{"id":86516,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4338","catch_line":"Alternative forms of security","url":"\/2.2-4338\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4338","metadata":false},{"id":66839,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4339","catch_line":"Bonds on other than construction contracts","url":"\/2.2-4339\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4339","metadata":false},{"id":54251,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4340","catch_line":"Action on performance bond","url":"\/2.2-4340\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4340","metadata":false},{"id":65780,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4340.1","catch_line":"Statute of limitations on construction contracts","url":"\/2.2-4340.1\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4340.1","metadata":false},{"id":85767,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4340.2","catch_line":"Statute of limitations on architectural and engineering contracts","url":"\/2.2-4340.2\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4340.2","metadata":false},{"id":56940,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4341","catch_line":"Actions on payment bonds; waiver of right to sue","url":"\/2.2-4341\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4341","metadata":false},{"id":71233,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4342","catch_line":"Public inspection of certain records","url":"\/2.2-4342\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4342","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":84046,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4317","catch_line":"Prequalification generally; prequalification for construction","url":"\/2.2-4317\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4317","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":64505,"structure_id":12805,"section_number":"2.2-4319","catch_line":"Cancellation, rejection of bids; waiver of informalities","url":"\/2.2-4319\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4319","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/2.2-4318\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1982. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 647 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1982 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 2001, chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?011+ful+CHAP0844\">844<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":177115,"object_type":"law","relational_id":64926,"identifier":"2.2-4318","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4318","url":"\/2.2-4318\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/2.2-4318\/","token":"2.2\/II\/B\/43\/2\/2.2-4318","dublin_core":{"Title":"Negotiation with lowest responsible bidder","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 2.2-4318","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Unless canceled or rejected, a responsive bid from the lowest <span class=\"dictionary\">responsible bidder<\/span> shall be accepted as submitted, except that if the bid from the lowest <span class=\"dictionary\">responsible bidder<\/span> exceeds available funds, the <span class=\"dictionary\">public body<\/span> may negotiate with the apparent low bidder to obtain a <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> price within available funds. However, the negotiation may be undertaken only under conditions and procedures described in writing and approved by the <span class=\"dictionary\">public body<\/span> prior to issuance of the Invitation to Bid and summarized therein.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nNEGOTIATION WITH LOWEST RESPONSIBLE BIDDER (\u00a7 2.2-4318)\n\nUnless canceled or rejected, a responsive bid from the lowest responsible bidder\nshall be accepted as submitted, except that if the bid from the lowest\nresponsible bidder exceeds available funds, the public body may negotiate with\nthe apparent low bidder to obtain a contract price within available funds.\nHowever, the negotiation may be undertaken only under conditions and procedures\ndescribed in writing and approved by the public body prior to issuance of the\nInvitation to Bid and summarized therein.\n\nHISTORY: 1982, c. 647, \u00a7 11-53; 2001, c. 844.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}