WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor                   Ch. 502

(2)  Contracts for the purchase of books and other
materials of instruction as defined in the State Department of
Education Financial Reporting Manual; and

(3)  Emergency repairs required during the regular
school year.

(b)  (1) If the cost of any school building, improvement,
supplies, or equipment is more than $7,500, the county board, at
least 2 weeks before bids are to be filed, shall advertise for
bids in at least one newspaper published in the county.

(2) The county board may name in the specifications
and advertisements for bids the particular make, kind, or brand
of article to be contracted for or purchased.

(c)  (1) A contract for the school building, improvements,
supplies, or other equipment shall be awarded to the lowest
responsible bidder who conforms to specifications with
consideration given to:

(i) The quantities involved;

(ii) The time required for delivery;

(iii) The purpose for which required;

(iv) The competency and responsibility of the
bidder; and

(v) The ability of the bidder to perform
satisfactory service.

(2) The county board may reject any and all bids and
readvertise for other bids.

(D) (1) IN THIS SUBSECTION, THE TERM "MINORITY BUSINESS
ENTERPRISE" HAS THE MEANING STATED IN § 11-148(A)(3) AND
11-148(A)(4) OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE.

(2) IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, BY RESOLUTION AND BY
IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS, THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF
EDUCATION SHALL ESTABLISH A MINORITY BUSINESS UTILIZATION PROGRAM
TO FACILITATE THE PARTICIPATION OF RESPONSIBLE CERTIFIED MINORITY
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN CONTRACTS AWARDED BY THE MONTGOMERY
COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMPETITIVE BIDDING
PROCEDURES.

[(d)] (E) A contract entered into or purchase made in
violation of this section is void.

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