Ch. 69

LAWS OF MARYLAND

(c)  In determining the "lowest responsible bidder", in
addition to considering price, the commissioners or the official
authorized to contract for the county shall consider:

(1)  The ability, capacity, and skill of the bidder to
perform the contract or provide the service required;

(2)  Whether the bidder can perform the contract or
provide the service promptly, or within the time specified,
without delay or interference;

(3)  The character, integrity, reputation, judgment,
experience, and efficiency of the bidder;

(4)  The quality of performance of previous contracts
or services;

(5)  The previous and current compliance by the bidder
with laws and ordinances relating to the contract or service;

(6)  Whether the bidder is in arrears to the county on
any debt or contract, is in default on any surety to the county,
or is delinquent as to any taxes or assessments; and

(7)  Any other information that may have a bearing on
the decision to award the contract.

(d)  If a contract is not awarded to the lowest bidder in
price, the reasons for the decision shall be stated in the
minutes of the meeting at which the contract is awarded.

6-102.

The following types of contracts may be awarded without
complying with the bidding procedures otherwise required under
this subtitle:

(1)  Purchases or contracts involving less than
[$5,000] $7,500;

(2)  Purchases of supplies or services that are
available only through one source;

(3)  Contracts for professional services such as those
of attorneys, physicians, architects, engineers, accountants,
consultants, and others possessing a similar high degree of
technical skill and expertise, provided that to the extent
appropriate for the particular service to be provided, an attempt
is made to secure competitive proposals for these services;

(4)  Purchases or contracts made when the county
commissioners determine that an emergency exists, provided that
the commissioners publish an explanation of the circumstances

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