1528.1 The contracting officer may postpone a bid opening until after the time scheduled for bid opening under the following circumstances:

1. (a) If the contracting officer has reason to believe that the bids of an important segment of bidders have been delayed in the mail for causes beyond the control of bidders without their fault or negligence, such as flood, fire, accident, weather conditions, or strikes; or
2. (b) If emergency or unanticipated events interrupt normal governmental processes so that the conduct of bid openings as scheduled is impractical.

1528.2 At the time of a determination to postpone a bid opening, an announcement of the determination shall be publicly posted. If practical, before issuance of a formal amendment of the IFB, the determination shall be otherwise communicated to prospective bidders who are likely to attend the scheduled bid opening.

1528.3 When a bid opening is postponed, the time of actual bid opening shall be the time established for determining "late bids" or other late actions under §1523.

1528.4 The contracting officer shall prepare a written memorandum for the file explaining the circumstances of the postponement.

1528.5 The contracting officer may proceed with the bid opening as soon as practical after the original scheduled time without prior amendment to the IFB or notice to bidders, whenever any delay incident to the issuance of the amendment or notice would not be in the best interests of the District.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 35 DCR 1431 (February 26, 1988).