We rely upon the language and reasoning of the Rudolph case in resolving the issue before us. The equipment listed in alternates one and two was in fact equal to the equipment listed in the base bid. The form of bidding used was not the most advantageous to the awarding authority. Page 272 of G. L. c. 149 requires that subbids be filed at least four days before the date for opening general bids, and forthwith opened. The awarding authority in rejecting bids under Section 44H in the two day period allowed will necessarily be concerned, usually and primarily, with formal deficiencies.
Formal deficiencies are usually determinable by visual inspection.
In Loranger v. Martha's Vineyard Regional High Sch. In the same case at pages 457-458, we intimated that there may be subbids whose deficiencies may justify, although not necessarily require, rejection. John D. Ahern Co. Inc. v. Acton-Boxborough Regional Sch. Compare, as to general contract bids, where relief was sought in a petition for a writ of certiorari, Chick's Constr. Co. Inc. v. Wachusett Regional High Sch.