Bid documents will often specify whether or not joint bids are accepted and if so, how to prepare the submission. If the bid document does not address it, but you are considering a joint submission, please discuss it with the purchasing agent. The Purchasing Commission's usual closing time for bids is 2 p.m. on the date specified on the bid document. Late bids are not accepted. In most cases, responses to an Invitation to Quote can be faxed, responses to a Request for Proposal can't.
Some criteria are more important than others, and are weighted accordingly.
But the decision is not an arbitrary one. Like any consumer, we try to get the best value for each dollar and best value does not always translate into the lowest price. There may be other considerations. The bid document explains the criteria for selection of a successful supplier. When the successful supplier has been selected, the firm or individual is notified by mail, telephone or fax, usually within 10 days of the bid closing.