Opinion ID: 874093
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Is This Case Moot?

Text: After the district judge vacated the temporary restraining order and denied the request for an injunction, City awarded the contract to Landscapes Unlimited, and it completed the construction project. City argues that this action is now moot because Hillside cannot obtain the injunction it desired. Generally, an issue is moot if it does not present a real and substantial controversy that is capable of being concluded through judicial decree of specific relief. State v. Rogers, 140 Idaho 223, 226, 91 P.3d 1127, 1130 (2004). In Neilsen & Co. v. Cassia and Twin Falls County Joint Class A School District No. 151, 96 Idaho 763, 536 P.2d 1113 (1975), the school district awarded a contract to the lowest bidder, and the second lowest bidder sued, contending that the bid submitted by the lowest bidder was void for violating a statute requiring the general contractor to list licensed subcontractors. On appeal, we agreed stating, It appears self-evident that a bid determined unresponsive and void under I.C. § 67-2310 cannot qualify as a responsible bid under I.C. § 33-601. Id. at 765, 536 P.2d at 1115. We held that because the plaintiff had amended its complaint to seek damages, they should be awarded. The appellant, in amended pleadings, now seeks relief only for damages incurred in bidding the contract. Damages should be awarded. The district court, in finding for the respondents, entered no findings of fact concerning damages. We therefore remand the case to the district court for determination of damages. Id. at 766, 536 P.2d at 1116. In the instant case, Hillside has also alleged that it is entitled to recover damages. That claim was dismissed on the ground that City did not violate the bidding statute. Even though Hillside cannot recover injunctive relief, the case is not moot because it has a claim for damages.