Robinson Elec. Co., Inc. v. Dade Cty.pdf

The case involves a dispute over a contract awarded by the Dade County Board of County Commissioners for the renovation of a housing project. The lowest bidder, Robinson Electrical Company, Inc., submitted a cashier's check instead of a bid bond as required. The second lowest bidder also submitted a cashier's check, while the highest bidder included a bid bond. The trial court found Robinson's bid nonresponsive due to the form of security and vacated the contract award, ordering the County to reissue the invitation for bids. Robinson argued that the variance in security was immaterial and should have been waived, while the County initially supported Robinson but later changed its position. The appellate court held that the submission of a cashier's check instead of a bid bond did not constitute a material variance, and Robinson's bid substantially complied with the bidding requirements. As a result, the trial court's decision was reversed, and the contract award to Robinson was reinstated.