Answer

Absent an applicable exception, the public entity must comply with the Public Bid Law for any purchase of materials and supplies. One such exception can be found in R.S. 38:2212.1(D), which authorizes public entities to purchase surplus property from other Louisiana public entities or the Federal government without requiring compliance with the Public Bid Law. The Attorney General has noted that public entities under this exception to the Public Bid Law may participate and purchase surplus property sold at a surplus auction held by another Louisiana public entity. See A.G. Op. No. 05-0222 and A.G. Op. No. 95-0166. This exception does not apply to purchases at public auctions where private property is sold or for surplus auctions held by entities other than Louisiana public entities or the Federal government. Louisiana Legislative Auditor website: 04/25/2025 06:08:12 PM