Formal advertisements for bids; time; opening; award; rejection

§ 2305. Formal advertisements for bids; time; opening; award; rejection (a) Whenever formal advertising is required under section 2304 of this title, the advertisement shall be made a sufficient time before the purchase or contract. The specifications and invitations for bids shall permit such free and full competition as is consistent with the procurement of the property and services needed by the agency concerned. (b) Bids shall be opened publicly at the time and place stated in the advertisement. Awards shall be made with reasonable promptness by giving written notice to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the invitation and will be the most advantageous to the United States, price and other factors considered. However, all bids may be rejected if the head of the agency determines that rejection is in the public interest. (c) If the head of the agency considers that any bid received after formal advertising evidences a violation of the antitrust laws, he shall refer the bid to the Attorney General for appropriate action.