What action is needed if all bids exceed the appropriation?

When all bids exceed the appropriation, the appropriate action is to re-evaluate the budget and options for re-bidding. This means assessing whether the original budget can be adjusted to accommodate the bids or if the project scope needs modification. This approach is critical to ensure that public funds are used wisely and that the project can still meet its intended objectives while remaining within financial constraints.

Re-evaluating the budget allows for a fresh look at the overall financial picture, which may involve identifying potential savings or reallocating resources. If it's determined that the available budget cannot be adjusted, seeking to modify the project scope may be necessary before inviting bids again. Simply proceeding with the bids or accepting the highest bid doesn’t address the fundamental issue of excess costs, and negotiating the scope may not be viable if the fundamental budget issues remain unresolved. Thus, re-evaluating the budget and planning for re-bidding is essential in this context.