Why might a governing body refuse to accept the lowest bid?

A governing body may refuse to accept the lowest bid primarily because the bid does not meet the specified requirements. In public procurement, it's critical that all bids comply with the criteria laid out in the bidding documents. These requirements can include technical specifications, delivery timelines, and quality standards, among others. If a bid, even if it is the lowest, fails to meet any of these essential criteria, it may be disqualified to ensure that the procurement process remains fair, transparent, and yields the best value for the governing body.

Accepting a bid that does not meet the specified requirements could lead to inadequate service or product delivery, which could have downstream impacts such as additional costs, delays, and dissatisfaction. Thus, evaluating bids beyond just their pricing is vital to uphold standards and ensure that the governing body receives the most suitable and compliant options for its needs.