Who is authorized to contract with the lowest and most responsible bidder?

The correct answer is that the lowest and most responsible bidder is the one authorized to contract. This reflects a fundamental principle in public procurement and contracting processes, where the aim is to ensure that the entities chosen for projects or services provide the best value to the organization while maintaining quality and reliability.

When a bid is considered, it typically involves evaluating not just the price but also the bidder's capabilities, past performance, compliance with specifications, and overall responsibility. In this context, being "most responsible" means that the bidder meets all the qualifications and standards set forth in the bid solicitation, making them a suitable choice for the contract.

Thus, while there may be several bidders, the decision to award a contract goes to the one who is both the lowest in price and meets all the necessary requirements to fulfill the contract successfully. This process protects the interests of the organization by ensuring that the selected bidder can deliver on their commitments effectively and efficiently, which is a critical aspect of public and private sector procurement processes.