Bids Must Be Public Before Deal Closed, California Court Rules

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A California appeals court ruled that bid proposals become public as soon as all competitive proposals have been filed. The Los Angeles Airports Department had refused to release information on hangar lease proposals until it had completed negotiations with the successful bidder. The court said “the public has a significant interest in knowing” before the deal is done, whether the city “has afforded any favoritism or advantage to certain individuals or entities” and a right “to point out possible errors or omissions or simply offer their perspectives.” (4/8/05)