1202-ITB-25-4 - Lindsey Davis Senior Center Renovation CDBG Project

The Cone of Silence (Sec. 2-166) is an important rule within the City of Riviera Beach’s ordinances aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the procurement process. Here’s a summary and breakdown of its key components:
 

1. Prohibition on Communication:
   • Once a formal solicitation (like a request for proposals or bids) closes, communication—either oral or written—about the solicitation is strictly prohibited.
   • Exceptions include:
     • Pre-bid conferences,
     • Oral presentations before selection committees,
     • Contract negotiations, and
     • Protest hearings.
2. Timing:
   • The cone of silence starts immediately after the solicitation deadline has passed.
   • It remains in effect until one of the following occurs:
     • The City awards the contract,
     • The City rejects all bids or responses; or
     • The City otherwise ends the solicitation process.

 

3. Consequences of Violation (in bold):
   • Any contract entered into in violation of the Cone of Silence provision is automatically invalid. This ensures that the integrity of the process is maintained

 

4. Contact for Inquiries:
   • For questions or communications regarding the solicitation, bidders should direct their inquiries only to the designated Procurement Contact or the Director/Assistant Director of Procurement.

The goal of the Cone of Silence is to reduce the potential for undue influence during the procurement process, fostering a fair and transparent environment where decisions are made without external pressure or manipulation.