What rights does the owner have under the CCDC 23 Bid Clause regarding bid irregularities?

Under the CCDC 23 Bid Clause, the owner is granted specific rights concerning bid irregularities. The correct choice highlights that the owner has the authority to waive or allow the correction of minor irregularities in a bid.

This provision is significant because it allows flexibility in the bidding process and ensures that potentially good bids are not disqualified due to minor, non-substantive errors. In practice, this means that if a bid contains slight discrepancies or omissions that do not fundamentally change the offer, the owner can choose to overlook these issues or permit the contractor to correct them. Such a framework promotes fair competition and encourages bidders to participate without the fear of being disqualified for minor errors.

The other options do not reflect the nuanced approach that the CCDC 23 takes toward bid irregularities. For instance, ignoring all irregularities would not uphold the integrity of the bidding process. Similarly, the ability to correct all irregularities or to accept any bid without exception could lead to ambiguity or unfair advantages, diminishing the overall fairness and competitiveness of the bid selection process. Thus, the provision allowing for the waiver or correction of minor irregularities strikes a balance between maintaining standards and ensuring fair access to the bidding process.