Kayak Centre at Wickford Cove, LLC v. Town of Narragansett

In 2013, the Town of Narragansett invited competitive bidding for a five-year concession contract to operate a paddle sports business on town-owned property. Plaintiff submitted a bid to the Town. During a meeting of the Town council, the council voted to reject all bids and commence the bidding process again. Thereafter, Plaintiff initiated this action requesting declaratory and injunctive relief, arguing, inter alia, that the Town violated R.I. Gen. Stat. 45-55-5, entitled “Competitive sealed bidding.” The trial justice denied relief, concluding that the provisions of section 45-55-5 were inapplicable to this bidding process and that the Court’s standard on competitive bidding, as set forth in Gilbane Building Co. v. Board of Trustees of State Colleges, did not apply. The Supreme Court affirmed in part and reversed in part, holding (1) the trial justice did not err in refusing to apply section 45-55-5 to the Town’s action; but (2) the trial justice erred in its determination as to the applicability of the Gilbane standard. View "Kayak Centre at Wickford Cove, LLC v. Town of Narragansett" on Justia Law