Purchases of supplies, services, materials, or equipment, the cost of which is less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), may be made in the open market and shall be awarded, where practicable, to the lowest qualified bidder. Any or all bids may be rejected. The purchasing agent may solicit bids by personal contact, by telephone, or in writing. A record shall be kept for six months of all open market purchases and the bids submitted thereon, which records shall be available for public inspection.
