§ 3610.3-5 - Contracts.

(a) The authorized officer may require the person making the high bid to furnish information that is necessary to determine his ability to fulfill the obligations of the contract. The contract shall be awarded by the authorized officer to the person making the highest bid, unless he is unwilling to accept the terms of the contract or unless all bids are rejected.

(b) Within 30 days after receipt of the contract, the person making the successful bid shall sign and return the contract, together with any required performance bond and mining and reclamation plan when applicable. The authorized officer may extend this period an additional 30 days upon written request of the applicant, within the first 30-day period. If the person making the successful bid fails to comply within the first 30-day period, or an approved 30-day extension, the successful bidder shall forfeit the bid deposit as liquidated damages. The authorized officer may offer and award the contract for the amount of the high bid to the person making the next highest bid who is qualified and willing to accept the contract, upon the redeposit of the amount required under § 3610.3-4(a).

(c) The authorized officer shall make all sales on contract forms approved by the Director. The authorized officer may include in the contract such additional provisions as are deemed necessary to protect other resource values or prevent unnecessary and undue degradation of the public lands.