Negotiations are at the Owner's option. In accordance with House Bill 1172, Laws of 1996: If the lowest and best bid is not more than ten percent (10%) above the amount of funds allocated for a public construction or renovation project, then the agency or governing authority shall be permitted to negotiate with the lowest bidder in order to enter into a contract for an amount not to exceed the funds allocated.
12 Miss. Code. R. 3-20-600.52