JEA received and rejected a 17th bid as it takes steps toward a possible sale.
A note in a “results” tab added Tuesday to the public utility’s invitation to negotiation web page states “JEA has determined the reply was not submitted in accordance with the submittal requirements of the ITN.”
ITN means invitation to negotiate.
The note also says JEA officials did not open the bid and returned it to the respondent.
JEA Media Manager Gina Kyle said the utility will not release more information about the bid because, although it was rejected, it falls with the “cone of silence” procurement method JEA is using to keep bidders’ identities confidential.
Kyle said she could not say why the bid failed to meet the selection criteria. The deadline for companies to reply was at noon Monday.
JEA announced Monday it has received 16 replies to its efforts to possibly privatize the utility. The negotiation process is expected to begin Oct. 18 and complete with the selection committee’s recommendation to the JEA board in late February.
According to the City Charter, any offer will go before City Council and Jacksonville voters before JEA can be sold.