ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS.

(a) The governmental entity must advertise for bids. The advertisement for bids must include a notice that:

(1) describes the work;

(2) states the location at which the bidding documents, plans, specifications, or other data may be examined by all bidders; and

(3) states the time and place for submitting bids and the time and place that bids will be opened.

(b) The advertisement must be published as required by law. If no legal requirement for publication exists, the advertisement must be published at least twice in one or more newspapers of general circulation in the county or counties in which the work is to be performed. The second publication must be on or before the 10th day before the first date bids may be submitted.

(c) The governmental entity must mail a notice containing the information required under Subsection (a) to any organization that:

(1) requests in advance that notices for bids be sent to it;

(2) agrees in writing to pay the actual cost of mailing the notice; and

(3) certifies that it circulates notices for bids to the construction trade in general.

(d) The governmental entity shall mail a notice required under Subsection (c) on or before the date the first newspaper advertisement under this section is published.

(e) In a county with a population of 3.3 million or more, the county and any district or authority created under Article XVI, Section 59, of the Texas Constitution of which the governing body is the commissioners court may require that a minimum of 25 percent of the work be performed by the bidder and, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, may establish financial criteria for the surety companies that provide payment and performance bonds.