The department may not consider a bid filed with it by a person who has not been qualified under this chapter. Bids from unqualified bidders discovered by the department before the reading of the bids shall be returned without being read. If the department finds subsequent to the opening of bids that facts exist that would disqualify the lowest bidder, or that the bidder is not competent and responsible, the department shall reject the bid despite the fact of prior qualification of the bidder. It is unlawful to award a contract to a bidder not qualified to bid at the time fixed for receiving bids.
IC 8-23-10-6