(a) Towing contracts shall be awarded by the Department of Transportation on the basis of competitive bidding to the highest responsible bidder in the public interest. The department shall advertise for such bids, giving reasonable time and public notice. Bidders must submit with their bids a certified check or cashier's check payable to the department in an amount equal to 25 percent of their bid for the first year, which shall be returned to unsuccessful bidders. If no acceptable bids are received for any parkway segment, the department may reject all bids and negotiate for towing and emergency road services, and issue a contract on the basis of such negotiations.

(b) If an award is made to the apparent highest responsible bidder and it shall be determined that he does not meet the qualifications established in this Part and in the notice, there shall be no refund of his bid deposit and the department may then make the award to the next highest qualified bidder.

(c) Payment of fee by contractor shall be in three-month increments and shall be due at least 10 days prior to beginning of each three-month term.