In a case of first impression, the Appellate Division affirmed a Camden County Superior Court decision that the Public Works Contractor Registration Act applies to joint ventures and requires registration as a contractor under the act at the time of bid submission to local governments.

The appellants, Ernest Bock & Sons and Dobco Inc. Pennsauken Joint Venture, appealed the July 28 trial court ruling which upheld Pennsauken’s decision to reject their bid and to award the contract on a new public library and municipal complex to the next lowest, responsible bidder. Government contracts, including public contracts with local county and municipality agencies, must grant a contract to the lowest responsible bidder, according to the opinion.