N.J. Stat. Ann. § 30:9-11

If the cost of work performed and materials furnished in the construction, fitting, furnishing, and equipping of county psychiatric hospitals, or laying out the grounds, as provided by R.S.30:9-9, exceeds $1,000, the work shall be performed and materials furnished on a contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder who shall furnish satisfactory security to the county or counties undertaking the work, on bids duly advertised in the county or counties. If buildings are to be constructed, the advertisement shall be published for at least two weeks, once in each week; and if joint counties undertake the work, they shall appoint a committee to advertise and receive the bids and to report the bids to their governing bodies at their next meetings.