Tennessee Code Title 7. Consolidated Governments and Local Governmental Functions and Entities § 7-32-108

In case the work is let to the lowest and best responsible bidder, all bids submitted for the construction of an improvement shall be accompanied by a certified check or a suitable bond, with at least two (2) good and solvent sureties, who are citizens or residents of the city or town where the improvement is to be done; or in lieu of personal sureties, the bond of some surety company authorized to do business in this state may be given in a penal sum of at least ten percent (10%) of the entire cost of the work to be done or improvements to be made, computed on the basis of the bid submitted, and conditioned that the contractors named in the bid shall, in case the work is awarded to them, enter into a contract with the city or town within the time required and for the price named in their respective bids, and in accordance with the plans and specifications of the municipality and the ordinance providing for the improvement.