(1) Right to Protest. Any actual or prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a contract may protest to the Procurement Director, except as otherwise stated in this article. The protest shall be submitted in writing within 7 calendar days after such aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise thereto.
(2) Authority to Resolve Protests. The Procurement Director shall have authority, prior to the commencement of an action in court concerning the controversy, to settle and resolve a protest by an aggrieved bidder, offeror, or a contractor, actual or prospective, concerning the solicitation or award of a contract.
(3) Decision. If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the Procurement Director shall issue a decision in writing within 10 calendar days. The decision shall:
(a) State the reasons for the action taken; and
(b) Inform the protestant of his rights to administrative review as provided in this Article.
(4) Notice of Decision. A copy of the decision under Subsection 3 of this Section shall be mailed or otherwise furnished immediately to the protestant and any other intervening party.
(5) Finality of Decision. A decision under Subsection 3 of this Section shall be final and conclusive, unless fraudulent, or:
(a) A person adversely affected by the decision appeals administratively to the County Administrator in accordance with this Article.
(Ord. 3704, passed 6-17-2003; Ord, 5051, passed 1-22-2019)