(A) Any bidder who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation or award of a bid shall protest to the purchasing agent within five days from the time of award of the goods or services being grieved. Such protest must be in writing and must set forth all specific grounds for the protest in detail and explain the factual and legal basis for each issue raised. No additional issues may be raised or will be considered thereafter.
(B) The purchasing agent shall conduct all inquiries deemed necessary, and a hearing may be held at the discretion of the purchasing agent. The purchasing agent shall issue a decision in writing within ten days. The bid award or contract shall not be stayed pending any such protest.
(C) Any protestant aggrieved by the decision of the purchasing agent may appeal to Town Council within five days of the purchasing agent’s decision. No new issues may be raised on such appeal. The Mayor shall issue the decision of the Town Council within 15 days of their hearing. The decision shall state the reason for the action taken. A decision rendered under this section shall be final and conclusive unless fraudulent.
(D) The appeal decision of the Mayor and the Town Council is the final administrative review and the decision of the town, and such decision can be appealed to the circuit courts of the state.
(Ord. 2012-16, passed 11-15-2012; Am. Ord. 2017-06, passed 5-18-2017; Am. Ord. 2019-13, passed 1-16-2020; Am. Ord. 2024-02, passed 3-21-2024)