(a) Initial Determination and Reconciliation Efforts: If the Minority Business Coordinator identifies a contractor's violation of this chapter, the process shall proceed as follows:
(1) The Minority Business Coordinator must issue a written finding detailing the violation and decision basis, and inform the contractor of the right to object. This finding shall be sent via certified mail;
(2) The contractor must first seek informal reconciliation with the Minority Business Coordinator, a necessary step before filing a written objection with the City Manager.
(b) Formal Objection and Hearing Request: If informal reconciliation fails, the contractor may file a written objection with the City Manager within fifteen business days of receipt of the written finding:
(1) The Minority Business Coordinator must forward all related materials and recommended remedial action to the City Manager within seven business days;
(2) The contractor may request a hearing before the City Manager when filing the written objection.
(c) Lack of Reconciliation Efforts: Should no reconciliation attempt be made by the contractor within fifteen days of receiving the written finding, the Minority Business Coordinator must immediately send his finding and recommended remedial action to the City Manager.
(d) Determination of Persistent Violation: Upon authorization from the City Manager, the Minority Business Coordinator shall assess when a violation persists, and reconciliation efforts are unlikely to resolve the situation.
(e) Appeal Process: If the contractor disagrees with the City Manager's decision, the contractor must follow the appeal process outlined in 49 CFR Section 23.55.