(a) (1) Any actual or prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation of a contract may protest by presenting a written notice at least seventy-two (72) hours before the filing deadline for the solicitation response to the State Procurement Director or the head of a procurement agency.
(2) Any actual bidder, offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the award of a contract may protest to the:
(A) Director; or
(B) Head of a procurement agency.
(3) The protest shall be submitted in writing within fourteen (14) calendar days after the aggrieved person knows or should have known of the facts giving rise to the grievance.
(b) (1) Prior to the commencement of an action in court or any other action provided by law concerning the controversy, the director, the head of a procurement agency, or a designee of either officer may settle and resolve a protest concerning the solicitation or award of a contract.
(2) This authority shall be exercised in accordance with laws governing the Arkansas State Claims Commission and the regulations promulgated by the director.
(c) (1) If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, and after reasonable notice to the protestor involved and reasonable opportunity for the protestor to respond to the protest issues according to the regulations promulgated by the director, the head of a procurement agency, the director, or a designee of either officer shall promptly issue a decision in writing.
(2) The decision shall state the reasons for the action taken.
(d) A copy of the decision under subsection (c) of this section shall be mailed or otherwise furnished within five (5) days after it is written to the protestor and any other party intervening.
(e) A decision under subsection (c) of this section shall be final and conclusive.
(f) In the event of a timely protest under subsection (a) of this section, the state shall not proceed further with the solicitation or with the award of the contract until the director or the head of a procurement agency makes a written determination that the award of the contract without delay is necessary to protect substantial interests of the state.
(g) When the protest is sustained and the successfully protesting bidder or offeror was denied the contract award, the protesting bidder or offeror may be entitled to the reasonable costs incurred in connection with the solicitation, including bid preparation costs, through the commission.
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