Chapter 32 - Protest Procedures

A supplier found to be non-responsible for a particular procurement by a purchasing agency in accordance with § 2.2-4359 of the Code of Virginia will be notified in writing of the results of the finding and the purchasing agency shall disclose the factual support for the determination. If requested by the supplier within five (5) business days after receipt of the notice, the supplier has an opportunity to inspect any agency documents which relate to the determination. Within ten business days after receipt of the notice, the supplier may submit rebuttal information challenging the evaluation. Within five business days of receipt of the rebuttal information, the purchasing agency shall issue its written determination of responsibility based on all information, stating the basis for the determination. A determination of non-responsibility will be final unless the supplier, within ten days after receipt of the notice, initiates action in the appropriate circuit court.

If the award has not been made, and the circuit court finds that the Supplier is a responsible bidder and is the apparent low bidder, the  court may direct the public body to award the contract to such Supplier in accordance with §2.2-4364 and the IFB. Documentation reflecting the sole source determination of non-responsibility and any protest and decision with respect to such protest along with any written notification to supplier shall be included in the procurement file.