1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
These procedures are intended to provide a fair and orderly process for the submission and review of bid protests relating to Troup County procurements. They supplement, but do not modify, the authority, processes, or decision-making structure set forth in these Purchasing Policies, and shall not be construed to limit the County’s right to reject any or all bids or proposals, to waive informalities, or to cancel or discontinue a solicitation or procurement at any time.

2. TIME FOR FILING
Any protest of a solicitation, intended award, or award decision must be received by the County within seven (7) business days of the solicitation issuance, intended decision, or award, as applicable. Failure to timely file a protest shall constitute a waiver of any right to challenge the procurement.

3. FORM AND CONTENT OF PROTEST
Protests may be submitted only by an actual or prospective bidder or offeror with a direct economic interest affected by the procurement. All protests must be submitted in writing and shall include, at a minimum:
• Name and address of the protestor;
• Identification of the solicitation or project, including name of project and date of decision or award;
• A detailed statement of the legal and/or factual grounds for the protest;
• All supporting documentation; and
• The specific relief requested.
Protests shall be limited to alleged violations of applicable law, County policy, or the terms of the solicitation and shall not be based solely on disagreement with discretionary evaluation decisions.

4. FILING REQUIREMENTS
Protests shall be filed with the Purchasing Director and will be considered received only upon actual receipt during normal business hours.

5. REVIEW PROCESS
The Purchasing Director, or designee, shall review the protest and may request additional information as necessary. The County may, in its discretion, waive minor informalities or irregularities in a protest. The review shall be conducted on the written submissions, and no hearing shall be required unless determined by the County in its discretion. The decision shall be based on the information presented and the County’s judgment in the administration of its procurement processes. The County reserves the right to proceed with the solicitation or award process notwithstanding the filing of a protest, unless the County determines, in its discretion, that a stay is appropriate. Nothing herein shall be construed to require the delay of any procurement or award.

6. DECISION
A written decision shall be issued following review. Such decision shall be final for administrative purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to alter or limit the authority of the Board of Commissioners with respect to contract award decisions.

7. REMEDIES
The County may take such corrective action, if any, as it deems appropriate and consistent with applicable law and these Purchasing Policies.

8. JUDICIAL RELIEF
Nothing in this section shall preclude a protestor from seeking relief in a court of competent jurisdiction as permitted by law. Nothing herein shall be deemed or construed as a waiver of any legal or equitable rights, defenses, immunities, or protections available to the County.