General
It is Ripley Housing Authority's policy to resolve all contractual issues informally and without litigation. Disputes will not be referred to HUD unless all administrative remedies have been exhausted. When appropriate, a mediator may be used to help resolve differences.
Informal Appeals Procedure
The PHA has an informal bid protest/appeal procedure for contracts under the small purchase limit. Under these procedures, the bidder/contractor may request to meet with the appropriate Contract Officer and try to resolve the dispute.
Formal Appeals Procedure
A formal appeals procedure has been established for solicitations/contracts exceeding the small purchase limit.
Bid Protest
Any actual or prospective contractor may protest the solicitation or award of a contract for serious violations of the principles of this Policy.
All bid protests shall be in writing, submitted to the Contracting Officer or designee, who shall issue a written decision on the matter. The Contracting Officer may, at his/her discretion, suspend the procurement pending resolution of the protest if the facts presented so warrant.
Contractor Claims
All claims by a contractor relating to the performance of a contract shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer for a written decision. The contractor may request a conference on the claim. The Contracting Officer's decision shall inform the contractor of its appeal rights to the next higher level of authority in the PHA. Contractor claims shall be governed by the Changes clause in the form HUD-5370.
