North Carolina is going through a difficult time. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a potential $5 billion shortfall for the state due to lost tax revenue. As a result, The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will be unable to begin new highway projects. It can only be assumed that other potential infrastructure projects will take a hit, meaning that the bidding process will be more important and more competitive than ever.
Below, a Charlotte bid protest lawyer discusses why contractors should seriously consider protesting an unfairly awarded contract. When the future of your company rests on a handful of remaining projects, can you really afford to stand aside while a contract is awarded under suspicious circumstances? Fortunately, with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, you won’t have to.
Considering All The Possibilities
At Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, our attorneys have always recommended that contractors proceed with caution when it comes to protesting a bid. You must have a strong argument as to why a contract was unfairly awarded before filing a protest. Filing a bid protest without justification could result in your construction company losing out on this project and many more in the future. None of that has changed.
Related: 5 Questions to Consider Before Filing a Bid Protest
What has changed is the pressure that construction companies are under — infrastructure funding wasn’t the only thing hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction companies across the country are reporting COVID-19-related project delays, and it is only expected to get worse. With construction companies under so much pressure, it’s imperative that they approach the bidding process ready for anything.
Filing a Bid Protest in North Carolina
Filing a bid protest for a state infrastructure project is a bit different than filing one for a federally funded project. Using the North Carolina Department of Administration as an example, contractors will have only 30 days after the contract award to submit a written request to the state purchasing officer with the Division of Purchase & Contract. This protest letter must contain the reasons why you are protesting as well as evidence supporting your argument.
Related: How a Charlotte Bid Protest Lawyer Can Protect Firms from Unfavorable Bids
With that 30-day deadline approaching, will your letter be persuasive enough to convince a government agency to allow contractors to rebid or award the contract to the next lowest bidder? If the answer to that question is anything but a resounding yes, consult a Charlotte bid protest lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants for assistance.
If you would like to speak with a Charlotte bid protest attorney, please contact us today.
