25 IAC 1.5-4-1 Challenge of small business status–prior to award

Sec. 1. (a) After offers are opened, and prior to award, any person may submit information to the commissioner regarding the qualifications as a small business of the business which would be awarded a contract under 25 IAC 1.5. (b) If the commissioner determines that the information provided has some foundation, the commissioner may: (1) hold a hearing to determine whether the business qualifies as a small business; (2) cancel the solicitation as a small business procurement or a small business project; or (3) act under both subsection (b)(1) and subsection (b)(2). (c) If the commissioner does not cancel the solicitation as a small business procurement or small business project, the commissioner shall not award a contract until a determination is made on the merits of the case. (d) If after a hearing under subsection (b), the commissioner determines the business which would be awarded a contract under 25 IAC 1.5 does not qualify as a small business, the commissioner may impose the following sanctions in any combination deemed appropriate: (1) the offer of the business shall be rejected; (2) the bid bond of the business shall be forfeited; (3) the business shall not be permitted to submit an offer for the same supplies, services or public works project if the solicitation is cancelled and subsequently opened to all businesses generally; or (4) the business shall be barred from doing business with the state of Indiana for a specified period, not exceeding two (2) years.