1. A. In General.

   1. (1) If a contractor files a timely request under this regulation, the request shall be considered by an audit committee.

   2. (2) The audit committee shall consist of:

      1. (a) The Chief of the Audit Division or the Chief's designee;
      2. (b) The Deputy Secretary for Administration or the Deputy's designee;
      3. (c) The Assistant Secretary for Departmental Support or the Assistant Secretary's designee; and
      4. (d) One or more of the other assistant secretaries or their designees.

2. B. Modification by Committee. The Audit Review Committee may:

   1. (1) Modify the draft report as it considers appropriate; and
   2. (2) Reissue the report in accordance with Regulation .07 of this chapter.

3. C. Notice of Final Report.

   1. (1) If, after reviewing the contractor's original or any subsequent request for reconsideration, the Audit Review Committee finds no basis for considering further appeals, the Committee shall mail a notice of its findings to the contractor.

   2. (2) The notice shall inform the contractor that:

      1. (a) Unless appealed within 30 days of the notice's mailing, the audit is final; and
      2. (b) The contractor may appeal the Committee's decision to the Secretary or to the procurement officer in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act or the State Procurement Law, as applicable.

Authority: Human Services Article, §9-204; State Finance and Procurement Article, §7-404; Annotated Code of Maryland

Effective date: June 18, 2007 (34:12 Md. R. 1067)