- A. In the event of a timely protest, as defined in Subsection D of 1.4.1.82 NMAC of this rule, the state purchasing agent or central purchasing office shall not proceed further with the procurement unless the state purchasing agent or central purchasing office makes a written determination that the award of the contract is necessary to protect substantial interests of a state agency. Such written determination should set forth the basis for the determination. As used in 1.4.1.80 through 1.4.1.93 NMAC of this rule, the point in time in which a contract is awarded is that point at which a legally enforceable contract is created unless the context clearly requires a different meaning. Award in this context means the final required state agency signature on the contract(s) resulting from the procurement.
- B. A procurement shall not be halted after a contract has been awarded merely because a protest has been filed. After a contract has been awarded, the state purchasing agent or central purchasing office may, in its sole discretion, halt a procurement in exceptional circumstances or for good cause shown.
[1.4.1.83 NMAC - Rp, 1.4.1.83 NMAC, 6/21/2022]