(a) Any actual or prospective bidder, offeror, or contractor who is aggrieved in connection with the solicitation, evaluation, or award of a contract may formally protest to the Commission's chief fiscal officer. The protest must be in writing and received in the Commission's main office in Austin not later than the 10th day after the date the aggrieved person knows, or should have known, of the occurrence of the action which is protested.
(b) The chief fiscal officer is authorized to settle and resolve the dispute concerning the solicitation or award of a contract. If the protest is not resolved by mutual agreement, the chief fiscal officer shall issue a written determination on the protest.
(c) Not later than the 10th day after receiving notice of the chief fiscal officer's determination, the protesting party may file a written appeal to the executive secretary. The executive secretary's decision on the appeal is final.

Source Note: The provisions of this §303.17 adopted to be effective July 15, 2005, 30 TexReg 3993