Construction Law

Don’t Lose Your Chance to Work on an Improperly Awarded Project in North Carolina featured image

Don’t Lose Your Chance to Work on an Improperly Awarded Project in North Carolina

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.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.