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Change Notice

Effective March 14, 2025, the County will no longer issue solicitations in Periscope. We are excited to announce the County is transitioning to a new eSourcing platform, Biddingo. Learn more about this transition.


 

Protest an award

woman typing on a laptop

Anyone who has submitted a bid or proposal can submit a protest to an award of a contract to another business or challenge any steps taken during a solicitation process. Below is a summary of how to file a protest; for more details, view the Protest Policy documentation.

Grounds for protest

Protests may only be based on at least one of the following grounds and must be supported by evidence or credible allegations of: 

  • A material error made by County officials or evaluation team members. 
  • Misconduct or impropriety by County officials or evaluation team members; or 
  • Abuse of discretion or process by County officials or evaluation team members. 

A difference of opinion regarding the scoring or points awarded a solicitation response in any or all categories does not constitute a material error, abuse of discretion or process, or misconduct, by County officials or evaluation team members

The protest you submit must meet these requirements:

parameterrequirement
Who can submitParties that bid or proposed on an opportunity or their authorized representative. 
How to submitIn writing by email with the subject line: Protest Relating to [SOLICITATION NUMBER].  
DeadlineBy 5pm Pacific Time of the fifth business day after the email notifying bidders of the County's selection or recommendation to award.

Contents of the written protest must include:

  • Name, street address, electronic mail address, and telephone number of the protester;  
  • Authorized signature of the protester or its representative; 
  • Clearly state the grounds for the protest with the evidence of credible allegations supporting each ground; 
  • Copies of any relevant documents. Note that all documents submitted by the protester are public records subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act.
  • The form of relief requested. 

Write the protest in a concise way and organize it logically. You may not present any additional grounds, evidence, allegations, or arguments for protest after you submit the protest unless requested by the County.

How protests are resolved

StepTimeline
  1. Working with the Director of Procurement, the head of the County's issuing department or agency will review and attempt to resolve your protest. 
Within five (5) business days of receiving your protest, you can expect a response from the issuing department.
  1. You must advise the department or agency if you wish to continue with the protest. 
Advise within two (2) business days of receiving their response.
  1. If you want to continue with the protest, the protest and all related communications will be forwarded to an independent reviewing officer (IRO). 
Within 20 business days of receiving a protest you can expect a written decision from the IRO although the officer may extend the time for a decision.
  1. You can file a final appeal to the County Executive if you're unsatisfied with the IRO decision.
You must file appeal within five (5) business days from the date of the IRO decision. 
  1. The County Executive may delegate this final decision to a designee. A final response, verbally or in writing, will be issued. 
You can expect the final response within 10 business days following your final appeal.
  1. You may inquire about the status of your protest after 20 business days have elapsed.
 

The County has no obligation to delay an award of contract based on a protest and no remedy may require the County to execute a contract with any entity.