48.       Challenge and appeal procedures (amended as per G.N. No.75 of 2013)

 

            (1)        A challenge under section 43 of the Act shall be made in the form set out in the Second Schedule.

 

            (2)        For the purposes of section 43(3)(b), a challenge shall not be entertained unless it is submitted within 5 days from the invitation to bid or from the opening of bids.

 

            (3)        Where the challenge concerns any aspect of the procurement process prior to the award of the contract, the Chief Executive Officer of the public body concerned shall in the case of a major contract, obtain all relevant information from the Board.

 

            (4)        Unless the challenge is resolved by mutual agreement, the Chief Executive Officer of the public body shall issue a written decision stating his reasons within 7 days of the filing of the application.

 

            (5)        Where the Chief Executive Officer of the public body fails to issue a decision within 7 days or if the bidder is not satisfied with his decision, the bidder may submit an application for review to the Review Panel, provided that the application is filed within 7 days of receipt of the decision of the public body or the time when that decision should have been received.

 

            (6)        For the purposes of section 45(1) (c) of the Act the threshold shall be 1million rupees.

 

            (7)        An application for review under section 45(1)(c) of the Act, from an unsatisfied bidder after the entry into force of a procurement contract the value of which is above the prescribed threshold, as specified in paragraph (6), stating that he is not satisfied with the procurement proceedings on a ground specified in section 43(1), shall be made within 5 days of the date the applicant becomes aware of alleged breach.