<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".09" citation="COMAR 21.10.02.09" title_num="21" subtitle_num="10" chapter_num="02" heading="Decision by the Procurement Officer and Reviewing Authority.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Time for Decisions. A decision on a protest shall be made by the procurement officer in writing as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>The decision of the procurement officer shall be reviewed by the reviewing authority and appropriate legal counsel. The reviewing authority may approve, modify, or disapprove the procurement officer's decision. In disapproving a decision, the reviewing authority may order the procurement officer to effect resolution. Unless the protest is remanded to the procurement officer, the decision of the reviewing authority is the final action by the procurement agency.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>The decision shall include:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>A description of the controversy;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>A statement of the decision, with supporting material;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>If the protest is not sustained, a paragraph substantially as follows: “This decision is the final action of this agency. This decision may be appealed to the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals in accordance with COMAR 21.10.07.02. If you decide to take such an appeal, you must file written notice of appeal to the Appeals Board within 10 days from the date you receive this decision.” This paragraph also shall include the current address of the Appeals Board.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>The procurement officer shall furnish a copy of the decision to the protester and all other interested parties, by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method that provides evidence of its receipt.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>