The Purchasing Agent may, in the public interest, debar a prospective contractor from participating in the County's competitive procurement. The seriousness of the grounds and any mitigating factors should be considered in making any debarment decision.
The Purchasing Agent may debar a prospective contractor for any of the following grounds:
A.
Conviction of or entry of a civil judgment for:
(1)
Fraud or any criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain or performing a public contract or subcontract.
(2)
Violating federal or state antitrust statutes relating to the submission of offers.
(3)
Embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification, destruction of records, making false statements or receiving stolen property.
(4)
Any other offense that reflects a lack of business integrity or business honesty and directly affects the responsibility of a contractor or subcontractor.
B.
Breach of the terms of a government contract or subcontract so serious as to justify debarment, including:
A.
Notice of consideration. The prospective contractor shall be advised that debarment is being considered. The notice should be by certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice shall include the reasons for the proposed debarment.
B.
Challenge. Within 10 days of the date of the notice, the prospective contractor may submit information challenging the proposed debarment.
C.
Decision. The Purchasing Agent shall render a written decision within five days of receiving the prospective contractor's rebuttal information. Any debarment should be for a time period that reflects the seriousness of the cause.