When a protest has been filed within 7 days and before an award has been made, the Chief Procurement Officer or the head of a purchasing agency shall make no award of the contract until the protest has been settled unless the Chief Procurement Officer makes a written determination, after consulting with the head of the using agency or the head of the purchasing agency, that the award of the contract without delay is necessary to protect substantial interests of the State.
12 Miss. Code. R. 6-6.101.05