Rule 2.5.406 - BIDDER, OFFEROR, OR CONTRACTOR PROTEST(1) All protests must be in writing and state in detail all of the protestor's objections and allegations of violations of the Montana Procurement Act. The complete protest must be submitted to the General Services Division, P.O. Box 200135, Helena, MT 59620-0135, and to the agency that issued the solicitation, if different, no later than the close of business 14 calendar days after the execution of the contract in question.(2) The department may exercise its discretion in deciding what is in the best interest of the state.(3) Any agency which exercises delegated authority from the department to engage in purchasing activities is responsible for responding to a protest or contested case hearing concerning the solicitation, award, or administration of a contract within their authority.NEW, 1994 MAR p. 2814, Eff. 10/28/94; AMD, 1997 MAR p. 193, Eff. 1/28/97; AMD, 1997 MAR p. 1816, Eff. 10/7/97; AMD, 2000 MAR p. 65, Eff. 2/1/00; AMD, 2001 MAR p. 2009, Eff. 10/12/01; AMD, 2005 MAR p. 1906, Eff. 10/7/05; AMD, 2007 MAR p. 1657, Eff. 10/26/07; AMD, 2014 MAR p. 1077, Eff. 5/23/14.18-4-221, 18-4-242, MCA; IMP, 18-1-402, 18-4-242, MCA;