Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals

The appeal revolves around an Invitation for Bids (IFB) under SHA Contract No. SM 714---501---571 for road construction in St. Mary's County, MD. The main point of contention is the omission of price information for certain items in the bid submitted by A.H. Smith Associated, Limited Partnership. The procurement officer's decision to deny the bid protest and reject the bid due to these omissions is under scrutiny.

The Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals convened a hearing regarding a dispute between Manekin Construction, LLC and the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) concerning contract No. 110-183-040-001. The main point of contention was PCO No. 68, related to a time extension request. The Board considered DGS's Third Motion for Partial Summary Decision, focusing on whether Manekin's claim was filed within the time prescribed by COMAR regulations. The central issue revolved around when Manekin knew or should have known about the basis for the claim, particularly concerning the interpretation of the term 'void' applied to PCO No. 68 and the requirement for 'fragnets' to support the claim.

The appeal concerns a bid protest by Civic Center Cleaning Co., Inc. regarding the Department of General Services' decision to award a contract to MARCOR of Maryland, Inc. The protest centers on MARCOR's bid submission in a manila envelope sealed with a metallic clasp instead of a preprinted blue sealed envelope, and the failure to include necessary licenses with the bid. The key issues discussed include responsiveness, minor irregularities, and bidder responsibility, particularly regarding licenses for asbestos removal.

The Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals conducted a merits hearing regarding an appeal related to the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) contract. Key issues discussed included the alleged improper disclosure of Q&A submitters, the alleged improper disclosure of a staffing plan, and concerns about the Variations in Estimated Quantities (VEQ) Clause. The board ultimately denied the appeal.