(a) After reasonable notice and a hearing, conducted in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, the department head of any state contracting agency may suspend any contractor, bidder or proposer for a period of not more than six months from bidding on, applying for or performing work as a contractor or subcontractor under, contracts with the state. The department head shall issue a written decision not later than ninety days after the conclusion of such hearing and state in the decision the reasons for the action taken and, if the contractor, bidder or proposer is being suspended, the period of such suspension. In determining whether to suspend a contractor, bidder or proposer, the department head shall consider the seriousness of the acts or omissions of the contractor, bidder or proposer and any mitigating factors. The department head shall send such decision to the contractor and the State Contracting Standards Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. Such decision shall be a final decision for purposes of sections 4-180 and 4-183.

(b) Causes for such suspension shall include the following:

(1) Failure without good cause to perform in accordance with specifications or within the time limits provided in the contract;

(2) A record of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance in accordance with the terms of one or more contracts, provided failure to perform or unsatisfactory performance caused by acts beyond the control of the contractor shall not be considered to be a basis for suspension;

(3) Any cause the complainant state contracting agency determines to be so serious and compelling as to affect the responsibility of a state contractor, including suspension by another state contracting agency for cause; or

(4) A violation of the ethical standards set forth in section 1-84, 1-86e or 1-101nn, as determined by the Citizen's Ethics Advisory Board.

(c) The State Contracting Standards Board may grant an exception permitting a suspended contractor to participate in a particular contract or subcontract upon a written determination by the board that there is good cause for such exception and that such exception is in the best interest of the state.

(d) The department head of each state contracting agency shall conduct reviews of contractors and shall file reports pertaining to any of the reasons set forth in this section that may be the basis for disqualification.

(Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1, S. 35.)

History: Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-1 effective June 1, 2010.