52:35-4. Hearing before state official on classification of bidders; change of classification

Any person after being notified of his classification by a state official and being dissatisfied therewith or with the classification of other bidders, may request in writing a hearing before such state official, and may present such further evidence with respect to the financial responsibility, organization, plant and equipment, or experience of himself or other bidders as might tend to justify a different classification.

Where request is made for the change of classification of another bidder, the applicant shall notify such bidder by registered mail of the time and place of hearing, and at the hearing shall present to the state official satisfactory evidence to the effect that the notice was served as herein required, before any matters pertaining to a change of classification of such bidder shall be taken up by the state official.

After hearing the additional evidence, the state official may, in his discretion, by appropriate ruling, change or retain the classification of any bidder.

No change in classification to be effective for any public work, the letting of which has been duly advertised, shall be made unless a written request as aforesaid shall have been received at least twenty days preceding the final day for submission of bids.

All such requests for change in classification and notice of any action sent by registered mail to the parties directly affected thereby, must be acted upon by the state official concerned at least twelve days prior to the date fixed for the next opening of bids on any contract or contracts for which such persons might be qualified to bid as a result of such reclassification.