441—7.44(17A) Procedures for bidder appeal.
	7.44(1) Discovery. The parties shall serve any discovery requests upon other parties at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing. The parties must serve responses to discovery at least 15 days prior to the date set for the hearing.
	7.44(2) Witnesses and exhibits. The parties shall contact each other regarding witnesses and exhibits at least ten days prior to the date set for the hearing. The parties must meet prior to the hearing regarding the evidence to be presented in order to avoid duplication or the submission of extraneous materials.
	7.44(3) Amendments to notice of appeal. The aggrieved bidder may amend the grounds upon which the bidder challenges the department’s award no later than 15 days prior to the date set for the hearing.
	7.44(4) If the hearing is not conducted in person, the parties must deliver all exhibits to the office of the presiding officer at least three days prior to the time the hearing is conducted.
	7.44(5) The presiding officer shall issue a proposed decision in writing that includes findings of fact and conclusions of law stated separately. The decision shall be based on the record of the contested case and shall conform to Iowa Code chapter 17A. The presiding officer shall send the proposed decision to the appellant and representative by mail.
	7.44(6) The record of the contested case shall include all materials specified in Iowa Code section 17A.12(6).
[ARC 8045C, IAB 5/29/24, effective 7/3/24]