South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 63 - DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Article 8 - DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES PROGRAM
Section 63-705 - Ineligibility Complaints
Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 3, March 22, 2024
A. Any person may file with the Department a written complaint alleging that a currently certified firm is ineligible and specifying the alleged reasons why the firm is ineligible. Complaints must be sent to the Department in care of the Office of DBE Program Development, P. O. Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202. The Department is not required to accept a general allegation that a firm is ineligible or an anonymous complaint. The complaint may include any information or arguments supporting the complainant's assertion that the firm is ineligible and should not continue to be certified.
B. The identity of complainants shall be kept confidential, at their election. If such confidentiality will hinder the investigation, proceeding or hearing, or result in a denial of appropriate administrative due process to other parties, the Department will so advise the complainant. Complainants are advised that failure to waive the privilege of confidentiality may result in the closure of the investigation.
C. The Department will review its records concerning the firm, any material provided by the firm and the complainant, and other available information. The Department may request additional information from the challenged firm or conduct any other investigation that it deems necessary.
D. If the Department determines, based on its review, that there is reasonable cause to believe that the firm is ineligible, the Department will provide written notice to the firm that it proposes to find the firm ineligible, setting forth the reasons for the proposed determination, in accordance with Section 63-706 below.
E. If the Department determines that such reasonable cause does not exist, the Department must notify the complainant and the challenged firm in writing of this determination and the reasons for it. All statements of reasons for findings on the issue of reasonable cause must specifically reference the evidence in the record on which each reason is based.
