31. Any prospective bidder who is dissatisfied with an original classification or reclassification may upon receipt of notice thereof, request in writing a hearing of the matter before the board of review. The request shall be filed with the contracting agent and the secretary of the board.

The board shall hold a hearing at which the prospective bidder shall be entitled to be heard and to submit additional information.

The board shall review the responsibility of all prospective bidders who have filed statements or answers, considering both the statement, answers and any additional information given at the hearing, and shall certify to the contracting unit concerned, its decision as to the original classifications or reclassifications, if any. The decisions shall be made by a majority vote.

In order for any change in classification by the board to be effective for a contract previously advertised, the request shall be filed not less than five days prior to the final day for submission of bids, and the board shall hold a hearing and act upon the request not less than two days prior to the date fixed for the next opening of bids on any public works contract for which such prospective bidders might be qualified to bid as a result of the reclassification.

L.1971,c.198,s.31; amended 1999, c.440, s.37.