NC S608

Establishes formal protest procedures for information technology contract awards valued at $25,000 or more, applying to both agency-awarded and State CIO-awarded contracts.

Requires offerors to submit written protest requests within 15 calendar days of contract award with specific reasons and supporting documentation; agencies have 10 days to accept or reject the request.

If protest meeting is granted, agency or State CIO must schedule within 30 calendar days and provide written decision within 10 days; parties may appeal to State CIO for final hearing within 60 days of initial decision.

Provides three possible outcomes if protest is determined valid: cancel award without rebid, cancel award and rebid solicitation, or cancel award and award to next lowest-priced qualified offeror if they agree to honor their bid.

Imposes sanctions on frivolous protests and renders State CIO's objections null and void if timeline and notice requirements are not met; applies to protests filed on or after the effective date.