Section 1300.5520  Suspension

a)         Application

This Section applies to all debarments or suspensions of vendors from consideration for award of contracts.

b)         The CPO may suspend a vendor from doing business with the OAG,  or for specific types of supplies or services.  A suspension may be issued upon a showing the vendor violated the Code or this Part, or failed to conform to specifications or terms of delivery.

c)         When the CPO finds cause exists for suspension, a notice of suspension, including a copy of such determination, shall be sent to the suspended vendor. Bids or proposals will not be solicited from the suspended vendor, and, if they are received they will not be considered during the period of suspension.

d)         A contractor may be suspended for a period of time commensurate with the seriousness of the offense, but for no more than five years.  The suspension will be effective within seven calendar days after receipt of notice unless an objection is filed.  If an objection is filed, suspension would not become effective until the evaluation of the objection is completed.

e)         The CPO may debar a vendor.  Debarment is the permanent suspension of a vendor from doing business with the OAG.  A debarment may only take place in those instances involving bribery or attempted bribery of a State of Illinois officer or employee, or as otherwise allowed or required by law.  Bids or proposals will not be solicited from the debarred vendor, and, if they are received they will not be considered.

f)          The OAG shall maintain a master list of all suspensions and debarments. The master list will retain information concerning suspensions and debarments as public records.  Such records will be maintained for a period of at least three years following the end of the suspension or debarment.  Such public information may be considered in determining responsibility.