Sec. 36.30.620. - Contract claims. - Alaska Statutes

(a) A contractor shall file a claim concerning a contract awarded under this chapter with the procurement officer. The contractor shall certify that the claim is made in good faith, that the supporting data are accurate and complete to the best of the contractor's knowledge and belief, and that the amount requested accurately reflects the contract adjustment for which the contractor believes the state is liable. Except for a lease rate adjustment called for in the lease, a claim under this section must be filed within 90 days after the contractor becomes aware of the basis of the claim or should have known the basis of the claim, whichever is earlier. A lease rate adjustment called for in the lease must be filed prior to the expiration date of the lease.

(b) If a claim asserted concerning a contract awarded under this chapter cannot be resolved by agreement, the procurement officer shall, after receiving a written request by the contractor for a decision, issue a written decision. The procurement officer shall make the decision not more than 90 days after receipt of all necessary information from the contractor. If the contractor fails to furnish necessary information requested by the procurement officer, the procurement officer shall proceed to decide the claim and may, in the procurement officer's discretion, deny all or part of the claim because of the failure to furnish necessary information. During an appeal under this chapter, the contractor may not rely on or introduce information that the contractor has failed to furnish to the procurement officer in support of the claim. Before issuing the decision, the procurement officer shall review the facts relating to the claim and obtain necessary assistance from legal, fiscal, and other advisors.

(c) Upon the written request of the procurement officer, the time for issuing a decision under (b) of this section may be extended for up to 60 additional days by the commissioner if the claim concerns an amount in excess of $50,000. Upon the written request of the procurement officer showing that good cause exists for a second extension, the commissioner may extend the time for issuing a decision under (b) of this section up to 90 additional days after the first extension. The contractor shall be provided with an opportunity to oppose or otherwise respond to the request for a second extension. If a second extension is granted, the commissioner shall notify the contractor and the procurement officer in writing that the time for the issuance of a decision has been extended and of the date by which a decision shall be issued. In this subsection, "commissioner" means the commissioner of administration or, for a claim involving a construction contract or procurement for the state equipment fleet, the commissioner of transportation and public facilities.

(d) The procurement officer shall furnish a copy of the decision to the contractor by certified mail or other method that provides evidence of receipt. The decision must include

(1) a description of the claim;

(2) a reference to the pertinent contract provisions;

(3) a statement of the agreed upon and disputed facts;

(4) findings of fact about the claim;

(5) a determination of any amount payable;

(6) a statement of reasons supporting the decision; and

(7) a statement substantially as follows:

"This is the final decision of the procurement officer. This decision may be appealed to the commissioner of (administration ransportation and public facilities). If you appeal, you must file a written notice of appeal with the commissioner within 14 days after you receive this decision."

(e) If the procurement officer does not issue a written decision by the date it is due, the contractor may proceed as if the procurement officer had issued a decision adverse to the contractor.

(f) If a claim asserted by the state concerning a contract awarded under this chapter cannot be resolved by agreement the matter shall be immediately referred to the commissioner of administration or the commissioner of transportation and public facilities, as appropriate.

(g) This section does not apply to payment disputes governed by AS 37.05.285 .