§ 2–352.07. Ombudsman for contracting and procurement.

(a) There is established within the Office of Contracting and Procurement an Office of Ombudsman for Contracting and Procurement which shall be headed by an ombudsman with purview over contracts under the authority of the CPO.

(b) Each District agency with independent procurement authority pursuant to section 201 shall designate an Agency Ombudsman for Contracting and Procurement.

(1) Serve as a vehicle for contractors and subcontractors performing work or providing services under a District contract to communicate their complaints and concerns regarding contracting, procurement, or a specific contract, through a single entity;

(2) Respond to complaints and concerns in a timely fashion with accurate and helpful information;

(3) Determine the validity of any complaint quickly and professionally;

(4) Generate options for a response by the agency or instrumentality and offer a recommendation from among the options;

(5) Except when the parties are involved in legal or administrative proceedings, attempt informally to facilitate a resolution of a dispute between the contracting officer, the prime contractor, and the subcontractor, as appropriate; and

(6) Identify systemic concerns and recommend to the CPO and the Council policy changes, and strategies to improve the contracting and procurement process.