The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, shall have the following meaning, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.(1) Deputy Commissioner--The Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.(2) Interested Parties--All vendors who have submitted bids or proposals for the provision of goods or services to the Texas Department of Agriculture.(3) Office of General Counsel--The Office of the General Counsel for the Texas Department of Agriculture.(4) Responsible Individual--The Procurement and Contract Director (Director) or equivalent person who is responsible for the supervision of procurement and purchasing staff, or, only in the event of an absence of the Director or equivalent person from work as a result of death, disability, incapacity or illness, the person designated by the Deputy Commissioner, in consultation with the Chief Financial Officer, to review and make a determination on the protest, as applicable.