R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-148-6: Appeal.

Before any award is final, state employees or their bargaining representatives shall have a right to protest the award decision within thirty (30) days to the director of administration. The director of administration shall have no more than fifteen (15) days to render a decision. Any state employees or their bargaining representative that files a protest shall have thirty (30) days from the director’s decision to file an appeal to the superior court, Providence County. The superior court shall determine within thirty (30) days of filing whether to stay the award or allow the procurement to proceed. Until such time as the superior court makes this determination, no final award by the state may be made.