Bid Protests at GAO: A Descriptive Guide (ninth edition)

Abstract

The laws and regulations that govern contracting with the federal government are designed to ensure that federal procurements are conducted fairly. On occasion, bidders or others interested in government procurements may have reason to believe that a contract has been, or is about to be, awarded improperly or illegally, or that they have been unfairly denied a contract or an opportunity to compete for a contract. A major avenue of relief for those concerned about the propriety of an award has been the Government Accountability Office (formerly known as the General Accounting Office), which has historically provided an objective, independent, and impartial forum for the resolution of disputes concerning the awards of federal contracts. Over the years, GAO has developed a substantial body of law and standard procedures for considering bid protests. This is the ninth edition of Bid Protests at GAO: A Descriptive Guide, prepared by the Office of the General Counsel, to aid those interested in GAO's bid protest process.