Responsibility Determinations & Business Ethics Bid Protests

Getting non responsibility determinations can cripple your chances of winning a federal government contract. For example, when you submit a government proposal, your past experiences can sometimes take a toll on whether you get the award. More specifically, when the agency issues a non responsibility determination under the FAR for past… Read more »

Acceptance of Late Proposal Exception In GAO Bid Protest Rules

When it comes to GAO acceptance of late proposal submission exception in bid protests, many contractors wonder what happens if their Request for Proposal (“RFP”) submission is late and if there are any exceptions that allow for relief.  While it is an offeror’s responsibility to deliver its proposal to the proper… Read more »

Rules on Request for Proposal (RFP) & Government Solicitation Amendments

When a government agency submits a request for proposal (“RFP”), the agency can make amendments and changes to the government solicitation requirements.  The Federal Acquisition Regulation permits agencies to request revised government proposals, even where the original awardee’s price has been disclosed.  Jackson Contractor Grp., B-402348.2 (2010).  Agency Discretion with… Read more »

Responding to Government Cure Notices

Avoid Costly Mistakes When Responding to Government Cure Notices That Can Almost Guarantee a Termination for Default Giving the agency a reason to issue a government contract cure notice can put your company at a great disadvantage because chances are that you are on the path to receiving a termination for default…. Read more »

FAR Part 15 Meaningful FAR Discussions Vs Clarifications in GAO Protest

GAO recently sustained a bid protest about meaningful FAR discussions in the Matter of: Marathon Medical Corporation because the agency failed to hold meaningful discussions under FAR Part 15 with the protestor. In that case, Marathon’s FAR protest alleged the Department of Veteran Affairs improperly held discussions with the awardee, but… Read more »

GAO Protest Automatic Stay 31 USC 3553

As a federal contractor, you might be familiar with the general rule that is you have grounds to file a bid protest due to improper proposal evaluation or some other valid reason, you as the disappointed offeror can file a bid protest at   the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and obtain… Read more »

FAR (.5 Organizational Conflict of Interest OCI Bid Protests

OCI Organizational Conflict of Interest FAR Guidance  Hiring of Former Government Officials If your company hires a former government official, it can be disqualified from a competition based upon the appearance of impropriety which is created by the hire. There is no requirement for an actual impropriety to be shown in… Read more »

Becoming a COFC or GAO Bid Protest Intervenor

Under bid protest regulations, meeting the intervenor legal definition in either a COFC or GAO bid protest case can make the difference between keeping company revenues or losing the award in a government protest action. Not just anyone can intervene. About 15% of companies try to intervene but they fail… Read more »