Definition
Post-Award Protest Challenge to contract award decision filed after the government selects a winner.
Definition
A post-award protest is a challenge filed after contract award, objecting to the source selection decision or award process. Post-award protests typically allege evaluation errors, failure to follow stated evaluation criteria, unequal treatment of offerors, or improper best value tradeoff analysis. To be timely at GAO, post-award protests must be filed within 10 days after contract award or 10 days after the debriefing if a debriefing is requested. Timely post-award protests at GAO trigger the CICA automatic stay preventing contract performance. Post-award protests may also challenge procurement actions that occurred before award but were not known until after award. Successful post-award protests may result in termination of the awarded contract and reevaluation or resolicitation.
Also Known As
- Post-Award Bid Protest
- Award Challenge
Examples
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not requesting debriefing to understand basis for award decision
- ✕Missing 10-day filing deadline after award or debriefing
- ✕Filing protest without specific, supported allegations
Who Should Know This Term
Contractors, government contracts attorneys, business development
Official Source
GAO Bid Protest Regulations, 4 CFR 21.2
