Protest Alleging That Solicitation Contained Defective Provision

A firm protested a Navy request for proposals alleging that the solicitaion contained a defective provision. Regulations provide that protests based on alleged improprieties in any type of solicitation which are apparent prior to bid opening or the closing date for receipt of proposals shall be filed prior to bid opening or the closing date for receipt of proposals. This protest was received 4 days after the closing date for receipt of best and final offers, and was considered untimely. Consequently, GAO declined to rule on the merits of the protest.