Alleged Failure of Bid to Comply with the Specifications

The protester objected to the award of a subcontract for a Federal grantee, alleging that the awardee's bid was nonresponsive. GAO will consider a complaint concerning the award of a subcontract pursuant to a Federal grant where the award is made by or for the grantee, but such complaints do not have to comply with the timeliness requirement of the Bid Protest Procedures. The contested bid constituted a definite and unqualified offer to meet the terms of the solicitation and was fully responsive. Although the specifications of the solicitation were ambiguous, award may be made under the solicitation since the needs of the procuring activity will be met and substantial prejudice will not result to other bidders.