Allegations of Late Bid, Erroneous Protest Procedures, Bidder Nonresponsibility, and Collusive Bidding Practices

A protester to a contract award alleged that the awardee's bid modification was late, that agency procedures in handling its protest were erroneous, that the awardee was not responsible, and that there was a possibility of collusive bidding. Protests filed with GAO and with the procuring agency involving allegations of a late bid modification and bidder nonresponsiveness were untimely. The alleged procedural errors in handling the protest were not sufficient grounds for setting aside the award. GAO did not consider a matter involving the Small Business Administration's determination to issue a Certificate of Competency or the allegation of collusive bidding which is within the jurisdiction of the Attorney General and Federal courts.