Protest against Determination of Bidder Responsiveness and Responsibility

A protester to a contract award contended that the awardee's bid was nonresponsive and that the agency failed to determine the awardee's responsibility. The protest against the agency's interpretation of the solicitation and bid evaluation, filed within 10 days of contract award, was timely. The use of the Order of Precedence clause for resolution of conflicts was a permissible alternative to cancellation of the solicitation which contained inconsistencies discovered after bid opening. The determination of responsibility was properly made on the basis of existing information, and such determinations are not generally reviewed by GAO. The submission of a below-cost bid was not a basis for challenge to the award.