Request for Relief From Mistake in Bid Alleged After Award

The Department of the Interior advised prospective bidders that the estimated cost range for the procurement of lumber and timber materials was over $100,000. Bids were received at approximately $54,000, $96,000, $125,000, and $158,000. The day after bid opening, the contracting officer called the low bidder to advise that the firm's bid was considerably lower than the next low bid and asked that the bid price be confirmed. The low bidder confirmed the price and received the contract award on September 29. On October 10 the low bidder advised that its bid should have been $103,000 and asked to be granted relief for the error. The request was denied. The contract was valid and binding because the firm, advised of the possibility of a bid error, verified the bid price as being correct. Relief may not be granted on the basis of unconscionability where the second high bid was no more than 78 percent higher than the low bid.