[Protest of Air Force Consideration of Bid]

A firm protested the consideration of a bid submitted by another firm under an Air Force solicitation, contending that the bidder claimed a bid error after bid opening, was allowed to correct the bid, subsequently withdrew the mistake claim, and was allowed to stand on its original bid. The bidder claimed one mistake and subsequently claimed another mistake that would have lowered its bid price and made it the low bidder. The Air Force determined the bidder would only be allowed to withdraw its bid. Upon learning of this determination, the bidder stood on its original bid price. GAO held that there was insufficient evidence to determine the bidder's intended bid. Accordingly, the protest was sustained. GAO did not recommend termination of the interim contracts awarded by the Air Force, but did recommend that the protester be paid bid preparation costs.