[Protest of Army Rejection of Bid]

A firm protested the Army's rejection of its bid as late, contending that its bid had arrived at the Army's post office box prior to bid opening but that the Army failed to pick it up in time to meet the required deadline. The solicitation specified that a late bid would not be considered unless it was sent by certified mail or it was determined that late receipt was due solely to mishandling by the Government after timely receipt at the Government installation. GAO held that the Army established and followed reasonable procedures and that the protester failed to allow sufficient mailing time to ensure timely receipt of its bid. Accordingly, the protest was denied.