[Protest of FHwA Rejection of Bid for Construction]

A firm protested the Federal Highway Administration's (FHwA) rejection of its bid for roadway reconstruction, contending that: (1) its bid did not take exception to the contract requirements and thus was responsive; and (2) FHwA's determination constituted a negative responsibility determination that had to be approved by the Small Business Administration. GAO held that the protester's bid was nonresponsive, since it was noncompliant with the solicitation's requirements. Accordingly, the protest was denied.