B-230859, Apr 18, 1988, 88-1 CPD 380
Highlights
PROCUREMENT - Sealed Bidding - Bid opening - Extension - Justification - GAO review DIGEST: Protest of agency's decision to postpone opening of bids is without merit. Determining appropriate bid preparation period is within contracting officer's discretion. Bid opening was originally scheduled for March 22. Was postponed by GSA 24 hours before the scheduled opening. As the reason for postponement was not based on any protest from prospective bidders. We have been advised by GSA that the contracting officer amended the solicitation to effect changes in estimated quantity requirements and to revise the basis for award. We think the extension of the bid opening date was entirely appropriate.
B-230859, Apr 18, 1988, 88-1 CPD 380
PROCUREMENT - Sealed Bidding - Bid opening - Extension - Justification - GAO review DIGEST: Protest of agency's decision to postpone opening of bids is without merit. Determining appropriate bid preparation period is within contracting officer's discretion.
McNamara-Lunz Vans & Warehouses, Inc:
McNamara-Lunz Vans & Warehouses, Inc. protests the General Services Administration's (GSA) decision to extend bid opening under invitation for bids (IFB) No. 7FXI-S6-87S004-S until April 8, 1988. Bid opening was originally scheduled for March 22, at 12:30 p.m., but was postponed by GSA 24 hours before the scheduled opening. As the reason for postponement was not based on any protest from prospective bidders, McNamara-Lunz contends that the confidential bidding process has been compromised, and essentially requests that our Office investigate the matter and require GSA to open bids received prior to the originally scheduled bid opening date. We dismiss the protest. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Sec. 14.208(a) provides:
"If it becomes necessary to make changes in quantity, specifications, delivery schedules, opening dates, etc., or to correct a defective or ambiguous invitation, such changes shall be accomplished by amendment of the invitation for bids. ..."
Here, we have been advised by GSA that the contracting officer amended the solicitation to effect changes in estimated quantity requirements and to revise the basis for award, and also extended the bid opening date to allow offerors sufficient time to revise their bids in response to the amendment. Under the circumstances, we think the extension of the bid opening date was entirely appropriate. In this regard, we note that it is within the discretion of the contracting officer to decide as to an appropriate bid preparation period. See R & E Electronics, Inc., B-223723, Sept. 8, 1986, 86-2 CPD Para. 273.
The protest is dismissed.