[Request for Advance Decision Concerning Alleged Mistake in Low Bid]

The Department of Health and Human Services requested an advance decision concerning an alleged mistake in a firm's low bid submitted in response to an invitation for bids. The firm stated that, although it would remain the low bidder, the mistake would force it to increase its contract cost. GAO has held that a low bid may be corrected upward if the bidder submits clear and convincing evidence that a mistake was made. GAO noted that the evidence provided by the firm did not support its argument that a mistake had been made. Accordingly, the correction was not permitted.