[Request for Review of GSA Audit Action]

A carrier requested review of an audit action by the General Services Administration (GSA), under which GSA determined that the applicable rate for a shipment handled by the carrier should be calculated on the basis of the carrier's deferred service tender rather than its more expensive emergency service tender. The carrier contended that, although deferred service was requested, a Government employee requested 24-hour delivery, which the carrier provided. GAO held that, since the bill of lading indicated that deferred service was applicable and the carrier did not notify the Government of the discrepancy, the lower rate for deferred service was applicable to the shipment. Accordingly, the GSA audit action was sustained.