Protest to Rejection of Bid as Late

A company protested rejection of its bid as late, alleging that its bid was received 5 hours prior to bid opening, that Government mishandling after receipt was the cause of lateness, and that it was eliminated from contract performance by the Government's failure to exercise certain options. The late receipt of bid may be considered only if it can be attributed to mishandling by the Government after receipt; this was not supported by the protester's evidence. The request for review of the decision not to exercise options was not considered because it was a matter of Government discretion.