Protest Involving Changes in Solicitation and Bids

A company protested any contract award, arguing that there were changes on the awardee's original bid, an amendment to the solicitation changed the scope of the work, and the awardee's attempt to modify its bid prior to bid opening was deficient. The failure to initial the correction to the original bid was an informality that could be waived. The awardee was responsive to changes made in the solicitation, and the change to the bid price prior to bid opening was proper. Even though the protester would be the low bidder if the combination of two items were awarded, the contracting officer must determine the low bidder based on amount of funds available.