Bid That Meets Literal Requirement of IFB Is Responsive

Separate protests were filed by two companies whose bids were found to be nonresponsive under an invitation for bids (IFB). The first protester's allegation of a restrictive specification in the IFB was untimely and not for consideration, since GAO did not receive the protest within 10 days of the initial adverse agency action, as required by bid protest procedures. The second protester's bid met the literal requirement of the IFB specification and acceptance is directed unless the agency determines that the specification does not accurately state the government's needs, in which case the solicitation should be cancelled and readvertised.