Rejection of Unsigned Bid as Nonresponsive Was Proper

A protester contended that a low bid submitted unsigned should not have been rejected by the General Services Administration (GSA) because the lack of a signature was an oversight, and the name of the person authorized to sign was typewritten on the bid. In addition, the submission of samples showed the protester's intent to be bound by the bid. GAO, however, held that the mere submission of samples was insufficient to manifest a firm intent to be bound to the requirements of an invitation for bid when the bid was not signed. GAO further believed that an agency can determine if a bid would constitute a binding obligation on the bidder only by means of an authorized signature.