Comments on Accepting a Telegraphic Bid for Construction of VA Hospital

GAO provided comments on whether a telegraphic bid for construction services at a Veterans Administration Hospital was acceptable. GAO noted that, the record showed that the bidder could not have had any knowledge of any other bids, and could not have gained any advantage over other bidders from its submission of a telegraphic bid. Therefore, in this specific instance, the failure to comply strictly with the terms of the solicitation may be considered an informality which may be waived in the government's interest. Accordingly, GAO had no objection to the acceptance of the bid.