https://www.gao.gov/products/440311

B-205943: Jan 12, 1982

SINCE BIDDER ASSUMES RISK OF LATE DELIVERY UNLESS BID IS SENT BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL AS SPECIFIED IN REGULATIONS. 2. A BID SENT BY COMMERCIAL CARRIER IS CONSIDERED TO BE HAND CARRIED. IF IT IS LATE. THE BID CAN ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF IT IS SHOWN THAT THE PARAMOUNT CAUSE OF THE LATE RECEIPT IS DUE TO IMPROPER GOVERNMENT ACTION. ON GROUNDS THAT DELIVERY AFTER BID OPENING WAS DUE TO NEGLIGENC...

https://www.gao.gov/products/117263

B-205943: Jan 12, 1982

A firm protested the rejection of its bid by the Air Force on grounds that delivery after bid opening was due to negligence of a commercial carrier. GAO has held that a bid sent by commercial carrier is considered to be hand-carried and the bidder assumes the risk of late delivery. When late, the bid can only be considered if the late receipt is due to improper Government handling. Therefore, the...