B-213176: Mar 13, 1984

A firm protested a Navy contract award under an invitation for bids (IFB) for a catch basin and sewer cleaner equipment. The protester contended that the equipment which the awardee intended to supply deviated from the IFB specifications rendering the awardee nonresponsive. GAO stated that the concept of responsiveness involves only whether the bid sufficiently responds to the IFB, and not whether...

B-213176: Mar 13, 1984

THE BID IS RESPONSIVE AND ACCEPTANCE BINDS THE BIDDER TO COMPLY WITH THOSE TERMS. WHETHER THE FIRM IN FACT DOES SO INVOLVES A MATTER OF CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION FOR WHICH THE AGENCY IS RESPONSIBLE. 2. A BID THAT OFFERS A BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD LESS THAN THAT REQUIRED IN THE SOLICITATION IS NONRESPONSIVE AND THE FACT THAT AWARD WAS MADE WITHIN THE SHORTER PERIOD IS IRRELEVANT. CONTENDS THAT M.C.I.E.'...