A firm protested the Coast Guard's rejection of its bid as nonresponsive because it allowed an acceptance period of 30 days, whereas the invitation for bids (IFB) required a minimum acceptance period of 60 days. The protester argued that its bid should be construed as offering the government 30 days in addition to the required 60 days. It also contended that, because contract performance was to st...

A PROVISION IN AN INVITATION WHICH REQUIRES THAT A BID REMAIN AVAILABLE FOR ACCEPTANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR A PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF TIME IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD IS A MATERIAL REQUIREMENT. A BID THAT IS AMBIGUOUS AS TO WHETHER IT REPRESENTS AN UNEQUIVOCAL OFFER TO MEET SUCH A REQUIREMENT IS NONRESPONSIVE. THE AUTHORITY OF AN AGENCY TO PERMIT CORRECTION OF BIDS IS LIMITED TO BIDS THAT AR...