B-220668: Jan 29, 1986

A firm protested a Veterans Administration (VA) contract award for the design and installation of security equipment, claiming that: (1) since it submitted the low responsive bid, VA should award it the contract; and (2) it was prejudiced by post-bid-opening discussions VA held with other bidders. GAO found that: (1) VA held improper discussions after bid opening; (2) the protester submitted a bid...

B-220668: Jan 29, 1986

BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD IS A MATERIAL REQUIREMENT NOT WAIVABLE OR CORRECTABLE AFTER BID OPENING. OFFER PROVIDING A SHORTER BID ACCEPTANCE PERIOD THAN THAT REQUIRED BY THE SOLICITATION IS NONRESPONSIVE. ALTHOUGH DISCUSSIONS HELD BETWEEN BIDDERS AND CONTRACTING OFFICER AFTER BID OPENING WERE IMPROPER. GAO WILL NOT DISTURB THE AWARD WHERE PROTESTER. WHO WAS INCLUDED IN THOSE DISCUSSIONS. SUBMITTED A BI...