B-233170: Oct 27, 1988

A firm protested the Army's rejection of its late bid for security guard services, contending that it timely sent its bid by express mail. GAO would not review the protest, since: (1) the protester did not send the bid by certified or registered mail; and (2) delayed express mail delivery did not constitute government mishandling. Accordingly, the protest was dismissed...

B-233170: Oct 27, 1988

Was properly rejected notwithstanding assurance by Postal Service employees of timely delivery. Late bids that are not sent by registered mail or certified mail 5 days prior to bid opening can only be considered if there was government mishandling after receipt at the government installation. Express mail is not the equivalent of registered or certified mail. Since it is clear from the material fu...