B-270993: May 10, 1996

A firm protested a Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) contract award for family stress counseling services, contending that HHS oral indefinite extension of the solicitation's bid closing date was binding, even though it was not followed by written confirmation. GAO held that the oral extension of the bid closing date was binding, even though it was never followed by written confirmation...

B-270993: May 10, 1996

An oral amendment extending the closing date for submission of proposals indefinitely is in full force and effect. Even though it was not confirmed in writing. Where the amendment was issued under exigent circumstances accompanying the shutdown of the contracting agency and the terms of the oral amendment are not in dispute. The agency was shut down from December 18 through January 5. The shutdown...