B-136217, MAY 28, 1958, 37 COMP. GEN. 801

ALLEGED THAT A TELEGRAM OFFERING A REDUCTION IN THE BID PRICE FOR ONE EXCAVATION PROJECT INADVERTENTLY REFERRED TO ANOTHER PROJECT ON WHICH BIDS WERE OPENED THE SAME DAY MAY HAVE THE MODIFYING TELEGRAM DISREGARDED AND THE BID AS ORIGINALLY SUBMITTED CONSIDERED FOR AWARD IN VIEW OF EVIDENCE WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PRICE DISPARITY BETWEEN THE AMENDED LOW BID AND THE OTHER BIDS RECEIVED WAS SUBSTANTIAL AND 55 PERCENT BELOW THE GOVERNMENT'S ESTIMATE SO THAT THE AMENDED BID COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED IN GOOD FAITH. 1958: REFERENCE IS MADE TO YOUR LETTER OF MAY 19. PROSPECTIVE BIDDERS WERE ADVISED THAT BIDS WOULD BE OPENED AT THE MADRAS AIRPORT. ALTERNATE BIDS WERE REQUESTED UNDER SCHEDULE NO. 2.