Bid Lateness Due to Government Mishandling

The protester objected to the agency's determination that a competitor's bid could be considered for award even though it was received in the bid opening room after the time set for bid opening. The late bid was sent by certified mail 3 days before opening and was received at the Government installation by 9:30 a.m. on the bid opening day but was not delivered to the bid opening room until after 10:30 a.m., the time set for bid opening, due to heavy mail load and to the fact that only two of four mail sorters were on duty. The bid was mishandled by the Government after receipt at the facility and may be considered for award.