[Protest of Rejection of Bid by Navy]

A firm protested the Navy's rejection of its low bid as nonresponsive. The Navy rejected the bid because it did not comply with the required delivery schedule set forth in the solicitation which stated that bidders not meeting the schedule would be precluded from receiving award. The protester argued that the error was caused because the solicitation statement was difficult to read and that the Government should not lose the benefit of a lower price because of a correctable technicality. However, GAO found the statement to be clear and readable and the protest to be without merit. Further, post-bid-opening clarifications may not be considered. Accordingly, the protest was denied.