[Protest of FEMA Refusal To Consider Bid for Protective Equipment Testing]

A firm protested the Federal Emergency Management Agency's refusal to consider its proposal under a solicitation for testing protective equipment because the bid was submitted after the closing date for receipt of proposals. The protester contended that: (1) it should have been informed of the change in the closing date; (2) it should not be bound to the amended closing date; and (3) its proposal should be considered acceptable as a late modification of an otherwise acceptable proposal in the interest of equity and fairness. GAO found that: (1) the protester's failure to receive an amendment changing the date for receipt of proposals did not provide a basis for acceptance of its proposal; (2) the agency obtained full and open competition; (3) the protester should have contacted the agency concerning the due date; and (4) the proposal could not be considered as a late modification to a timely submitted bid. Accordingly, the protest was denied.