In MicroTechnologies LLC, B-423197.2, et al. (March 4, 2025), MicroTechnologies LLC protested the U.S. Air Force’s award of a task order to Trace Systems Inc. for Combined Air and Space Center Operations Center (CAOC) communications support. The protest challenged multiple aspects of the Air Force’s evaluation, asserting that agency failed…
The Bid Protest Debrief
GAO vs. Court of Federal Claims: Where Should You File Your Bid Protest?
When a government contractor files a bid protest, choosing the right forum can significantly impact the outcome. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC) are the two primary venues, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. This post breaks down the key differences to help…
No Discussion Needed: Court of Federal Claims Dismisses Bid Protest in Helicopter Training Case
In System Studies & Simulation, Inc. v. United States, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Nos. 24-1429, et al. (March 4, 2025), three disappointed offerors, including System Studies & Simulation (S3), protested the U.S. Army’s decision not to conduct discussions before awarding a contract for Advanced Helicopter Flight Training Support (AHFTS)…
Same Approach, Different Score? GAO Sustains TISTA Protest for Unequal Evaluation
In TISTA Science and Technology Corporation, B-422891.2, et al. (Jan. 23, 2025), TISTA protested a National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarding of a task order for software development services to Tantus Technologies, alleging improper evaluation of both offerors’ technical proposals. The core issue was GAO’s finding that NIH treated TISTA…
COFC Claims Its Turf: Court Affirms Jurisdiction Over OTA Protests
Raytheon Company v. United States, U.S. Court of Federal Claims, No. 24-1824C (Feb. 24, 2025) addresses a long-standing legal gray area: Can the Court of Federal Claims (COFC) hear bid protests involving Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)? In Raytheon v. United States, the Court ruled definitively: Yes, it can. This landmark…
Bid Protest Deadlines and Pitfalls: What You Need to Know
When filing a bid protest, timing is everything. Missing a deadline can be fatal to your case, even if your claims are otherwise strong. This post breaks down critical bid protest deadlines and common timing pitfalls to help contractors avoid costly mistakes. 1. GAO Deadlines: Strict and Unforgiving Pre-Award Protests:…
Where to File a Bid Protest: Agency, GAO or Court of Federal Claims?
If you’re a government contractor considering a bid protest, the first question is: where should you file—the specific agency in question, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC)? Each offers different advantages and limitations. This post breaks down the key differences, so you can…