Untimely Challenge

Posted May 21, 2025

Deadline Missed, Protest Dismissed: GAO Shuts Down Untimely VA Protest

In A2A Integrated Logistics, Inc., B-423433, May 20, 2025, A2A Integrated Logistics protested a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contract award after learning that its proposal had been rejected due to a technical issue—specifically, the agency’s email server allegedly blocked the submission. A2A maintained that its proposal was timely submitted and should have been considered. However, despite discovering the issue shortly after the submission deadline, A2A waited more than 10 days before filing a formal protest with the agency. After the agency dismissed that protest as untimely, A2A turned to GAO. But GAO likewise dismissed the protest, holding that A2A missed the strict filing deadline and emphasizing that informal communication with the agency does not extend the protest clock.

Posted March 24, 2025

GAO Reinforces Strict Bid Protest Deadlines in SteerBridge Case

by Matt Carter

Matt Carter

In SteerBridge Strategies, LLC, B-422831.2, et al. (Dec. 31, 2024), SteerBridge, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB), protested the decision of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to amend, rather than cancel, a solicitation for modern claims processing support services. The company argued that the amendment effectively created an improper sole-source procurement favoring certain competitors and that the VA’s market research was inadequate.

Posted March 3, 2025

Bid Protest Deadlines and Pitfalls: What You Need to Know

by Matt Carter

Matt Carter

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.