The Bid Protest Debrief

Posted March 5, 2025

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 decision confirms that the Court is the de facto forum for bid protests challenging Department of Defense (DoD) OTA decisions—at least where the agency is pursuing products or services for its direct benefit.

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.

Posted March 3, 2025

Where to File a Bid Protest: Agency, GAO or Court of Federal Claims?

by Matt Carter

Matt Carter

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 make an informed decision.