Protests What if. . . ProtestsDisappointed contractorsCompetitive rangeAward ChoicesContracting AgencyComptroller General (GAO)Court of Federal Claims Reasons for ProtestImproprieties in the SystemBreaking the rulesDarleen Druyun issueChanges in requirementsImproper contactRelease of informationAward or Cancellation Who can file?Interested PartyActual participantDirect economic interest Agency – 10 daysGAO – 10 daysCoFC -- ?? Contracting AgencyLeast FormalLeast expensiveQuickest All parties are directed to try and handle at this level Fox guarding the hen-house? What must be in it?Statement of legal groundsCopies of documentsProof of standingPositive request for rulingRequest for specific relief Who decides?Contracting OfficerWritten determinationProtest DecisionProtestor may request independent reviewOne level higher than CO 10 DaysConstructive notice RemediesBefore awardNo award may be madeUrgent and compellingCorrective actionAfter awardSuspend performance35 day decisionT for CLet stand (best interest of Govt) Comptroller GeneralMore FormalMore expensiveTakes longer Must follow specific steps in regulations Fox guarding the hen-house or wait and spend What must be in it?Name of ProtestorContracting agencyStatement of legal groundsCopies of documentsProof of standingProof of timelinessPositive request for rulingRequest for specific relief Timing10 days after constructive notice3 days after debriefBefore bid opening if a protest of solicitation More on TimingProtestGAO notifies CO 1dayCO responds 30 days (20 express)Comments on Report 10 (5 express) Total time 100 days (65 express) Who Decides?Committees of attorneysSingle individual if simpleWritten determinationProtest DecisionRequest for reconsideration10 days RemediesBefore awardNo award may be madeUrgent and compellingBest InterestCorrective action Outcome PredictionNegotiation assistance RemediesAfter awardSuspend performanceNo optionsIssue new solicitationTerminateFix contractAny other thing the GAO decides Court of Federal ClaimsMost FormalMost expensiveTakes longest Must follow specific steps in regulationsSole judicial forumMust provide pre-filing notice What must be in it?Filing of complaintRelief soughtMotion for suspension of awardSupportMotion for protective order TimingNo real deadlineBut we want help!Initial status conferenceIdentification of parties and standingRequests for injunctive reliefProtective order Schedule for filingsSchedule for proceedings DiscoveryDepositionsFurther discoveryReveal evidenceLimited in nature Who Decides?JudgeSingle individual if simpleWritten determinationProtest DecisionRequest for reconsideration CoFC10 daysAppeal to the U.S. Court of Federal Appeals (procedural not factual)60 days Basis for findingSubjective bad faithNo reasonable basis for decisionAbuse of discretionViolation of statute or regulation Burden of Proof is on protestorSignificant errorCompeti.