Tips for avoiding protests
The Government Accountability Office ruled that task and delivery orders are fair game for industry protests.
The Government Accountability Office can now rule on companies’ protests of task and delivery orders under a new authority that took effect in May. As a result, some acquisition experts and government officials say there is little hope for avoiding protests from losing bidders. However, they offered a few tips for minimizing the potential for protests.
- Allow yourself extra time to plan thoroughly from the beginning.
- Check and recheck the work.
- Write clearly defined requirements.
- Stick to the criteria described in the solicitation.
- Stay in close contact with potential contractors.
- Hold a debriefing meeting.
- Explain your decision to losing bidders.
- Avoid innovative approaches to acquisitions.
- Cross your fingers.
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