What is a GAO Bid Protest?
Also known as: Bid protest, Protest
By the GovPrimer teamUpdated January 1, 2026
Definition
A bid protest is a formal challenge to the terms of a solicitation or the award of a contract. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the most common forum; an interested party can file to argue the agency violated procurement law or treated offerors unfairly.
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Key deadlines
- Protests of solicitation terms are generally due before the bid/proposal deadline.
- Post-award protests at GAO are generally due within 10 days of when you knew or should have known the basis (or within a short window after a required debriefing).
- GAO issues a decision within 100 days of the protest filing.
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Where protests can be filed
Protests may go to the contracting agency, the GAO, or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. Each forum has different rules, timelines, and remedies.
Frequently asked questions
Who can file a bid protest?
An 'interested party' — an actual or prospective offeror whose direct economic interest is affected by the award or by failure to award. Timing and standing rules are strict.
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