What should the CO consider regarding protests?

When considering protests, the Contracting Officer (CO) should take into account all protests and seek legal advice regardless of the timing and filing location. This approach ensures that the CO is fully informed of the legal implications and potential challenges that can arise from any protest, thereby helping to protect the integrity of the procurement process.

By examining all protests, the CO can assess their validity and determine an appropriate course of action. Seeking legal advice is crucial because protests can involve specific legal and regulatory requirements. Legal experts can provide insights on how to navigate the situation in compliance with the law, which is particularly important in federal contracting where rules are strict and violations can lead to significant consequences.

Protests may be filed at various stages of the procurement process, including prior to and after an award, and can originate from different entities beyond just those filed with the agency. Therefore, failing to consider all potential protests could jeopardize the procurement process and expose the agency to unnecessary risks, including legal challenges.

In summary, the comprehensive approach of considering all protests and obtaining legal counsel is critical for a Contracting Officer to make informed and effective decisions in handling protests.