Where may protests be filed?

Protests can be filed with either the agency involved in the procurement process, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), or the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This allows for a robust mechanism for entities to express concerns regarding the procurement process, ensuring that there are multiple avenues for resolution depending on the context and type of protest.

Filing a protest with the agency allows the agency to review its own actions and potentially rectify any issues without needing further escalation. Bringing a protest to the GAO can lead to a formal review and a decision that may result in recommended corrective actions. For more serious disputes or more formal legal proceedings, filing with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims may be appropriate, especially if damages or injunctive relief is being sought.

This multi-faceted approach provides flexibility and ensures that all parties involved in federal contracting have access to the appropriate channels for resolving disputes.