Who has the authority to authorize continued performance after an award despite a protest?

The authority to authorize continued performance after an award despite a protest lies with the head of the contracting activity. This individual has the ultimate responsibility for contract management and the authority to make such decisions, balancing the need to maintain the integrity of the procurement process with the necessity of ensuring that ongoing government functions are not disrupted.

When a protest is filed, it typically freezes the contract award process, but in certain circumstances, like ensuring critical services or products are delivered without interruption, the head of the contracting activity can authorize continued performance. This is often referred to as a "white flag" action, which allows the government to proceed with the contract while the protest is being resolved.

The other roles mentioned, such as the contracting officer, project manager, and agency attorney, have significant responsibilities in the procurement process but do not have the authority to override a protest in the same way. The contracting officer can manage the contract's execution and work with stakeholders, but ultimately it is the head of the contracting activity who has the authority to make the decision regarding continued performance amidst a protest situation.