Protest of Late Bid Rejection

A & W Products Company, Inc. protested the rejection of its bid as late by the General Services Administration (GSA). A & W did not dispute the fact that its bid was received late, but contended that its bid should not have been rejected, due to mishandling by the Postal Service, and award should have been made to it as the lowest bidder. It was held that since the bid was not sent by registered or certified mail, and there was no evidence of mishandling by GSA after its receipt, the bid was properly rejected as late.