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GAO Launches New Web-Based Bid Protest Filing System

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 5, 2018) —The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has announced that next month it will be introducing a secure and easy-to-use web-based electronic system for those filing bid protests with the legislative branch agency. The new electronic bid protest docketing system, or EPDS, is designed to provide a more seamless and efficient process for all participants, providing real-time notice to federal agencies of new protest filings as well as notice to all parties to a protest of subsequent protest filings.

Effective May 1, 2018, all new protests of government contract awards (excluding those including classified material) must be submitted and managed through EPDS.  There will be a $350 filing fee. Funds from the filing fee will be used to pay for the operation and maintenance of the system. The system is accessible at https://epds.gao.gov.

“This new system modernizes the bid protest process at GAO and will make it a much more efficient process," said Gene L Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the GAO. Technical and electronic filing requirements and other related reference materials are available at www.gao.gov/legal/bid-protests/file-a-bid-protest.  This site will also be updated with revised reference materials, including updates to GAO’s Descriptive Guide to Protests and Guide to GAO Protective Orders.

GAO has been conducting a pilot program for EPDS since February.  More than 90 protests have been filed under the pilot, and more than 600 users have registered for accounts in EPDS.

In connection with the implementation of electronic filing, GAO has also issued final revisions to its Bid Protest Regulations in the Federal Register.  The final regulations will go into effect on May 1, 2018.

For more information, please contact Kenneth Patton at (202) 512-8205, Ralph White at (202) 512-8278, or Chuck Young at (202) 512-4800.

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The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities.  GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people.  The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions.  GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced.  GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

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