Skip to main content

Lapse in Appropriations

Please note that a lapse in appropriations has caused GAO to shut down its operations. Therefore, GAO will not be able to publish reports or otherwise update this website until GAO resumes operations. In addition, the vast majority of GAO personnel are not permitted to work. Consequently, calls or emails to agency personnel may not be returned until GAO resumes operations. For details on how the bid protest process will be handled during the shutdown, please see the legal decisions page. For information related to the GAO Personnel Appeals Board (PAB), please see the PAB webpage.

Protests concerning Determination of Responsibility and Bidder Capabilities

B-190326 Published: Apr 18, 1978. Publicly Released: Apr 18, 1978.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Two companies protested a contract award to any other bidder, the first contending that determinations by the procuring agency and the Small Business Administration (SBA) that it was not responsible were unfair, and the second questioning another bidder's ability to provide services. The SBA's decision sustaining the determination that the bidder was nonresponsible was not reviewable. An allegation that the protester was not given the opportunity to respond to complaints about prior performance was not sustained since the record indicated that the protester was aware of complaints and that the SBA considered the protester's position. Requirements for contract performance related to the bidder's responsibility and can be satisfied after bid opening; GAO does not review affirmative determinations of responsibility in these circumstances.

Full Report

Media Inquiries

Sarah Kaczmarek
Managing Director
Office of Public Affairs

Public Inquiries