1. Home
  2. |Insights
  3. |GAO Finds "Classic Example" Of Impaired Objectivity OCI

GAO Finds "Classic Example" Of Impaired Objectivity OCI

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 09.10.04

In PURVIS Systems, Inc. (Aug. 16, 2004), GAO held that the Navy failed reasonably to consider or evaluate potential organizational conflicts of interest ("OCI") created by the awardee's role in evaluating performance of undersea warfare systems that have been manufactured either by the awardee or its competitors. GAO rejected the awardee's contention that no OCI issues could be created by the awardee's evaluation of the systems because such work was not "part of the procurement process" and explained that the situation presented a "classic example" of an "impaired objectivity" OCI.

Insights

Client Alert | 2 min read | 07.15.26

CMMC Phase II Suspension Requires Reconsideration of Such Requirements in Solicitations

As discussed in more detail here, the U.S. Department of War (DoW) recently issued a memorandum (Memo 26-P-1023, dated July 13, 2026) directing the immediate suspension of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements (Level I and II self assessments are still permitted). Significantly, the memo directs that “all pending and future CMMC implementation milestones across DoW solicitations and contracts are held in abeyance until further notice.” Moreover, the DoW issued a memorandum on implementing these requirements (available here), directing agencies to issue amendments removing CMMC Level 2 and 3 requirements from active solicitations “as soon as practicable.” Contractors should monitor the government’s compliance with this requirement and should be prepared, if needed, to file a bid protest to protect their rights....