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GAO Proposed Rule Heralds New Electronic Filing System for Bid Protests

Client Alert | less than 1 min read | 04.18.16

On April 15, 2016, GAO published a proposed rule, with comments due May 16, to implement a web-based electronic docketing system that, when the rule is finalized, will be the only conduit for filing a protest letter and other filings, with the exception of classified ones. In addition, among other changes, the proposed rule indicates that GAO will impose a filing fee, anticipated to be $350, for at least six years to offset the cost of the development and maintenance of the system and will require the parties to prepare a redacted public version of all documents filed in connection with a protest.

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Client Alert | 4 min read | 09.15.26

GAO Indicates Reasonable Conflict of Interest Investigation Must Include Inquiry of Involved Firm

The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) recent decision in Viderity Inc.—Costs, B-424422.5, Sept. 1, 2026, offers useful insight into what constitutes a legally sufficient conflict of interest investigation. The decision arose in an unusual procedural posture: Viderity initially protested, alleging that an agency evaluator had a personal conflict of interest. After the agency took corrective action, Viderity filed a cost entitlement claim requesting that GAO direct the agency to reimburse Viderity’s protest costs. In evaluating that claim, GAO assessed whether Viderity’s underlying protest ground was “clearly meritorious.”...