A disappointed bidder may challenge an award, and the procedures are fast and technical.

Grounds. A defective solicitation; evaluation inconsistent with the stated criteria; award to a non-responsive bid; an improper responsibility determination; unequal treatment of bidders; and undisclosed conflicts.

Timing. Challenges to the terms of a solicitation must generally be brought before the bid deadline; challenges to an award within days of notice or of the debriefing. Missing either deadline forfeits the protest regardless of merit.

Standing. An actual or prospective bidder with a direct economic interest — generally one that would be in line for the award if the protest succeeded.

Forum. An agency-level protest, an administrative tribunal, or a court, depending on the jurisdiction and the procurement.

Stay of award. Some regimes suspend performance automatically on a timely protest; others require a separate application, and the balance of harms includes the public interest in proceeding.

Remedies. Re-evaluation, re-solicitation, termination of the award, and in some systems bid preparation costs. Lost profits are generally unavailable.

Practical assessment. Protests damage a relationship with the agency. They are worth bringing where the defect is clear and the contract is significant, and rarely otherwise.