How to Use Bid Protests Effectively During Sequestration

With tightened budgets and fewer contract awards, the procurement community is bracing for a wave of protest activity as contractors compete for shrinking federal dollars. But are contractors prepared to make the complex decision about when a protest is a worthwhile investment? Do contractors understand how to get the most out of the bid protest function?

Intelligently utilized bid protests can be an important tool to solve problems at key junctures in procurements. At other times, protests can be a waste of valuable resources. Executives, business development managers and proposal teams need to be prepared to effectively use bid protests to improve their chances of winning contracts.

This seminar will identify key issues and offer valuable tips and information regarding how to make effective use of the bid protest process.

Topics

• How protests are effective at addressing procurement problems, and the mechanics behind protests, with an emphasis on the kinds of problems likely to be important during sequestration
• Key deadlines and procedures in bid protests and how these can affect procurement activities
• What factors to consider when deciding whether to protest
• Which protest issues are handled by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and which are handled by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and why this matters
• How protests can be pursued in a manner that preserves customer relationships
• How to effectively intervene in the protest of a contract the company has won to protect its award and maintain a positive working relationship with the customer