An interested party in protests can be what type of offeror?

The correct answer highlights the nature of who qualifies as an interested party when it comes to protests, specifically in the context of federal contracting. An interested party can be either an actual offeror—someone who has submitted a proposal in response to a solicitation—or a prospective offeror, which refers to someone who has expressed interest in the opportunity but may not have formally submitted a proposal.

This distinction is essential because the legitimacy of a protest hinges on whether the entity challenging a decision has a direct stake in the outcome. If someone is an actual offeror, they have involved themselves in the procurement process by submitting a proposal, giving them a clear interest in the competitive fairness of the selection. On the other hand, a prospective offeror may have planned or intended to submit a proposal, thus making their interest relevant, particularly if they can argue that they would likely have participated under different circumstances or if they perceive a procedural misstep that could affect their chance of fair competition.

This understanding reflects the guidelines set forth by federal procurement regulations, ensuring that those who perceive themselves as impacted by a procurement decision can voice their concerns through the protest process.