If an agency protest is received before the award, what is the typical action of the Contracting Officer?

When an agency protest is received before the award, the typical action of the Contracting Officer is to hold off on the award. This is because the protest represents a formal challenge to the procurement process and indicates that there may be substantive issues that need to be reviewed.

By holding off on the award, the Contracting Officer ensures that the agency can take the time to investigate the claims made in the protest and assess whether the concerns raised have merit. This action helps to promote fairness and transparency in the procurement process, allowing the protesting party the opportunity to present their case without the risk of an award being finalized before the issues are resolved.

In contrast, proceeding with the award despite the protest could lead to legal challenges or further complications, while canceling the award may not be necessary unless the protest reveals significant flaws. Ignoring the protest entirely would not only undermine the integrity of the procurement process but could also diminish trust in the agency’s operations. Holding off on the award is therefore the prudent and appropriate course of action.