Question 1

What is the deadline to file an SDVOSB protest?

Accepted Answer

SDVOSB status and size protests must be filed within five business days after the protesting party receives notification that the apparent awardee has been identified. For best-value competitions, this is typically when the award decision is announced. Missing this deadline results in dismissal of the protest. Protests filed at the GAO (Government Accountability Office) have different deadlines — generally 10 days after basis for protest is known.

Question 2

What is an SDVOSB status protest?

Accepted Answer

An SDVOSB status protest challenges whether the apparent awardee actually meets the eligibility requirements for SDVOSB status — i.e., whether the firm is genuinely owned and controlled by a service-disabled veteran. Status protests are distinct from size protests. They are filed with SBA's Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) and must be filed within five business days of notification of the award.

Question 3

When should an SDVOSB file a GAO protest?

Accepted Answer

A GAO (Government Accountability Office) protest is appropriate for procurement violations — improper evaluation, violations of procurement law, unreasonable agency decisions — rather than SDVOSB eligibility questions (which go to SBA). File a GAO protest within 10 days of the basis for protest becoming known, or within 10 days of a debriefing. GAO protests can result in a stay of award and corrective action.

Question 4

What are common grounds for an SDVOSB protest?

Accepted Answer

Common grounds for SDVOSB status protests include: the veteran does not have a documented service-connected disability, the business is not 51% owned by a service-disabled veteran, a non-veteran controls day-to-day operations, the veteran does not hold the highest officer position, or negative control provisions give non-veterans undue power. Size protests allege the firm exceeds the applicable size standard or has undisclosed affiliates.

What is the deadline to file an SDVOSB protest?

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