Does filing a GAO protest automatically stop contract performance?
If a protest is filed at GAO before contract award, award is automatically stayed while GAO considers the protest (called an 'automatic stay'). If a protest is filed after award, performance may be suspended if GAO determines the protest is filed timely and a stay is warranted. An agency can override a stay by finding urgent and compelling circumstances exist. Override is rare but used for national security and emergency contracts.
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