If an agency protest is received before the award, what can the contracting officer generally do?

When an agency protest is received before the award, the contracting officer typically postpones the award until further review. This action is important because it allows the agency to investigate the claims made in the protest, ensuring that all concerns are addressed before proceeding with the contract award.

Postponing the award is a crucial step in maintaining integrity in the procurement process. It ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and demonstrates a commitment to fair competition. Addressing the protest before making an award helps prevent potential legal disputes and complications that may arise later if an award is made prematurely.

In this scenario, other options may not be appropriate or practical. For instance, proceeding with the award without addressing the protest could lead to challenges regarding the fairness of the process and possible repercussions. Canceling the solicitation outright may not be warranted unless the protest raises issues that fundamentally undermine the intent of the solicitation. Submitting the protest to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is also not the usual immediate action for contracting officers. This is typically more relevant when dealing with formal bid protests after the award decision has been made. Thus, postponing the award is the most responsible and standard course of action.