What is true about protests submitted to the GAO?

The assertion that protests can be filed directly by interested parties is accurate and highlights a key aspect of the bid protest process. Under regulations set forth by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), any interested party can submit a protest regarding the award of a government contract. This means that organizations or individuals who believe they have a stake in the procurement process, such as bidders or offerors, are entitled to file a protest directly with the GAO without needing prior approval or intermediary steps.

This process is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in government contracting and allows for a range of stakeholders to voice their concerns about procurement decisions. The ability for interested parties to file protests directly is crucial for maintaining competitive practices and accountability among government agencies.

While there are other protocols and requirements involved in the protest process, such as timeliness and acceptable grounds for protest, the fundamental principle is that any interested party can initiate this process directly, which is the core of the correct answer.