When must a firm protest the terms of a solicitation?

A firm must protest the terms of a solicitation before proposals are received to ensure that any issues with the solicitation are addressed prior to the evaluation process. This timing is critical because once proposals are submitted, the evaluation of those proposals begins, and it becomes more complicated to alter the solicitation terms or evaluate the proposals against a changed set of criteria. Early protests allow both the contracting agency and the protesting firm to clarify any ambiguities or resolve misunderstandings before moving forward, thereby helping maintain the integrity of the procurement process. Protesting at this stage helps to ensure that all bidders understand the requirements and can respond accordingly, ultimately contributing to fair competition and effective contract award outcomes.