Which entity is primarily responsible for handling contract protests at the federal level?

The General Accountability Office (GAO) is primarily responsible for handling contract protests at the federal level. This entity serves as an independent, non-partisan agency that investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. When a company believes it has been treated unfairly in the procurement process, it can file a protest with the GAO. The GAO has established procedures to review these protests, ensuring that procurement practices are followed and that elections of contract awards are fair and transparent.

By allowing companies to file such protests, the GAO plays a crucial role in the federal procurement process, providing oversight and helping maintain integrity within government contracting. Their decisions are binding on federal agencies, which must comply with GAO recommendations regarding the resolution of the protests.

While other entities, such as the federal court system, can also hear contract disputes, they typically involve different legal contexts or may address broader issues beyond the procedural specifics of federal procurement law. The Federal Acquisition Regulation Board and the Treasury Department do not have the oversight responsibility related specifically to contract protests like the GAO does.