Which of the following is NOT a protest venue?

The correct choice identifies a venue that is not primarily designated for federal procurement protests under the established procedures. The U.S. District Courts do have jurisdiction to hear some cases involving federal contracts, but they are not a designated venue for bid protests in the same manner as the others listed.

Protests are typically initiated to challenge the terms of a solicitation or the award of a contract, and for federal procurement matters, specific venues are established to handle these issues effectively. The agency itself is often the first level for administrative protests, providing an opportunity for companies to resolve complaints before escalating to other bodies.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) specifically addresses procurement protests, while the U.S. Court of Federal Claims also hears bid protests, following a more formal judicial process. Each of these venues has its own set of procedures and regulations guiding how protests are handled, making it important for contracting professionals to understand where and how protests can be effectively filed.