Why File: A Refresher on Challenging Solicitation Terms in a Pre-Award Protest

It is not uncommon for a disappointed bidder to consider filing a protest only after the agency has issued the award. While this is understandable, sometimes the basis for protesting stems from a misunderstanding of the solicitation’s terms, or that the terms felt unreasonably restrictive. However, unfortunately for the eager protester, it is by that point generally too late to challenge the terms of the solicitation.

In a previous blog, Why File: A GAO Pre-Award Protest, we provided an overview of different reasons to file a pre-award protest. As noted there, the most common basis for a pre-award protest is a challenge to the solicitation terms.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: February 2-6, 2026

Happy Friday! It’s time for another week in review. There was a lot happening across the federal government this week, as you can see from the long list of articles included below. We hope you have a chance to sit back, relax, and catch up on everything that unfolded. Have a wonderful weekend in your neck of the woods.

This week saw stories on ending the government shutdown, new spending bills, and cybersecurity.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 26-30, 2026

It’s Friday and time for another SmallGovCon Week in Review. As we finish out January we hope everyone is staying warm with all the snow and cold weather across the country. I was in Washington DC this week for a court hearing, and it’s clear the cold and snow has really done a number on half the country. There was snow on the ground when I left Kansas City and snow on the ground in DC, and every place in between.

Grab a hot cup of cocoa (as sung by the The Von Trapp children) and warm up with the latest in federal government contracting news, including the suspension of many 8(a) companies and a close review of 8(a) contracts by DoD, along with news on a potential shutdown.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 19-23, 2026

Happy Friday! We are preparing for the snow that’s impacting much of the nation. But amidst the frenzy of dealing with the transitory, we also wanted to remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy this week and all that he has taught us about the “the arc of the moral universe.” We would do well to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service and justice.

And now for the updates in federal contracting. This week in federal government contracting there has been a lot of buzz about the SBA’s 8(a) Program audit, spending bills, and restructuring government.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: January 12-16, 2026

Happy Friday! We are already halfway through January and 2026 is off to a quick start. This week’s federal contracting headlines point to a busy year ahead, but we hope you have time for some rest and relaxation this weekend after a productive week.

In this week’s federal government contracting news, look for updates on how agencies are using AI in all aspects of acquisition and their missions and an emphasis on using different tools to fight fraud.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: December 22, 2025 – January 9, 2026

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season filled with time well spent with friends and family, moments of rest, and opportunities to recharge. As we step into a brand new year, we’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to be back into the swing of sharing insights and updates with you. We took a short pause from our Friday Week in Review over the past few weeks to enjoy the holidays and as a result, today’s edition features more articles than usual. There’s plenty to catch up on, so grab a cup of coffee and take your time exploring the stories and insights we’ve gathered for you. Have a great weekend!

Stories from this week include cybersecurity and AI updates, and what to expect in 2026.

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SmallGovCon Week in Review: December 15-19, 2025

Happy Friday, readers! We know this time of year gets hectic, with all the preparations and lists to check. One thing you don’t have to check is the updates on federal government contracting for the past week. We’ve done that in our Week in Review! Enjoy the latest updates while you do some last-minute shopping and decorating.

This week in federal government contracting saw important updates on use of AI, predictions for 2026, and a deadline to submit feedback on the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul.

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