This is the first of a two part article regarding bidding
controversies. This first segment will address the issue of bid
mistakes. Part II will address the broader topic
of bid protests.
Every potential new job is, of course, important. However,
proceeding with a financially doomed project resulting from a bid
mistake is wholly untenable. Similarly, losing a bid to an alleged
"low bidder" you reasonably believe should not receive a
particular award is equally unacceptable. These two articles are
designed to help you promptly address bidding irregularities that
might deprive you of an award or cause you to suffer the
consequences of a mistake.
One of the fundamental messages conveyed in this first article
concerning bid mistakes, and one that is applicable to bid protests
as well, is the highly timesensitive nature of your response. Bid
mistakes must be treated as the emergency they are. Bid mistakes
can be satisfactorily dealt with, but you must do so within a
