GAO’s August 25, 2025 decision in PSEI v. DCSA reaffirms three pre-award baselines: agencies need not restrict non-VA buys to SDVOSB set-asides, firm-fixed-price unit rates are permissible with adequate history despite variable demand, and phase-in may be funded via the first task order with specific prerequisites. Key guidance for capture, pricing, and transition.

GAO’s UCIG decision (B-423682) reinforces strict protest timeliness and clarifies that clearly drafted pre-submission approvals like JCCS can be treated as material solicitation requirements, not post-award responsibility checks. It also narrows hopes for the “significant issue” exception, distinguishing Pernix’s impossibility scenario from routine compliance terms.

GAO denied Warfighter Focused Logistics’ protest over a DLA tire cross chains award, reinforcing strict timeliness rules, reliance on past performance data, and a heightened pleading standard requiring credible, evidence-backed allegations under the FY2025 NDAA.

The GAO issued a rare sustained protest in emissary LLC v. WHS, criticizing serious flaws in the agency’s evaluation and award decision. This rare victory underscores the importance of strict compliance with solicitation terms in federal procurement—and the value of the protest process as an accountability tool.

GAO denies 1st SBC’s protest over an IRS IT task order award to Agovx. Key issues included discussions fairness, compliance with RFP instructions, price realism, and past performance. The ruling reinforces best-value discretion and the need for showing prejudice.

GAO’s response to Section 885 of the FY2025 NDAA rejects protest cost penalties, proposes new pleading standards, and warns Congress of unintended harm to small businesses and competition.

GAO denies Brandan Enterprises’ protest over a visitor services task order at Arlington Cemetery, citing reasonable evaluation and meaningful discussions over labor hour deficiencies.

GAO denies protest by Quantum Research International alleging misrepresentation and flawed evaluation in Army RCCTO SETA task order award to PeopleTec. Decision clarifies material misrepresentation standards and best-value tradeoff discretion.

GAO denies SOS International's protest over Army's cyber task order, affirming the reasonableness of the oral presentation evaluation and exclusion from award. The case underscores FAR 16.5’s streamlined process and importance of meeting solicitation thresholds.

The GAO dismissed 4K Global-ACC JV’s request for reconsideration of a protest related to a PLA requirement, emphasizing that new court decisions issued after a protest ruling do not establish errors of fact or law warranting reversal.