For many companies, breaking into the state and local government market can present a daunting challenge. IT vendors must therefore understand both the obstacles they will face in winning state and local business and the tools available to them to overcome those obstacles. One of the most powerful tools available to contractors is the bid protest process. You in Court Protests often have the most influence during the pre-award stage. It's often too late to challenge terms of a solicitation once the contract is awarded.
States begin implementing measures to discourage frivolous protests.
While virtually every state has some bid protest procedure, protest mechanisms and success rates vary widely from state to state. The most extensive protest mechanisms are generally available in states with the largest procurement budgets, such as California and Florida, while smaller states often have little or no formal protest procedures. A full discussion of bid protest procedures available in all 50 states would not be practical. However, there are general principles common to all state protest mechanisms that can help a vendor remain competitive in the state and local government marketplace. Remember that protest procedures vary from state to state, and contractors wishing to file a protest must know the specific protest procedures that apply to their situation.