GAO Proposed Rule Heralds New Electronic Filing System for Bid Protests

On April 15, 2016, GAO published a proposed rule, with comments due May 16, to implement a web-based electronic docketing system that, when the rule is finalized, will be the only conduit for filing a protest letter and other filings, with the exception of classified ones. In addition, among other changes, the proposed rule indicates that GAO will impose a filing fee, anticipated to be $350, for at least six years to offset the cost of the development and maintenance of the system and will require the parties to prepare a redacted public version of all documents filed in connection with a protest.