Overview
This section specifies that the procedural requirements for bid protests filed at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (COFC) are governed by the court’s own rules rather than the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Key Rules
- External Jurisdiction: Procedural authority resides with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims rules rather than FAR Part 33.
- Access to Guidelines: Official procedures, requirements, and necessary forms are maintained and accessed through the COFC’s dedicated website.
Practical Implications
- Contractors and legal counsel must look beyond the FAR and consult the Rules of the United States Court of Federal Claims (specifically Appendix C) when initiating judicial-level protests.
- Because these are judicial proceedings, the formal rules of evidence and specific court-mandated filing deadlines apply, which differ significantly from agency-level or GAO protest procedures.